Tamil Nadu government shifts focus to finding new spot for proposed greenfield airport near Chennai,Minister for Energy Resources and Law R . Nirmalkumar said Thursday. Decision comes amid ongoing opposition from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party about original site at Parandur,nearly 70 kilometers from city.
After Governor's Assembly address, Nirmalkumar stressed party's commitment to development while questioning need to sacrifice water bodies,arable land for airport project. “We are firm in that stand . But we are not against development or an airport,” he said,indicating discussions will happen with Chief Minister to explore other sites before any official announcement.
TVK's opposition has stirred speculation about future of Parandur airport project,announced by DMK government in 2022. About 1,700 acres already acquired, site cleared,in-principle approval given. But industry leaders argue scrapping project now would be unwise.
V.N. Shivashankar,senior VP of Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI),urged government to rethink any plans to halt project. He expressed concern that such a move would stall state's growth . “Chennai needs a good airport. It will be a setback to the State if they decide to drop it after getting most of the approvals,” he said,noting airport's key role in city's appeal to domestic,foreign investors .
Shivashankar cited Bengaluru,Hyderabad airports as examples of their critical role in urban development. He called for government to consult industry reps before finalizing any decisions,highlighting airport's importance for region's economic future.
But finding a new airport site is complex,time-consuming. Aviation expert explained it often takes years to find suitable site,conduct feasibility studies,secure approvals. “It will take a minimum of one year to identify a site and get Airports Authority of India to do the pre-feasibility study,” the expert noted. Then site clearance,in-principle approval could add two more years,with construction and operationalization taking another five to six years.
Challenges like airspace availability,environmental considerations could complicate search for new site,expert added. Air passengers also frustrated,fearing abandoning Parandur would delay much-needed airport. Frequent flyer Vasanthi Kannan voiced dissatisfaction with current airport's maintenance,highlighted benefits of new facility at Parandur. “It will be hugely beneficial to the passengers if the airport is built at Parandur,” she said,referencing positive impact of privatized airports across country…
