1 week ago
Tamil Nadu Scraps Parandur Airport, Seeks New Chennai Site
Tamil Nadu says Chennai needs another international airport because passenger and cargo traffic is increasing.
The government has decided not to build the planned airport at Parandur.
It says the project could harm farms, the environment and local livelihoods.
Chief Minister Vijay said he supports residents who opposed the project.
The government will look for a different location near Chennai.
Experts will help identify possible sites.
The Airports Authority of India will study whether those sites are suitable.
The existing Meenambakkam airport may also receive a new passenger-handling system.
Opposition parties say abandoning Parandur could hurt Tamil Nadu’s growth.
Tamil Nadu has abandoned the proposed Parandur international airport and will seek an alternative site near Chennai.
The government cited environmental concerns, threats to agricultural land, displacement risks and possible livelihood losses.
Experts will help identify alternative locations, while the Airports Authority of India will assess their feasibility.
Possible options mentioned include expanding Meenambakkam airport and considering sites in Chengalpattu and Hosur.
The decision drew criticism from the DMK and BJP after Parandur received in-principle approval in April 2025.
- Who
- The Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay, residents opposing the Parandur project, the Airports Authority of India, the Civil Aviation Ministry, and opposition parties including the DMK and BJP.
- What
- The government has abandoned the proposed Parandur airport and plans to identify an alternative location for a new international airport near Chennai.
- Where
- The abandoned project was planned for Parandur in Kancheepuram district. Alternative locations near Chennai, including possible sites in Chengalpattu and Hosur, are being considered; Meenambakkam airport is also involved in a proposed expansion.
- When
- Chief Minister Vijay said he visited protesting residents on January 20, 2025; the Civil Aviation Ministry granted Parandur in-principle approval in April 2025; the abandonment was later announced in the State Assembly.
- Why
- The government cited increasing passenger and cargo demand while saying Parandur posed serious risks to agricultural land, the environment, residential settlements and local livelihoods.
Tamil Nadu Government and Project Opponents
Opposition Parties and Project Supporters
Whether Parandur should proceed
Tamil Nadu Government and Project Opponents
The government says Parandur should be abandoned because of environmental concerns, threats to agricultural land, residential settlements and local livelihoods. Vijay said he stood with residents protesting in Parandur and 12 surrounding villages.
Opposition Parties and Project Supporters
The DMK and BJP condemned the decision. DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin called it an “irreversible setback” to Tamil Nadu’s growth.
Growth versus local impact
Tamil Nadu Government and Project Opponents
The government says Chennai still needs a second airport for long-term passenger demand, industrial growth and cargo requirements, but the site should minimize harm to farms and communities.
Opposition Parties and Project Supporters
Opposition criticism indicates that abandoning a project that had received in-principle approval could undermine Tamil Nadu’s development and growth.
Future of acquired land
Tamil Nadu Government and Project Opponents
The government said around 1,700 acres had been acquired for the Parandur project, while discussing the project’s future after its abandonment.
Opposition Parties and Project Supporters
DMK legislators questioned the handling and beneficiaries of the project, including the extent of land acquisition and remarks made by the government’s Law Minister.
Key facts
- Abandoned project
- Proposed Greenfield International Airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district
- Replacement plan
- Identify and establish a new international airport near Chennai
- Site selection
- Alternative locations will be identified in consultation with experts
- Feasibility assessment
- The Airports Authority of India will assess the proposed sites
- Possible locations
- The articles mention Meenambakkam, Chengalpattu and Hosur as possible options
- Meenambakkam expansion
- A new passenger-handling system is planned on the north-western side of the existing airport
- Road connection
- The Airports Authority of India has sought permission to connect the new system to a national highway
- Parandur approval
- The Civil Aviation Ministry granted in-principle approval for the airport in April 2025
Quotes
Joseph Vijay
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
“I stand firmly with the people protesting against the airport to be established in Chennai's Parandur and 12 surrounding villages.”
livemint.com
republicworld.com
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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