Sabarimala Airport Moves Closer to Reality as Kerala Submits DPR to Centre

Pathanamthitta: The proposed Sabarimala Greenfield International Airport has moved a step closer to reality as the Kerala state government has officially submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval. The airport, planned at Erumeli in Kottayam district, is expected to significantly improve connectivity for millions of Sabarimala pilgrims and international travelers.

The infrastructure project, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, received in-principle approval for DPR submission in early July. The state-appointed Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) serves as the nodal agency for the airport’s land acquisition and development.

As per the DPR, the airport will feature a 3,500-metre runway and a parallel taxi track of equal length. A 54,000 square metre passenger terminal building is also planned, designed to handle a high volume of domestic and international passengers.

The airside infrastructure includes an apron designed to accommodate 2 Code E aircraft and 3 Code C aircraft simultaneously. Additionally, two aerobridges configured under the Multiple Apron Ramp System (MARS) will allow the airport to dock either 4 Code C or 2 Code E aircraft at once. The Boeing 777-300ER, a long-range wide-body aircraft with a capacity of 396 passengers, has been selected as the design aircraft.

The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 7,047 crore. Of this, Rs. 5,377 crore will go toward construction, excluding land acquisition, while Rs. 2,408 crore is earmarked for land procurement, resettlement, and rehabilitation.

The proposed site spans 2,408 acres, out of which 1,350 acres will be used directly by the airport company. Of this, 950 acres will be designated for operational purposes, and 400 acres will be leased for commercial use. The remaining land will be retained by the state government for allied infrastructure and support services.

In January 2025, an expert committee approved the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report for the project, marking another crucial milestone. The airport is positioned to be the fifth international airport in Kerala and is expected to transform travel for both pilgrims and tourists alike.

The project primarily aims to enhance access to the Sabarimala Temple, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage centers. In addition, it will benefit the broader tourism sector and provide better international connectivity for the global Malayali diaspora.

Originally proposed in 2017, the Sabarimala airport has seen gradual but steady progress over the years. Once operational, the airport is expected to be a major transportation hub in central Kerala, easing congestion at other airports and improving the overall travel experience for millions annually.

The state now awaits central government approval, which will pave the way for the next phase of implementation, including land acquisition and construction.