Ministry approves Sabarimala Airport project; DPR work to begin

18 Apr 2023 CW Team

V Thulasidas, Special Officer, Sabarimala Airport, confirmed the news and stated that by receiving the Civil Aviation Ministry's approval, the project has overcome a significant obstacle. "It was a drawn-out procedure because the Union Ministry requested a number of clarifications in response to our report,” he stated. “We have reached a significant milestone in the technical side of the project because the sanction was granted following review by a steering committee under the Civil Aviation Ministry, which is made up of representatives from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airport Authority of India (AAI), and other government agencies involved in the airport project. We may now proceed with all subsequent steps”, said Thulasidas.

Under the direction of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), the social impact assessment (SIA) study for the project in the villages of Erumeli South and Manimala is currently in its final stages. According to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act (LARRA), 2013, SIA is required for land acquisition. The techno- economic feasibility report for the project, which was created by Louis Berger, is also almost finished. Louis Berger is currently working on the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). For the project, earlier soil tests were carried out.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has given approval for the proposed Sabarimala International Greenfield airport in Erumeli, marking a significant step forward in the state government's ambitions to establish an airport for pilgrims to Sabarimala. The state government's report on the techno- economic feasibility study was taken into consideration while approving the project. A detailed project report (DPR) for the project would shortly be prepared by the government, according to sources. The government will soon find a competent agency to prepare the DPR and begin the proceedings sooner rather than later. V Thulasidas, Special Officer, Sabarimala Airport, confirmed the news and stated that by receiving the Civil Aviation Ministry's approval, the project has overcome a significant obstacle. It was a drawn-out procedure because the Union Ministry requested a number of clarifications in response to our report,” he stated. “We have reached a significant milestone in the technical side of the project because the sanction was granted following review by a steering committee under the Civil Aviation Ministry, which is made up of representatives from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Airport Authority of India (AAI), and other government agencies involved in the airport project. We may now proceed with all subsequent steps”, said Thulasidas. Under the direction of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), the social impact assessment (SIA) study for the project in the villages of Erumeli South and Manimala is currently in its final stages. According to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act (LARRA), 2013, SIA is required for land acquisition. The techno- economic feasibility report for the project, which was created by Louis Berger, is also almost finished. Louis Berger is currently working on the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). For the project, earlier soil tests were carried out.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..