Parandur Airport: Tamil Nadu Govt Is One Step Away From Beginning The Construction

Despite opposition from farmers groups, Tamil Nadu is one step away from commenting the construction of the Parandur Airport. The greenfield project is on the verge of securing its final clearance.

The in-principle approval for the project is expected to be issued in April. The Tamil Nadu government can proceed with initiating construction once getting the nod, according to a report in The Hindu.

A key Steering Committee meeting was recently took place in New Delhi, with officials from the Tamil Nadu government, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and other stakeholders engaging in detailed discussions. Sources told the English daily the official minutes from the Ministry of Civil Aviation are expected within the next few days.

Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has already prepared tender documents and is set to release them shortly after the approval is received.

The site selection process for the second airport in Chennai began three years ago when the AAI completed its feasibility study. After careful consideration, Parandur was chosen as the preferred location. In July 2024, the Ministry of Civil Aviation granted the first stage of approval-site clearance. Following this, TIDCO promptly submitted an application for in-principle approval, marking the next critical step in the process.

If construction begins as planned next year, the first phase of the airport could become operational within five years. The ambitious Rs 29,144 crore project spans 2,172.73 acres and will feature two parallel runways. Once fully developed across four phases, the airport is expected to accommodate nearly 100 million passengers annually.

Why Parandur Over Pannur?

Parandur was selected over Pannur in 2020 due to its strategic advantages, including its proximity to the proposed Chennai-Bengaluru expressway. Additionally, Parandur has fewer displaced families (1,005) compared to Pannur (1,546) and does not face major infrastructure hurdles such as high-tension power lines or dense industrial zones, making it a more viable option for development.

How Much Compensation Will Farmers Get?

According to DTNext, the compensation process is scheduled to begin in March 2025, with payouts expected to be completed by May 2025.

Land values in the Parandur region vary significantly, with prices ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹35 lakh per acre, depending on location. Compensation amounts will be determined based on these valuations.

With all eyes on the final approval, Parandur Airport is on track to become a game-changer for Tamil Nadu's aviation sector.

New Airport In Rameswaram

Meanwhile, the DMK government on March 14 announced that it has plans to build a new airport in Rameswaram, located in Ramanathapuram district, aiming to accommodate the rising influx of tourists.

State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, while presenting the budget in the Assembly on Friday, emphasized the role of aviation infrastructure in boosting economic growth. He stated that the DMK government is committed to expanding existing airports while establishing new ones to enhance connectivity, particularly in South Tamil Nadu.