Parandur Airport Project: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam Government Faces Crucial Decision
The newly formed government under Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is faced with a key decision regarding the greenfield airport project at Parandur. The project's fate is crucial for Chennai, which urgently requires a second airport to support the state's growing economy.
Background and Concerns
- Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay initially backed villagers and farmers opposing the project due to concerns about livelihood loss.
- Residents of Parandur remain hopeful that the project will be shelved.
- Government sources denied reports claiming that Chief Minister Vijay had held a review meeting on the Parandur airport project.
Legal Status and Implications
The Gazette notification issued by the previous DMK government declared the Parandur New Greenfield Airport Project a "Special Project" under the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation (for Special Projects) Act, 2023.
- Under the Act, a Special Project refers to any development requiring at least 100 hectares of land and formally notified by the government.
- The designation enables faster land consolidation, streamlined acquisition, and quicker approvals for large infrastructure projects.
- However, government sources said there is no legal restriction preventing the new administration from discontinuing the project despite its Special Project status.
Industry Concerns and Support
Industry representatives warn that scrapping the airport project would be a major setback for Chennai, which urgently requires a second airport to support the state's growing economy.
- "We have already lost ground to Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports. Chennai needs the Parandur airport to support industry and passengers," said an official from a leading automobile company in Sriperumbudur.
- The proposed Parandur airport is designed to handle up to 10 crore passengers annually and will include two runways, terminal buildings, taxiways, an apron, and a cargo terminal.
- The existing Chennai airport currently handles more than 2.2 crore passengers annually and is expected to reach capacity in the next seven years.
Recent Developments and Industrialists' Meet
When industrialists met Chief Minister Vijay recently, the issue of the Parandur airport was not discussed. However, they urged him to focus on infrastructure development.
"One of the best meetings we ever had, spent nearly 45 minutes. CM's willingness to hear is a great pleasure and his leadership is a visionary one," M Ponnuswami, Managing Director, Pon Pure Chemicals Group, and Co-Chair of CII MSME National Council & National Task Force on EoDB, said on X.
Vijay requested the CII delegation to give their suggestions in writing so that action could be taken.