Amid rapidly increasing passenger traffic and freight movement in Chennai, the search for a suitable location for the city's second international airport has restarted. Following the official cancellation of the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kanchipuram district, the Tamil Nadu government has tasked aviation and infrastructure experts with identifying alternative sites and submitting a comprehensive survey report.
Why the Parandur Project Was Scrapped
The proposed airport project at Parandur, estimated at a budget of 20000 crore rupees, ran into multiple obstacles during its initial evaluation phases. Detailed technical assessments revealed that a significant portion of the earmarked land was unsuitable for runway construction. Furthermore, sustained local opposition from 12 surrounding villages and environmental concerns regarding land acquisition contributed to the decision to drop the site.
Future Plans for the Acquired Land in Parandur
Although the airport project in Parandur has been abandoned, state authorities are planning alternative uses for the acquired territory. Around 1700 acres of land had already been acquired for the greenfield project prior to its cancellation. The government is now considering utilizing this land to establish industrial parks and manufacturing infrastructure to boost regional economy and local employment.
Political Pushback and Assembly Walkout
The decision to halt the mega project triggered strong political debate across Tamil Nadu. The opposition DMK strongly criticized the move, claiming that abandoning such a crucial infrastructure initiative is an unfixable mistake that risks delaying the state's economic development by several years. Demonstrating their protest against the decision, DMK lawmakers staged a walkout from the legislative assembly during recent proceedings.
Expert Teams to Conduct Feasibility Surveys
According to the official policy note from the industrial department, the expanding burden on Chennai's current international airport necessitates a second facility capable of handling future air traffic demands. Expert teams specializing in aviation and civil engineering will inspect alternate areas surrounding Chennai to identify locations with suitable topography and logistics connectivity before finalizing the final site.
