Parandur Takeoff: Delhi Summit to Greenlight Chennai's Second Airport

A special meeting will be held in Delhi within the next two weeks to grant in-principle approval for Chennai’s second airport at Parandur, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu recently announced.

The greenfield airport, proposed with an investment of ₹20,000 crore, has already received site clearance. The next step—securing in-principle approval—will be finalized following due consultations, the minister stated at a press briefing in Chennai.

Addressing concerns over land acquisition protests in Parandur, he emphasized that state governments are responsible for selecting project sites and handling land-related matters. “The Centre is committed to expanding aviation infrastructure, but the feasibility study is conducted based on the land provided by the state,” he noted.

The Parandur airport is designed to accommodate 10 crore passengers annually, featuring two runways, terminal buildings, taxiways, an apron, and a cargo terminal. Meanwhile, ongoing modernization at Chennai airport aims to boost its capacity from 2.2 crore to 3.5 crore passengers annually over the next seven years.

Regarding other airport projects in Tamil Nadu, Naidu stated that the expansion of Coimbatore airport would proceed once the state provides the required land. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-Udan), Neyveli, Salem, and Vellore airports are being developed, with an airline expected to soon begin operations on the Chennai-Vellore route. Additionally, the government is promoting Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) at Salem and Vellore to meet the increasing demand for pilots.

On the issue of rising airfares, Naidu explained that ticket prices fluctuate based on demand. The government is in discussions with airlines to ensure affordability, particularly during peak travel seasons

News by Rahul Yelligetti.