Elevating Travel: AAI’s Bold New Plan for Chennai’s Satellite Hub

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has submitted a feasibility study to the Water Resources Department (WRD) in support of its proposal to construct an elevated corridor and a satellite terminal at Chennai Airport.

The satellite terminal, first proposed nearly eight years ago, is intended to improve the management of aircraft and passenger traffic by enabling more effective use of remote bays. After remaining stalled for several years, the project was revived in 2024. AAI initially planned to provide access to the terminal through additional land acquisition; however, following the Tamil Nadu government’s refusal to allot land, AAI proposed an elevated corridor connecting the terminal to National Highway 32.

The proposed corridor will pass near Madha Arts and Science College, cross the Adyar River, and terminate at the satellite terminal. While the alignment does not require additional land acquisition, it requires approvals from the WRD and the Central Pollution Control Board. Upon receiving the necessary clearances, AAI will allocate funds for the construction of the satellite terminal and the elevated corridor, which could be developed as a passenger facility or an exclusive cargo terminal.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.