NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Rs 1,677 crore project to expand the Civil Enclave at Srinagar International Airport, significantly scaling up aviation capacity in Jammu and Kashmir.
The project will be implemented by the Airports Authority of India within the Budgam Airbase of the Indian Air Force. The airport, designated an international airport in 2005, is located about 12 km from Srinagar city and operates on a 3,653 metre by 45 metre runway controlled by the IAF.
According to the official approval, the new Civil Enclave will be developed over 73.18 acres and will include a state-of-the-art terminal building with a total built-up area of 71,500 square metres, including 20,639 square metres of existing structure. The upgraded facility is designed to handle 2,900 passengers during peak hours and achieve an annual capacity of 10 million passengers.
The apron area will be expanded to accommodate 15 aircraft parking bays, including one Code E wide-body position. Of these, nine are existing and six are proposed under the new plan. A multi-level car parking facility with capacity for 1,000 cars will also be constructed. The project scope includes the construction of barracks for security personnel.
Project documents indicate that the expansion is being undertaken against the backdrop of sustained passenger growth. After a decline during the Covid period, the airport recorded a strong recovery, reaching 4.50 million passengers in 2024-25. Historical data show a compound annual growth rate of 9.76 per cent between 2019-20 and 2024-25, while forecasts project a 9.40 per cent CAGR between 2024-25 and 2029-30.
Traffic projections suggest that passenger numbers are expected to nearly double within a decade, crossing the 10 million mark by 2034-35. The existing infrastructure was earlier assessed as approaching saturation at 3.0 million passengers per annum, strengthening the case for immediate capacity augmentation.
The proposed development also incorporates sustainability benchmarks. The new terminal is targeted to achieve a five-star GRIHA rating through features such as advanced water harvesting systems, natural lighting and the use of locally sourced eco-friendly materials. Architectural elements are expected to reflect local craftsmanship and woodwork inspired by Kashmiri heritage.
Officials said the expansion will ease congestion, improve passenger comfort and enable increased flight operations. With a design capacity aligned to projected long-term traffic growth, the Civil Enclave upgrade is positioned as a structural intervention to support tourism, business travel and broader economic integration of the Kashmir Valley.