Tamil Nadu government shortlists two sites for Rameswaram airport

Four months after the announcement, the Tamil Nadu government has shortlisted two sites for developing an airport in Ramanathapuram district. Recently, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) identified five potential sites, and now the State government has narrowed it down to two: one near Uchipulli and another near Keelakarai, sources said.

“Initially, we estimated that about 700 acres of land would be required for the airport; now, based on the sites shortlisted, it looks like we may need about 500-600 acres. Though these two sites are feasible, the State government has asked TIDCO to also look for a site closer to Rameswaram. So, we are looking to see if there is any other suitable location,” a source said.

Sources said that for the Uchipulli site, the government needs to get clearance from the Navy.

In September last year, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had requested the Tamil Nadu government to explore sites and build the Ramanathapuram airport under the regional air connectivity scheme (RCS) with a passenger terminal building and other facilities.

In March this year, the State government decided to construct the airport with the objective of giving a fillip to tourism and economic development in the southern region. By the end of March, TIDCO officials had visited all sites for a preliminary study.

The sites are finalised based on its proximity to other airports, availability of an appropriate rectangular-shaped land with a length of 3,500 m and width of 500 m, topography, ground accessibility, wind pattern, its grading and soil characteristics. Also, there should not be major obstacles that would be very difficult to remove. After Airports Authority of India (AAI) conducts a pre-feasibility study, the State government may zero in on the site sometime next year.

At present, while thousands of pilgrims visit Rameswaram by train and bus, there is also a sizable population flying to Madurai airport and taking a 150-km drive to this temple town.

Since Ramanathapuram district has quite a few temples, the proposed greenfield airport will also serve to help neighbouring districts like Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, and Pudukkottai.

This is the third airport that the State government has been focusing on to enhance air connectivity, with the other two airports being Parandur and Hosur.