Curation Team
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major milestone for airport development in the capital, the Union environment ministry’s expert appraisal committee (EAC) has recommended environmental clearance (EC) for the proposed city-side development project at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The project, to be developed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) at Chackai within the airport premises, is designed as a major hospitality and commercial hub with an investment of Rs 136.31 crore.
Sources close to the airport said the EC is likely to be formally granted within three months, paving the way for construction. The plan includes a 240-room hotel, food and beverage facilities with 660 seats and supporting infrastructure spread across 33,902sq. m. The project will have a maximum building height of 23m, with two basements, a ground floor and four upper floors. A five-star brand—likely Marriott, Hilton, or Intercontinental—will be finalized once the clearance is obtained.
Earlier, the state environment impact assessment authority (SEIAA) had directed AAHL to revise the conceptual plan for the project, part of the larger terminal expansion scheme “Project Anantha.” Concerns were raised that the original basement design posed environmental risks.
Although AAHL resubmitted a revised plan, the SEIAA’s committee expired in March 2025, delaying approvals. Pending projects were subsequently transferred to the MoEFCC, which has now cleared the way forward.
According to the project proposal, the facility will strengthen the airport’s ability to meet rising demand for accommodation and tourism services in Thiruvananthapuram. “The project is expected to create direct employment for around 300 people and indirect opportunities for nearly 900, while also boosting Kerala’s hospitality sector,” said the source.
The EAC has attached strict environmental conditions. During construction, water needs will be met largely through recycled water and rainwater harvesting. In operation, total demand is projected at 318 KLD, with 154 KLD to be supplied from an on-site sewage treatment plant (STP) of 206 KLD capacity. Solid waste generation is expected at 418 kg/day, half of which is biodegradable and will be processed on-site through an organic converter. Non-biodegradable waste will be managed by authorized vendors.
Other sustainability measures include rooftop rainwater harvesting with a 250 KL tank, energy-saving systems targeting a 20% reduction in consumption and transplantation of 40 trees within the airport boundary.
The project site, currently used as open surface parking, was allotted under the 50-year concession agreement signed in January 2021 between AAHL and Airports Authority of India (AAI). Importantly, the EAC confirmed that the site does not fall under ecologically sensitive areas, coastal regulation zones or protected wildlife habitats. The airport handled a record 4.89 million passengers between April 2024 and March 2025.
