While both shortlisted sites — Uchipulli and Keelakarai — are considered feasible, the state has asked TIDCO to examine if any land parcel closer to Rameswaram is available.
Published Aug 30, 2025 | 5:22 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 30, 2025 | 10:09 PM
Thousands of pilgrims travel to Rameswaram by train or bus, while many air travellers land at Madurai airport and then take a road journey of nearly 150 km.
The Tamil Nadu government has shortlisted two locations for developing a greenfield airport in the Ramanathapuram district.
Uchipulli and Keelakarai were shortlisted after the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) conducted considered five locations.
Officials said the proposed airport may require about 500 to 600 acres, a slight reduction from the earlier estimate of 700 acres.
While both shortlisted sites are considered feasible, the state has asked TIDCO to examine if any land parcel closer to Rameswaram itself could be used. In the case of Uchipulli, clearance from the Navy would also be required.
The project follows a request made last year by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, which urged the state to identify suitable land for constructing an airport under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).
In March 2025, the state government announced that the new facility would be developed to boost tourism and economic activity in southern Tamil Nadu. TIDCO officials have since carried out preliminary inspections of the identified sites.
According to officials, site selection is based on several factors, including proximity to existing airports, the availability of rectangular-shaped land (3,500-m length and 500-m width), soil and wind conditions, accessibility, and the absence of major physical obstacles.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will now carry out a pre-feasibility study before the state makes a final decision, likely next year.
Thousands of pilgrims travel to Rameswaram by train or bus, while many air travellers land at Madurai airport and then take a road journey of nearly 150 km.
With Ramanathapuram district being home to several temples, the proposed greenfield airport is expected to benefit not just Rameswaram but also nearby districts like Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, and Pudukkottai.
The Rameswaram airport will be the third major greenfield project the Tamil Nadu government is pursuing, after the ones planned at Parandur and Hosur, aimed at strengthening air connectivity across the state.
