Saralnama
The Kerala government has submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Sabarimala Greenfield International Airport located at Cheruvally Estate near Erumeli in Kottayam district to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The project, spread over approximately 2,000 acres, aims to serve millions of pilgrims visiting Sabarimala. It has received site and defense clearance, as well as Terms of Reference approval for the Environmental Impact Assessment. The DPR outlines a 3,000-metre runway capable of handling large aircraft like the Boeing 777, a passenger terminal with a capacity of seven million annually, and cargo facilities. The project is currently under consideration for 'in-principle' approval by the Centre, which would allow land acquisition and construction to begin. Earlier legal and procedural challenges related to land acquisition and social impact studies have been addressed with new documentation. The airport, once approved and constructed, will be Kerala's fifth international airport, expected to improve connectivity and support economic growth in the region. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with other agencies, is reviewing the proposal as part of the Greenfield Airports policy's second-stage approval process. (Updated 22 Aug 2025, 17:12 IST; source: link)