Revised green plan sought for Tvm airport expansion

Thiruvananthapuram: State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) sought a revised corporate environmental responsibility (CER) proposal and additional clarifications before taking a final decision on granting environmental clearance (EC) for the ambitious expansion and modernisation of T2 terminal of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.As per the minutes of the committee meeting, SEAC noted that a coastal study conducted by National Centre for Earth Science Studies confirmed that 19.05 hectares of the airport area falls within CRZ-II limits and that Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority already issued its recommendation for the project.However, after detailed scrutiny, the committee concluded that the CER proposal submitted by the project proponent was not satisfactory.

SEAC directed TIAL to submit a revised CER plan in line with prevailing norms and provide clarification regarding excavation and transfer of ordinary earth, if required, before further consideration of the EC application.The proposal was considered during the 209th meeting of SEAC-1 held on May 22 and 23. According to the proposal, the airport expansion aims to substantially increase the facility’s capacity, raising passenger handling capability to 27 million passengers per annum (MPPA) and cargo handling capacity to 0.42 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to meet future aviation demand.

The airport, originally granted EC in 2005 under Airports Authority of India, came under Adani management as an operator following a 50-year concession agreement signed in Jan 2021.The master plan includes the comprehensive redevelopment and upgrading and development of Terminal 2, new forecourts, commercial utility areas, a multilevel car parking facility capable of accommodating 3,510 vehicles, and a dedicated cargo complex spread across 1.641 hectares.

The project also requires an additional 6.88 hectares of land for DGCA safety compliance and infrastructure expansion. The work of the airside development already started and ULCCS secured the contract.The total built-up area proposed under the expansion is 5.52 lakh square metres, with an estimated investment of Rs 8,707 crore. The project plans to increase potable water demand to 8.95 million litres per day, while wastewater generated during operations will be treated through a new 6.2 MLD sewage treatment plant, enabling 100% recycling for horticulture, flushing and HVAC requirements.The airport operator also proposed sustainability measures, including a transition to 100% green electricity by FY27, enhanced solar power generation and adherence to Energy Conservation Building Code standards. A public hearing conducted by Kerala State Pollution Control Board in Aug 2025 recorded concerns related to land acquisition, possible pollution of the Parvathy Puthanar canal, tree felling and local employment opportunities.