The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has initiated a pre-feasibility study for the proposed Rameswaram airport, following Tamil Nadu’s decision to build the airport to boost tourism and infrastructure.

AAI recently inspected two shortlisted sites in Ramanathapuram district, one near Uchipulli and the other near Keelakarai. Both sites are considered feasible, but if the Uchipulli site is chosen, approval from the Indian Navy will be required as it is near INS Parundu. The first site is about 40 km from the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple and half an hour from the Ramanathapuram Railway Station, while the second site near Keelakarai is an hour and a half from the temple but also close to the railway station. “Both sites seem feasible now,” said a source.

The government is considering nearly 600 acres of land for the airport. The new airport would enhance connectivity for tourists visiting Rameswaram’s famous temples.