Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Vijay Abandons Parandur Airport Project, Fulfilling Political Promise
Tamil Nadu planned to build a large new airport at Parandur.
The project was expected to cost about Rs 27,000 crore and cover 5,746 acres.
People in Ekanapuram and nearby villages protested because homes and farmland could be acquired.
Vijay visited Ekanapuram on January 20, 2025.
He promised the villagers that the airport would not be built there.
After becoming chief minister, he announced that the government would abandon the project at Parandur.
This fulfilled one of his earliest important political promises.
However, Chennai still needs another airport, so the airport issue remains important.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced the government would abandon the proposed Parandur greenfield airport.
The approximately Rs 27,000-crore project was planned across 5,746 acres in Kanchipuram district.
Residents of Ekanapuram and nearby villages had opposed the project for years.
Parandur was Vijay’s first major protest arena after launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
The decision comes as Chennai faces an increasingly urgent need for a second airport.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, his government, and residents of Ekanapuram and surrounding villages.
- What
- The Tamil Nadu government announced it would abandon the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project.
- When
- The announcement was made on Monday; Vijay had visited Ekanapuram on January 20, 2025.
- Where
- Parandur in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The decision fulfilled Vijay’s promise to villagers opposing land acquisition, although Chennai faces a growing need for a second airport.
Project Opponents
Airport Need
Land acquisition and local impact
Project Opponents
Residents of Ekanapuram and nearby villages opposed the airport because the project threatened the acquisition of homes and farmland.
Airport Need
The article does not identify a specific group defending the Parandur site, but notes that Chennai faces an increasingly urgent need for a second airport.
Political commitment versus infrastructure demand
Project Opponents
Vijay supported the villagers and promised that the airport would not be built at Parandur, a pledge now reflected in the government’s announcement.
Airport Need
Abandoning Parandur does not remove Chennai’s need for another airport, leaving the broader infrastructure demand unresolved.
- Project status
- The Tamil Nadu government announced it would abandon the proposed airport at Parandur.
- Estimated cost
- Rs 27,000 crore
- Planned area
- 5,746 acres
- Location
- Parandur, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu
- Main opposition
- Residents of Ekanapuram and surrounding villages resisted the project for years.
- Political significance
- Parandur was Vijay’s first major protest arena after launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
- Earlier promise
- Vijay told villagers on January 20, 2025, that the airport would not be built there.