How an IAS officer built India's 1st crowd-funded airport
Cochin International Airport (CIAL) is trending after a viral video highlighted its unique origin story—built with minimal direct government funding and primarily funded by public and NRI investors, with crucial support from the Kerala government, all thanks to IAS officer V.J. Kurian.
Back in 1991, Kurian pitched the idea for a new airport when expansion costs for naval airports were questioned. His plan got the green light, and land was secured at Nedumbassery.
People-powered funding and overcoming protests
Instead of waiting for government money, nearly 19,000 investors from 28 countries—mostly NRIs—chipped in, primarily through equity (shares), with some initial interest-free loans, raising ₹1 billion.
The project meant relocating over 2,300 landowners and 872 families; despite protests, they were compensated above market rates.
CIAL opened its doors in 1999 and started commercial flights soon after.
Solar firsts and big numbers
CIAL didn't stop innovating—it became the world's first fully solar-powered airport with over 46,000 panels generating surplus energy.
Today it handles more than 10 million passengers every year—a pretty cool legacy for an airport built by the people!