Kottayam: The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Sabarimala airport has been submitted to the central government, with an estimated project cost of Rs 7,047 crores. The report was prepared by consulting agency STUP Consultants Ltd and handed over to the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) earlier this month.

With site clearance already granted by the Centre, officials expect a smooth path ahead for the approval of the DPR. The project also recently received official approval from the state government.

According to the DPR, the airport is expected to handle up to 7 lakh passengers annually and will provide significant connectivity benefits to Sabarimala pilgrims and the expatriate community. The airport will also serve the districts of Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta, as well as adjoining regions in Tamil Nadu.

Designed to accommodate all categories of aircraft, this will be Kerala’s 5th airport. The facility will be developed on the Cheruvally Estate, spanning Manimala and Erumeli panchayats, along with adjacent private land.

The airport will be constructed as follows:

  • Land to be acquired: 2570 acres
  • Cheruvalli Estate: 2263 acres
  • Private land: 307 acres
  • Project cost: Rs 7047 crore
  • Initial estimated cost: Rs 3450 crore
  • Land acquisition and rehabilitation: Rs 2408 crore

Technical aspects

  • Runway: 3500 meters long
  • Passenger terminal: 54,000 square feet
  • Cargo area: 1200 square feet

Land acquisition

A land survey is underway in the area for acquisition, with compensation to be provided in accordance with the Central Act of 2013. A notification has been issued under Section 11(1) of the Revenue Act to initiate the process.

The majority of the project area falls within Cheruvally Estate, which is owned by the Ayana Charitable Trust under the Believers Church. The government maintains that the land is revenue property, as the lease period has expired. The Revenue Department has filed a civil case in the Pala court asserting ownership of the land, while the Trust has approached the High Court challenging the project-related surveys.