Thiruvananthapuram Airport Runway Expansion Faces Major Delays
The plan to expand the runway at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is unlikely to move forward during the tenure of the current state government. This delay stems from unresolved land acquisition issues and pending clearances from the Union government, casting uncertainty over critical safety upgrades.
Land Acquisition Hurdles and Safety Requirements
The runway expansion is a key component of the airport's master plan and a statutory requirement under international civil aviation safety norms. It hinges on acquiring approximately 22 acres of land, including a sensitive parcel currently held by BrahMos Aerospace Thiruvananthapuram Ltd. This additional land is essential for developing the mandatory Runway End Safety Area (RESA), a safety buffer designed to mitigate risks during aircraft take-offs and landings.
Originally scheduled for completion by September 2024, the RESA works have been repeatedly delayed as land acquisition procedures dragged on. In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) extended the deadline while permitting the airport to continue operations, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
High-Level Meetings and Pending Decisions
Despite multiple high-level meetings involving the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) and senior officials, including K M Abraham, the Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister who oversees the project, no final decision has been made regarding the land acquisition. State sources indicate that the file remains under consideration at the CMO, with final clearances, particularly from the Union Ministry of Defence for the BrahMos land transfer, still awaited.
An aviation department source stated, "Several meetings took place in this regard. However, a final decision is yet to be taken. We expect clearance from the Union government by the end of this month." The source added, "Even after that, work can't start immediately and will take at least three to four months to begin."
Complexities in Land Acquisition
The land issue involving BrahMos Aerospace has been a significant sticking point. Plans to relocate the defence manufacturing unit to a proposed 186-acre site at Nettukaltheri near Neyyar Dam have been discussed, but the Ministry of Defence has not yet granted approval. Additionally, the proposed expansion area includes portions of the Chackai–Shanghumugham Road and requires the relocation of the Chackai fire and rescue station, further complicating the land acquisition process.
Pressure for Upgrades and Competitiveness
Airport authorities and operators are under increasing pressure to resolve this impasse as air traffic continues to grow. Modern safety and capacity upgrades, including the runway expansion and upcoming terminal works under Project Anantha, are vital for enhancing the airport's competitiveness among southern Indian hubs. Authorities are eager to overcome these hurdles and implement the master plan to ensure the airport meets future demands.
The state government has demonstrated proactivity in clearing similar projects elsewhere, as evidenced by its approval in 2023 to acquire 12 acres for runway expansion at Calicut International Airport terminal. Despite repeated attempts to seek comments, top officials, including K M Abraham, were unavailable for further insights.
