Kozhikode airport development: Keeping promise on land acquisition challenging for state govt

Kondotty: It might be a bit tricky for the Kerala government to keep its word given to the union government that land for the RESA (Runway End Safety Area) extension of Kozhikode International Airport will be acquired by September 15. There are merely 50 days left, even less if Onam related holidays are taken into account. Proceedings are still half way.

The basic price determination report is under the district collector’s consideration.  Based on his recommendations, the state government will offer the settlement amount. The landowners will get double the amount mentioned in the report exclusive of compensation for trees, buildings, etc. Above all this, they will also receive the government sponsored rehabilitation package.

Individuals who work in the field opine that all the inspections and procedures will take at least six months. Everything will be a mess if owners refuse to give up land. It has been decided to take up 14.5 acres of land for RESA extension.

After defaulting on the previous deadline of March 31, the state had assured the Airports Authority and the union government that land acquisition will be complete by September15. 

Meanwhile, the airport director handed over the report regarding runway reduction that the AAI had requested. The report included the progress made by the state government in the land acquisition project. It also underlined the preparations to be made if the RESA extension is done by reducing runway length or acquiring additional land.

If runway length is to be reduced, Karipur airport will need to shut down services for six months. It will affect the operations of wide-bodied flights from the airport.