Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra) has been directed to conduct a techno-economic feasibility study on the proposed airport project for the backward Wayanad district in north Kerala.

Earlier, a technical feasibility report prepared by Airport Authority of India had identified a suitable plot at Panamaram area in Kaniampatta village in the district, an official spokesman said here.

Based on that study, Kinfra has been assigned with the task of assessing the techno-economic feasibility.

The State government has also proposed that a society be formed to raise funds for the project along the lines of the Kannur International Airport Promotion Society that is promoting the Kannur airport.

A nine-member governing council has been set up with Mr K. Babu, Minister for Ports and Excise, as chairman, and Mr V. Thulasidas, managing director, Kannur International Airport Ltd, as vice-chairman.

An executive council will be set up with Mr Thulasidas as president. These two bodies will deal with the nitty-gritty of formation of the airport promotion society.

The governing council members are Mr Tom Jose, Principal Secretary, Transport; Ms C. R. Vatsala, Additional Secretary; Mr R. Ajayakumar, Joint Secretary, Finance; Mr P. Balan, Manager, Corporate Affairs; Mr A. S. Jayakrishnan, Finance Manager; Mr K. S. Shibukumar, Deputy Project Engineer; and Mr Anish Kurian, Company Secretary.

Most of these officials are being co-opted as members of the executive committee as well, the spokesman added.

vinson@thehindu.co.in 

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