Tamil Nadu Government to Explore Alternative Site for Proposed Greenfield Airport

The Tamil Nadu government will consult officials and experts to identify an alternative location for the proposed greenfield airport near Chennai, Minister for Energy Resources and Law R. Nirmalkumar announced on Thursday.

Addressing reporters after the Governor's speech in the Assembly, the Minister said the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government remains committed to its opposition to the Parandur airport project.

"We are not against development or the construction of a new airport. However, waterbodies and cultivable land should not be destroyed for development projects," Mr. Nirmalkumar said, adding that a final decision would be taken after discussions with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The remarks come amid speculation that the government may abandon the Parandur project, which was originally announced by the previous DMK government in 2022. Nearly 1,700 acres of land have already been acquired after receiving site clearance and in-principle approval.

Industry leaders have urged the government not to scrap the project, stating that a modern airport is crucial for Tamil Nadu's economic growth and investment prospects.

V.N. Shivashankar, Senior Vice-President of the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), said airports significantly contribute to the development of cities and cited Bengaluru and Hyderabad as examples.

Experts also pointed out that identifying a new airport site is a complex and time-consuming process. Site selection, approvals, land acquisition and construction could take several years before the airport becomes operational.

Frequent flyers and aviation experts have expressed concerns that abandoning the Parandur project could delay Chennai's access to a world-class airport and affect passenger convenience.

Key Highlights

• Tamil Nadu government will study alternative sites for the proposed airport.

• TVK government reiterated its opposition to the Parandur location.

• Minister R. Nirmalkumar said development should not affect waterbodies and agricultural land.

• Nearly 1,700 acres have already been acquired for the project.

• Industry bodies urged the government not to scrap the airport plan.

• Experts say identifying a new site and completing the project could take several years.

• Passengers and aviation experts fear further delays in airport expansion.