Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay speaks during the state Legislative Assembly session, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. (file photo)
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@tamilnaduassembly/YT via PTI Photo
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led Tamil Nadu government has dropped the plans for a new greenfield airport at Parandur following resistance from local villagers. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday made the official announcement in the State Assembly that the proposed project by the previous government has been abandoned, with the government seeking to avoid the displacement of residents and loss of agricultural land.Vijay said he went in person to the project site and assured the villagers of his support. At a political rally in Vikravandi, he announced said that a new airport should not be built at Parandur and had called for the project to be shifted to another location. The government is now examining a few alternative sites that could accommodate the airport without significantly affecting residential areas and agricultural lands.The move marks a departure from the earlier proposal to develop the airport at Parandur, which had attracted opposition from residents and farmers over concerns about land acquisition and its impact on agricultural activity.A few locations have been identified for consideration, and officials are examining their suitability based on land availability, connectivity, environmental impact and the extent of displacement involved.The government is expected to finalise the location after completing the assessment of the shortlisted sites, he said.The proposed second airport is aimed at meeting Chennai’s long-term growth in passenger and cargo traffic and expanding the city’s aviation infrastructure.The shift away from Parandur is likely to delay the project’s site-selection process but could help the government address one of the major concerns surrounding the earlier proposal — its impact on farmland and residential settlements.Speaking at the Assembly, Vijay said farmers around the region of Parandur have objected to the programme given that it objects their livelihood.. I am standing firm with the farmers and it is important to safeguard their interests. “I am well aware of the need for airports for industrial development but we need to select a new location for Parandur airport. We have discussed with officials.. Parandur airport project is being dropped by this Govt; we will discuss with experts and find new spots “soon” without disturbing farmers livelihoodsVijay said Meenambakkam terminal 5 expansion will be pursued in association with the Airports Authority of India.“It is a severe set back for the airport infrastructure improvement initiative of Tamil Nadu,” said J Krishnan of Chennai-based S Natesa Iyer Logistics LLP.Right from the land identification Parandur has been embroiled in controversy. Creating a state of art infrastructure has been abandoned with hardened positions. The current decision appears to be made without identifying a viable time bound alternative option, he said. “We look forward to an expedited solution to propel the sates economic goals firmly in the picture,” he said.Mohan Ranganathan, an aviation safety consultant, said: “It is good that they have abandoned Parandur. It would have been a disaster for Chennai city during floods. They should choose sites that are safe not just from real estate angle but also from Aviation safety angle.”Published on August 24, 2026
