Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured that the land acquisition process for the expansion of Kannur International Airport’s runway will be fast-tracked. The project aims to extend the existing runway to 4,000 meters, which is crucial for handling larger aircraft and boosting the airport’s global connectivity.
According to official sources, the acquisition involves 245.32 acres of land across Keezhalur and Kanad villages. The valuation of agricultural trees and residential buildings is nearly complete. An 11(1) notification had been issued in October 2018, and the 19(1) notification will follow once the compensation amount is deposited in the District Collector’s account.
Leaders of CPI(M) recently submitted a petition seeking acceleration of the process. The Chief Minister confirmed that the state government is arranging the required funds and is also considering extending the 2008 rehabilitation package to affected families in this phase, despite the revised land acquisition laws introduced in 2013.
The demand was supported by the Landowners Action Committee and MLA K.K. Shailaja. Officials said a detailed valuation statement is being prepared as the next step. The project, once complete, is expected to strengthen Kannur’s role as a key aviation hub in Kerala.
