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.

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 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Apr 2026

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

Real Estate

06 Apr 2026

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..