Context:

• The Techno Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR) has recently garnered significant attention due to its pivotal role in the ongoing expansion of Kangra Airport at Gaggal, Himachal Pradesh. As the state government moves forward with land acquisition efforts, it faces delays stemming from the absence of this crucial report, which is necessary for obtaining environmental clearances and forest land diversion permissions from the central government.

Key Points:

• The situation has become a focal point of legal scrutiny, with the Himachal Pradesh High Court highlighting the need for compliance with regulatory requirements before any further progress can be made.
• This High Court’s stance underscores the importance of the TEFR not only as a technical document but also as a key factor in facilitating infrastructure development and addressing community concerns related to land acquisition.

Techno Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR)

• The Techno Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR) is a critical document in the planning and development of infrastructure projects, particularly in the aviation sector. It assesses the technical and economic viability of proposed projects, ensuring that they meet regulatory standards while also being financially sustainable.

The role of TEFR 

In the context of the Kangra Airport expansion, the TEFR is essential for several reasons:

• Technical assessment: The TEFR evaluates the technical aspects of airport development, including runway length, design specifications, and necessary infrastructure. For Kangra Airport, this includes plans to extend the runway from 1,372 meters to 3,010 meters, allowing for larger aircraft to land and enhancing connectivity to other regions of India.
   
• Economic viability: This report analyzes the financial implications of the project, including cost estimates and potential revenue generation. The initial project cost was estimated at over ?10,000 crores, which raised concerns among stakeholders regarding its feasibility compared to state assessments.
   
• Regulatory compliance: A TEFR is often required to obtain environmental clearances and other regulatory approvals. In the case of Kangra Airport, the High Court has noted that without a finalized TEFR, permissions for forest land diversion from the central government cannot be granted.

Conclusion

The Techno Economic Feasibility Report is a cornerstone document that not only guides the development process but also ensures that projects like the Kangra Airport expansion are technically sound and economically viable. As stakeholders navigate through regulatory hurdles and community concerns, timely completion and accuracy of the TEFR is highly pivotal in determining the project's success.