Kerala govt approves construction of greenfield airport in Sabarimala

The government of Kerala has approved the acquisition of over 1,000 hectares of land in Erumeli South and Manimala for the construction of a new airport in Sabarimala. The project will also involve the acquisition of an additional 370 acres outside the estate. The airport will have a 3,500 meter runway and will be located approximately 45 kilometers from the town of Sabarimala. It is expected to serve pilgrims visiting the area and stimulate economic development in the surrounding districts of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Idukki.

The government has allocated ₹2 crore for preliminary work on the project and has hired Louis Berger International and V Thulasidas as consultants. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation will serve as the nodal agency for the project. Soil testing in the area was completed in September with positive results, and an economic viability study is currently being conducted. The airport will offer domestic flights to Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi and is expected to boost domestic tourism in the region.