The expansion of Thiruvananthapuram International Airport under Project Anantha has come to a halt. The Union government has not yet approved new members for the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). The authority’s term lapsed in March, and officials must appoint a fresh committee. As a result, the environmental clearance (EC) for the terminal upgrade remains pending.
Delay Disrupts Terminal 2 Growth and Hotel Addition
Adani Airport Holdings Ltd submitted redeveloped plans for Terminal 2 (T2), which include modern passenger lounges, an adjoining five-star hotel, and underground parking. The master plan already reflects suggestions from the Ministry of Environment. However, the lack of a functioning SEIAA stalls formal EC. A public hearing by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board also awaits scheduling.
Officials expect that EC clearance could take up to four months after the SEIAA’s reconstitution. Meanwhile, refurbishment at Terminal 1 (domestic) continues. Crews have installed a new canopy and completed updated parking zones. Completion of these works is slated within two months.
Runway and RESA Upgrades Face Land Grab Challenges
Separately, runway expansion has stalled due to unresolved land acquisition. The project needs 22 acres for the Runway End Safety Area (RESA), including land held by BrahMos Aerospace Ltd. The Ministry of Defence must approve this land transfer. The state is moving ahead with alternative fire-station relocation and road realignment. The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) extended deadlines following these delays.
In May, the Kerala government directed its revenue department to speed up land handovers. However, work cannot begin on these critical upgrades until defence sign-off and SEIAA clearance are received.
Financing Secured, But Approvals Still Pending
Adani Airports secured US$750 million in external borrowings. Of that, ₹1,300 crore will fund Project Anantha’s development of Terminal 2. Another ₹700 crore has been allocated for non-aviation upgrades like retail and food zones. A ₹3,000 crore master plan targeting a 27 million annual passenger capacity by 2034 is currently under AERA (Airports Economic Regulatory Authority) review.
Despite secured funds and updated plans, the project cannot proceed as envisioned. Officials cite two main hurdles: missing green-panel approval and unresolved land transfers.
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