Industry department officials in Tamil Nadu have expressed concern that if the proposed second airport at Parandur near Chennai is abandoned, it could cast doubt on future central approvals for new airports planned at Hosur and near Rameswaram.
The Parandur project was conceived to ease congestion at Chennai’s Meenambakkam airport, which is facing crowding in passenger and cargo handling. The plan requires about 5,320 acres around Parandur in Kancheepuram district, with the project cost estimated at Rs 29,150 crore.
Land acquisition for privately owned parcels—about 3,774 acres—began during 2024–2025, and around 1,750 acres have been secured so far. The acquisition faced protests, and TVK leader Vijay met the protesters in 2025 to extend support; TVK later won the Assembly election and Vijay became Chief Minister.
At a recent review meeting on the functioning of TIDCO, Vijay reportedly asked that work on the Parandur airport be kept on hold. Subsequently, Electricity Minister Nirmalkumar said the government is studying an alternative site, a statement that officials interpret as a sign the Parandur plan may be stalled.
Officials note that airports are proposed on about 2,000 acres in Hosur and about 750 acres at Manikkaneri near Rameswaram. They argue that if the state does not proceed with Parandur despite central clearances, securing approvals for the Hosur and Rameswaram projects could become uncertain, and they urge steps such as enhanced compensation to affected people to keep the Parandur project moving.
