Coimbatore Airport's $93-Crore Drainage Dive

The Coimbatore International Airport is set for a major Rs 93-crore underground sewage and drainage upgrade, a joint initiative by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC).

The project aims to resolve longstanding issues of untreated wastewater flowing through the airport premises — including beneath the runway — from surrounding areas such as Nehru Nagar and Brindhavan Nagar. The existing partially covered natural drain has led to problems such as stagnant water, foul odour, and increased bird activity, posing significant aviation safety risks.

Key Features of the Proposed Plan:

Construction of a fully enclosed underground canal system, Integration with a sewage treatment plant (STP) to treat wastewater before discharging into the Aachankulam tank, Evaluation of two potential sites for STP installation, Consideration of construction methods, including box culverts or large-diameter pipelines, Inclusion of stormwater and wastewater integration to support the airport’s long-term expansion and sustainability goals

The project is currently in the planning stage, with implementation and funding decisions pending further discussion between AAI and CCMC. Once approved, it is expected to significantly enhance environmental management and operational safety at the airport.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.