Why Is Tamil Nadu Govt Against Parandur Airport? TVK Minister Cities Runway Issue

Chennai's second airport dream in Parandur has abruptly ended as the newly-elected TVK government has decided to shelve the project citing the place was not fit for runway construction.

Speaking at an event at a private college in Coimbatore, Energy Resources and Law Minister R Nirmalkumar dropped the bombshell claiming, "When we consulted Airport Authority of India officials, they informed us that constructing a runway would not be feasible." He explained, "The area is riddled with nearly 800 to 900 acres of water bodies. We accepted their technical assessment and have already begun scouting for alternative locations."

The minister made it clear that the TVK government is not keen on destroying the environment in the name of development.

He continued, "I met the protesters personally. This entire region is an agricultural heartland-nearly 90 percent of the land comprises water bodies and cultivated fields."

The Parandur Greenfield Airport was conceived as the answer to Chennai International Airport's crushing congestion, which currently handles over 450 flights daily. In 2022, the Airports Authority of India had shortlisted two potential sites-Parandur and Pannur-following feasibility studies.

The previous DMK government had planned to build the green field airport in Parandur, approximately 70 kilometers from Chennai, in 5,746-acre acres. The administration had acquired 1,700 acres of private land acquired from 12 villages across Sriperumbudur and Kancheepuram taluks by June.

New Airport? Yes,But Not in Parandur !! CM Vijay First Priority Environment & Water Body Next Only Growth 🫡🔥 @TVKVijayHQ pic.twitter.com/3fdp4BjgRm

— TD....❥ (@MiniiGirl__) July 7, 2026

The government had also disbursed compensation over 90 percent of affected landowners. The estimated cost of Rs 27,400 crore included ambitious connectivity infrastructure, including metro extensions. To fast-track the development, the previous government had granted it "special project" status under the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation for Special Projects Act, 2023.

However, from its inception, the project faced resistance from local communities, environmentalists, and political groups. Residents of Ekanapuram and surrounding villages staged protests spanning over 900 days, voicing concerns about the displacement of more than 1,000 families.

The opposition found a powerful ally in TVK chief Vijay, who made his first field visit to Parandur and addressed the agitated protesters, demanding the project's immediate cancellation. His intervention proved pivotal, marking a turning point in the public opposition movement.

The TVK government's decision has ignited a political firestorm, with the BJP launching a blistering attack on the administration. BJP Chief Spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy didn't hold back, describing the minister's claims as "factually incorrect, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the people of Tamil Nadu."

Taking to X, Thirupathy pointed out that the previous DMK government had already secured clearances from multiple central agencies, including the Airports Authority of India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and even the Defence Ministry. "AAI's pre-feasibility study confirmed the site's suitability, including for dual runways of 4040m x 45m with proper orientation matching Chennai airport traffic," he asserted.

Thirupathy further emphasized that the presence of water bodies-approximately 26.5% of the site per official records-was well-documented and addressed through expert committees that recommended mitigation measures including diversion, conservation, and advanced engineering solutions for stable runway foundations. "Runway construction on challenging terrain is standard in modern aviation," he argued, pointing to proven techniques like soil stabilization and drainage systems.

"The TVK government is suddenly declaring the same runway 'impossible'-this is a clear political U-turn to appease their leader's protest history, not a genuine technical concern," Thirupathy charged. "This will deny thousands of jobs, cripple economic growth, and leave Chennai's aviation congestion unresolved for years."