Tamil Nadu is set to begin a fresh search for a location for a new international airport near Chennai after the state government scrapped the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district.
According to the state’s Industries Policy Note, the government will identify potential sites with the help of experts. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will then assess the suitability of the shortlisted locations before the state takes a final decision.
The proposed airport is aimed at meeting Chennai’s growing passenger and cargo demand, as well as the needs of neighbouring districts.
New airport plan after Parandur project dropped
The Parandur airport proposal had faced opposition over environmental and livelihood concerns. Following the decision to abandon the project, the Tamil Nadu government is now looking for an alternative location.
The government has said it will provide all necessary assistance to AAI as the process moves forward.
The new site will have to undergo technical and feasibility assessments before the airport plan can progress.
AAI plans expansion at Chennai airport
At the same time, AAI is planning to strengthen infrastructure at the existing Chennai airport in Meenambakkam.
The Industries Policy Note proposes a new passenger-handling system on the north-western side of the airport. The facility is expected to help manage increasing passenger and cargo traffic more efficiently.
AAI has also sought the Tamil Nadu government’s permission to construct a road connecting the proposed passenger-handling system with the national highway.
Two-pronged aviation expansion
The state government’s approach combines expansion of the existing airport with efforts to establish a new international facility at an alternative location.
While the Meenambakkam expansion is intended to improve the capacity and efficiency of the current airport, the proposed new airport could provide additional long-term capacity for Chennai and surrounding areas.
The identification of a suitable site will now be crucial to the project’s future. The government is expected to proceed with the process after expert assessments and AAI’s evaluation of potential locations.
If the plan moves forward, the new airport could become a major addition to Tamil Nadu’s aviation infrastructure while the existing Chennai airport continues to undergo capacity upgrades.
