Srinagar airport upgrade: Cabinet clears Rs 1,677 crore civil enclave expansion

Union cabinet has approved the development of a new civil enclave at Srinagar International Airport at an estimated cost of Rs 1,677 crore, a move aimed at strengthening aviation infrastructure and connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir, according to an official statement.The project, cleared by the CCEA chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will involve construction of a modern passenger terminal and supporting infrastructure at the airport, which operates within the Budgam Airbase of the Indian Air Force and lies around 12 km from Srinagar city.Spread across 73.18 acres, the new civil enclave will feature a state-of-the-art terminal building covering 71,500 square metres, including 20,659 square metres of existing structure. The facility is designed to handle 2,900 passengers during peak hours and an annual capacity of 10 million passengers per annum (MPPA), the cabinet statement said.The expansion also includes an enlarged apron capable of accommodating 15 aircraft parking bays, including one widebody (Code E) aircraft, comprising nine existing and six newly proposed bays. The airport’s 3,658 metre-long runway will continue to be operated by the Indian Air Force. A multi-level car parking facility with capacity for 1,000 vehicles will also be developed as part of the project.Architecturally, the terminal will blend modern infrastructure with Kashmir’s cultural heritage, incorporating traditional design elements such as intricate woodwork and locally inspired craftsmanship while ensuring efficient passenger processing through upgraded lounges, check-in zones and advanced security systems, the statement noted.Sustainability features form a key component of the project, including advanced water harvesting systems, maximised natural lighting to reduce energy consumption and the use of locally sourced eco-friendly materials. The development is targeted to achieve a 5-star GRIHA rating.The government said improved airport infrastructure is expected to enhance connectivity to major tourist destinations such as Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Temple and the Mughal Gardens, while supporting tourism growth, investment and employment generation in the region.“The development of the Civil Enclave represents a transformative step toward delivering world-class infrastructure and enhanced connectivity while showcasing the cultural and natural splendour of Kashmir,” the cabinet statement said.