The fate of Chennai’s proposed ₹20,000-crore Parandur greenfield airport remains undecided, as the Union Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed it has received no communication from Tamil Nadu’s new TVK-led government on whether the project will proceed or be shelved. The decision now rests entirely with the state, sources stated.
Regulatory and Political Context
The previous DMK government had declared the Parandur project a “Special Project” under the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation Act, 2023, just days before the Model Code of Conduct took effect on March 2. However, legal restrictions do not prevent the new administration from discontinuing the project, according to government sources.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had previously supported local opposition to the airport, citing livelihood and environmental concerns. Since assuming office, speculation has swirled over a potential review, though senior officials deny any discussions have occurred.
Economic and Industry Implications
Industry stakeholders warn that scrapping the Parandur airport could further erode Chennai’s competitiveness, as the city has already lost passenger and cargo traffic to Hyderabad and Bengaluru. A second airport was seen as critical to reversing this trend.
Meanwhile, a Tamil Nadu delegation is scheduled to meet Central officials in New Delhi on Monday to discuss externally aided projects, including those backed by the World Bank and ADB. It remains unclear whether the Parandur project will feature in these talks.
