The Sabarimala shrine, which is currently only accessible by road, welcomes close to 50 million pilgrims each year. As a result, the airport is viewed as a way to increase access and reduce traffic.
The Kerala state government approved land acquisition for the proposed Sabarimala International Greenfield Airport, a step that will increase accessibility to the Sabarimala temple and support the development of the area around it.
The Kottayam district of Kerala plans to construct the greenfield Sabarimala International Airport in Erumely, close to the Sabarimala temple. Cheruvally Estate, which formerly housed a rubber plantation, is where the proposed airport would be built.
The Sabarimala temple is part of the Western Ghats and is one of India’s holiest shrines. Currently, the hill shrine can only be reached by road. The temple receives nearly 50 million pilgrims each season. Hence, the airport is considered a solution to ease traffic during the pilgrimage season.
