CHENNAI; The Tamil Nadu government is seeking the Centre’s approval to move ahead with the proposed airport at Manikaneri in Ramanathapuram district, a project aimed at improving air connectivity to Rameswaram and supporting tourism and economic activity in the region.
According to an IANS report, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) is preparing to approach the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for site clearance, which is an initial approval required before an airport can be developed at the selected location. The proposed airport is planned across around 600 acres at Manikaneri. The location was selected after inspections by officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Rameswaram is a major pilgrimage and tourist destination, with visitors travelling to places such as the Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi, Arichalmunai and the memorial of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
At present, visitors largely depend on road and rail transport to reach Rameswaram. The State government announced the airport proposal in 2025, citing the need for better connectivity and increased economic and tourism activity in the region.
Five locations – Palankulam, Devipattinam, Kumbaram, Kalari and Manikaneri – were initially considered for the airport. After the preliminary assessment, Kumbaram and Manikaneri were shortlisted for further examination.
Following a request from the State government, an AAI team inspected the shortlisted locations to assess their suitability. Manikaneri was subsequently selected for the proposed airport.
The State government has allowed the project to proceed, and work related to land acquisition is currently progressing. TIDCO’s planned application to the Civil Aviation Ministry for site clearance is the next major step in taking the proposal forward.
The development comes after the State government recently cancelled the proposed second airport for Chennai at Parandur in Kancheepuram district. The Parandur project had been announced during the previous DMK government. Despite its cancellation, the State government has permitted work on the Manikaneri airport proposal to continue.
The proposed airport is expected to provide an additional transport option for people travelling to Rameswaram and improve access to nearby destinations.
Site clearance will be an early regulatory step for the project. The approval relates to the suitability of the selected location. Details on the project’s construction timeline, cost and the start of flight operations have not been specified.
For now, the proposal is moving ahead with land acquisition and preparations to seek the required clearance from the Centre. - The Statesman/ANN
