TIDCO plans to establish second airport in Chennai

Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) is strategically advancing plans to establish Chennai's second airport in Parandur, located in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu.

This visionary project is set to unfold in multiple phases, with Phase-I anticipated to accommodate a capacity of 20 million passengers by the 2022-23 timeframe.

Encompassing an expansive land area spanning 4,500 acres, the proposed development includes essential infrastructure such as two runways, two passenger terminals, a dedicated cargo terminal, and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility. Upon completion, the airport is projected to efficiently manage a remarkable volume of approximately 100 million passengers annually, fostering economic growth and enhancing regional connectivity.

Site Clearance: TIDCO submitted the site clearance application to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in August 2023.

Consultants: Four firms submitted bids for the Techno-Economic Feasibility Report (TEFR) in October 2023. The TEFR will include a master plan and a social impact study.

Land Acquisition: The process of acquiring land from the 13 villages affected by the project is ongoing. Negotiations with villagers are underway.

Challenges:

Land Acquisition Protests: Residents of the affected villages have been protesting against the project, demanding fair compensation and rehabilitation. This has delayed the land acquisition process. (Source: Various news reports)

Environmental Concerns: The project has raised concerns about its impact on the environment, including the Pallikaranai marshland and the migratory bird population. (Source: Various news reports)

Timeline:

Project Completion: The project is expected to be completed in 7-10 years.

Next Steps: The government is expected to finalize the TEFR consultant and commence the land acquisition process soon.

Additional Points:

The airport is planned to be located 60 km from the existing Chennai International Airport and will have two runways.

The estimated cost of the project is ₹20,000 crores.

News by Rahul Yelligetti