A Chennai-based builder, KGS Developers has obtained clearance for Rs 2,000 crore Greenfield private airport at the temple town of Aranmula, about 80 kms from Sabarimala, in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. According to a report, the airport will be spread over 500 acres. “We've acquired 350 acres so far and have completed construction of 2,600 metres of runway also,” said Gigi George, MD, KGS Aranmula Airport Ltd. The promoter has obtained necessary clearances from the Kerala government, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and in-principle approval from the Union Environment Ministry. Full-fledged domestic flight services would commence at the airport in 2012.

In the first phase, apart from the available runway, a taxiway, aprons, isolation bay and terminal building will be ready. A year later, the runway will be extended to 3,600 metres to handle bigger aircraft like A-300; this will enable international operations. He said hotels, shopping malls, an IT SEZ and an aviation academy also form part of the overall master plan.

However, with the available facilities, KGS Developers is looking at introducing air taxi services for Ayyappa devotees, starting this year. “Operators are in discussion with us to run air taxi services from Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad,” added George. Since the Sabarimala Temple is 80 kms from Aranmula, pilgrims going from any of these cities can return home the same day. Last year, 5.5 crore devotees visited Sabarimala Temple.

The Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) has 15 per cent stake in KGS Developers and is a 50 per cent joint-venture partner in the company's three major township projects in Chennai. KGS Group is promoted by three individuals, K Kumaran, Gigi George and P V Sanmugam.