Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Siddaramaiah's Air Travel Costs Rs 47.38 Crore
Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, used helicopters or aircraft a lot during his time in office.
He traveled every five days with his team to different places in Karnataka and New Delhi.
Over two and a half years, he took 181 flights, which cost the state Rs 47.38 crore.
This information was shared in response to a question asked by a member of the Legislative Council.
The opposition is criticizing the high cost, especially for short trips, while the government says it's necessary for efficient governance.
Siddaramaiah's air travel expenses totaled Rs 47.38 crore from 2023 to November 2025.
The state exchequer spent Rs 12.65 crore on helicopter travel in 2023-24 and Rs 19.35 crore until January 15, 2025.
Helicopters were used for both long and short-distance trips, including to Mysuru, which is just 1.5 hours by road.
The opposition criticizes the expenditure as extravagant, while the government justifies it for efficient governance.
The government is considering leasing special aircraft and helicopters annually to reduce costs.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Cabinet colleagues
- What
- Frequent air travel using helicopters or aircraft
- When
- From May 26, 2023 to November 11, 2025
- Where
- Various parts of Karnataka and New Delhi
- Why
- For official travel purposes
Government
Opposition
Financial Priorities
Government
The government argues that the air travel is necessary for efficient governance and emergency situations.
Opposition
The opposition criticizes the expenditure as extravagant, especially given the state's financial constraints.
Use of Helicopters for Short Distances
Government
The government justifies the use of helicopters for quick and efficient travel, even for short distances.
Opposition
The opposition questions the necessity of using helicopters for short trips, such as to Mysuru, which is just 1.5 hours by road.
- Duration of Tenure
- May 26, 2023 to November 11, 2025
- Number of Flights
- 181
- Total Cost
- Rs 47.38 crore
- Frequency of Flights
- Every 5 days
- Purpose of Flights
- Travel with Cabinet colleagues to various parts of Karnataka or New Delhi
- Source of Information
- Data shared in response to a question in the Legislative Council by BJP MLC N Ravikumar
- Expenditure in 2023-24
- Rs 12.65 crore
- Expenditure in 2024-25 (until January 15)
- Rs 19.35 crore
