Wayanad district’s long-pending dream to have an airstrip has moved one step forward with the Kerala government entrusting KIIFCON-RITES, a joint venture firm, to conduct a feasibility study on the available pieces of land, preferably closer to the district headquarters, Kalpetta.
“Besides Wayanad, the firm will conduct feasibility studies in Kasaragod and Idukki districts as well and the further plan of action will depend on the studies,” said Vijayasree K.S., Additional Secretary, Department of Transport.
Though the demand for an airstrip in Wayanad is a decade old, the State government has renewed the efforts post the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides in 2024. However, the inability to identify a suitable piece of land, at least 1,800 m in length, in the hilly district remains one of the major hurdles.
A feeder airport in Wayanad is expected to come handy during emergencies besides alleviating the travel woes of the people and boosting development and tourism in the district. The Malabar Chamber of Commerce had mooted the idea following which representatives of the State and Union governments conducted studies in 2019. “We had suggested several locations, but they were all found unsuitable,” said C.E. Chakkunni, president, Malabar Development Council.
