Feasibility study on for the Sabarimala Airport

The process of identifying a consultant to conduct the feasibility study for the Greenfield Sabarimala airport project is on. Planned at 2,263 acre in Cheruvally estate, about 48 km away from the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple, the airport has been a long felt need of the lakhs of pilgrims who visit the shrine annually. Reports indicate that Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), which has been entrusted with the task of identifying the consultant, has submitted a recommendation in this regard. KSIDC had invited EoI and submitted a recommendation to the government after completing the necessary procedures, which is being examined. In February 2016, the Kerala Government had accorded an in-principle sanction to construction the Greenfield airport. While the government is yet to begin the land acquisition procedure for the project, a dispute regarding the ownership of Cheruvally Estate is now under the consideration of the Kerala High Court. The number of pilgrims has considerably increased in recent years, and this airport is believed to be one of the best alternative to reduce traffic congestion during the festival season.