Chennai, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has recognized a location close to Keelakarai in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu as the most favorable option for the planned greenfield airport intended to cater to Rameswaram and its neighboring areas.

A recently submitted pre-feasibility report to the Tamil Nadu government indicates that the Keelakarai site, situated near the villages of Manikaneri and Mayakulam, is technically feasible for airport construction.

This initiative is in response to a request from the state government made in September of the previous year, which asked the AAI to assess two potential sites: one at Uchipuli and the other at Keelakarai.

A joint team of inspectors from the AAI and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) performed thorough site visits to both locations in October.

Sources reveal that the Keelakarai site poses fewer physical and social obstacles in comparison to Uchipuli. While it does feature some high-tension power lines and water bodies, these challenges are seen as manageable.

Conversely, the Uchipuli site is characterized by dense tree cover, agricultural land including paddy fields, groundwater wells, and a higher population density, complicating land acquisition and construction efforts.

Officials from the AAI have pointed out that, should the project move forward, the high-tension lines at Keelakarai would need to be rerouted. However, the land is largely contiguous and more conducive to infrastructure development. Additionally, the site benefits from reasonable connectivity, situated approximately 10 km from the Ramanathapuram Railway Station, 120 km from Madurai Airport, and 140 km from Thoothukudi Airport.

A significant concern mentioned in the report is that the airspace around both proposed sites is in close proximity to INS Parundu, an Indian Naval Air Station.

This closeness necessitates careful coordination with defense authorities to ensure safe flight operations and adherence to regulations.

The ultimate decision regarding site selection will be made by the Tamil Nadu government, likely after the upcoming elections.

Once the site is confirmed, the state will need to perform an Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) survey to identify and mitigate any potential hazards. Following that, it will seek site clearance and in-principle approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, as well as permissions from the Ministries of Defence and Environment along with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Provided that all approvals are obtained, the proposed airport is anticipated to occupy nearly 600 acres, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and tourism prospects around Rameswaram.