THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant advancement for airport development in the city, 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, initiated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) at Chackai within the airport grounds, aims to establish a major hospitality and commercial hub with an investment of ₹136.31 crore.
Sources familiar with the matter indicated that the EC is expected to be officially granted in the next three months, allowing construction to begin. The design includes a 240-room hotel, food and beverage facilities with 660 seating capacity, and supporting infrastructure covering 33,902 sq. m. The maximum height of the buildings will be 23 meters and will comprise two basements, a ground floor, and four upper floors. A five-star brand—potentially Marriott, Hilton, or Intercontinental—will be finalized post-clearance.
Previously, the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) had requested AAHL to revise the project’s conceptual plan, part of the broader terminal expansion initiative known as “Project Anantha.” Concerns regarding environmental risks associated with the initial basement design were raised. Although AAHL submitted a revised plan, delays occurred as the SEIAA committee’s term ended in March 2025, leading to the handover of pending projects to the MoEFCC, which has now provided the necessary approvals.
The project is expected to enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate the growing demand for lodging and tourism services in Thiruvananthapuram. According to sources, “This development will generate approximately 300 direct jobs and around 900 indirect opportunities, significantly boosting Kerala’s hospitality sector.”
The EAC has imposed strict environmental regulations. During construction, the water supply will primarily rely on recycled water and rainwater harvesting. The projected total demand during operation is 318 KLD, with 154 KLD sourced from an on-site sewage treatment plant (STP) rated at 206 KLD. Solid waste generation is estimated at 418 kg/day, with half categorized as biodegradable and processed on-site through organic converters. Non-biodegradable waste will be handled by authorized vendors.
Sustainability efforts also include a rooftop rainwater harvesting system with a 250 KL capacity, energy-saving measures aiming for a 20% reduction in consumption, and the transplantation of 40 trees within the airport area.
The project site, currently utilized as open surface parking, was allocated under a 50-year concession agreement signed in January 2021 between AAHL and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Notably, the EAC confirmed that the location is not situated within ecologically sensitive zones, coastal regulation areas, or wildlife habitats. The airport achieved a record of 4.89 million passengers between April 2024 and March 2025.
