THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The demand for a second runway for Thiruvananthapuram airport is resurfacing. The government had earlier abandoned the plan to build a second runway by dredging the sea at Shankhumukham. The Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA) has forwarded the demand of the social media group for a second runway to the airport authorities. However, the Adani Group has clarified that Thiruvananthapuram airport does not need a new runway now, but terminal development. Adani's stance is that the existing runway will be sufficient for the needs of 30 years and there is no plan for a new runway at the moment.

The runway in Thiruvananthapuram is 3373 meters long and 150 feet wide. It is currently being recarpeted at a cost of more than 200 crores to the same standards as those in 191 countries. There are more than 15,000 passengers on an average of 100 services per day. The Adani Group has clarified that the current situation requires the expansion of terminal buildings. A Rs 1,300 crore project is being implemented for this. Taxi bays, parking bays and drainage system are also being upgraded.

The government will hand over land to build a basic strip to make the runway safer to the Airport Authority. The rule is that 150 meters should be left on both sides of the runway from the center. No construction will be allowed in this area. There is a shortage of up to 20 meters in many parts of the runway. The biggest shortage of land is in the All Saints College area. To resolve this, 4.557 acres of Brahmos, 4.417 acres of Fire Force, 0.007 acres of Chakka ITI and 4.205 acres of private land will be acquired.

Capital has a super runway

1. The runway at Thiruvananthapuram is suitable for safe landing in any adverse weather.
2. An approach lighting system for safe landing even in rain and fog and poor visibility has been installed at a cost of Rs 5.83 crore.
3. Accidents due to skidding off the runway and financial and time loss due to diversion without visibility have been eliminated.

Very limited Airport land (in acres)

Thiruvananthapuram...............628.70

Kannur..................................3200

Kochi..................................1300

Bengaluru.............................5200

Sea runway

The government abandoned the 2018 proposal to build a runway in the sea at Shanghumukham due to environmental concerns. The runway was planned to be 5.5 km long. The plan was to route the Shanghumukham Road under the taxi bay. The project was abandoned as it was deemed impractical due to the extremely violent sea.