Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko on Wednesday urged the Union government to release Rs.350 crore for expanding the runway of the Tiruchi International Airport.He told reporters here that though the airport had been upgraded with additional facilities, the runway had not been extended and it had to be expanded from the existing 8,000 metres to 12,500 metres to accommodate wide bodied aircraft. The passenger traffic for international destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia and Middle East nations had been steadily increasing. There was a huge demand for augmenting resources for facilitating international passengers. To cater to this demand and to operate exclusive cargo flights, the runway expansion was necessary.Since he assumed office as the Member of Parliament, he had worked with the district administration on land acquisition for expanding the runway. The land acquisition is complete now. The airport officials of Tiruchi had sent a Detailed Project Report, seeking ₹350 crore, to Airport Authority of India for the project.There were reports that some players had evinced interest to set up facilities for the maintenance and overhauling of aircraft at the Tiruchi airport. It would create employment opportunities as well. Expanding the runway was important. Hence, the Civil Aviation Ministry should expeditiously release funds.The MP said he had visited, along with the officials of Southern Railway, State Highways, Tiruchi Corporation and Tamil Nadu Power Development Corporation Ltd, the work sites on Fort Station Road, Town Station Road and Aristo roundabout, where road overbridge works were progressing. Better coordination between the various departments was required. He had urged the officials to expedite the works. He would closely follow the progress of all projects. Published - May 20, 2026 10:29 pm IST