AAI Taps Keelakarai as Top Site for New Rameswaram Airport; What's the Next Hurdle?
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AAI submitted its pre-feasibility report to Tamil Nadu, favoring the Keelakarai site for the Rameswaram greenfield airport due to fewer obstacles; the state must now conduct an OLS survey.
Key Takeaways
- •AAI's pre-feasibility report favors the Keelakarai site for the Rameswaram greenfield airport over Uchipuli due to fewer physical and residential obstacles.
- •The proposed 600-acre airport site faces a critical challenge due to its proximity to the Indian Naval Air Station, INS Parundu, requiring Ministry of Defence clearance.
- •The next major regulatory step is the State government's Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) survey, followed by site clearance and in-principle approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA).
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has submitted its pre-feasibility report for the proposed Rameswaram greenfield airport in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. The report identifies a site near Keelakarai as technically feasible and more favorable for construction. This marks a major step forward for the Tamil Nadu airport development project.
The Keelakarai site, located near Manikaneri and Mayakulam villages, was inspected by a joint team. This team included officials from the AAI and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO).
Site Selection and Obstacle Assessment
The AAI report compared the Keelakarai site with an alternative location near Uchipuli. The Keelakarai option presents fewer initial obstacles. The Uchipuli site has many trees, paddy fields, groundwater wells, and residents.
In contrast, the Keelakarai site feasible option has lesser obstacles and fewer residents. This makes land acquisition and preparation simpler. However, the site does have high-tension power lines and waterbodies. The power lines will require re-routing if the airport is built there.
Proximity and Airspace Challenges
The proposed Rameswaram greenfield airport will require nearly 600 acres of land. It is located about 10 km from the Ramanathapuram Railway Station. It is also 120 km from Madurai airport and 140 km from Thoothukudi airport.
Both the Keelakarai and Uchipuli sites face a significant airspace challenge. Their airspace is in close proximity to INS Parundu, an Indian Naval Air Station. The Indian Navy's approval will be critical, especially if the Uchipuli site were chosen.
This proximity to a military air station introduces a complex layer of regulatory approval. It requires coordination with the Ministry of Defence.
Next Steps in Regulatory Clearance
With the AAI pre-feasibility report submitted, the decision now rests with the State government. The final site selection may be delayed until after the upcoming elections.
The next mandatory step is for the Tamil Nadu government to conduct an Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) survey. This technical survey is crucial for aviation safety.
- The OLS survey will thoroughly map all obstacles on the site. This ensures safe aircraft operations.
- This survey is a standard requirement for all civil aerodromes in India. It checks obstacles within 20 km of the airport.
Following the OLS survey, the state must apply for formal site clearance. This requires Ministry of Civil Aviation approval and in-principle approval. Further clearances are needed from the DGCA and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. This process mirrors the steps taken for the Parandur airport near Chennai.
Impact on Regional Connectivity
Developing a new airport construction India project in this region is expected to boost tourism. Rameswaram is a major pilgrimage center. Currently, air travelers must land at Madurai or Thoothukudi. The new airport will significantly improve Ramanathapuram district connectivity. This will cut down long road travel times for passengers.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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