Central Government Approves Chennai’s New Rs 20,000 Cr Parandur Greenfield Airport Project

The Union Government has officially sanctioned the ambitious Parandur Greenfield Airport project near Chennai, marking a transformative milestone in Tamil Nadu’s aviation infrastructure. This strategic move will not only ease congestion at Chennai International Airport but also position Tamil Nadu as a formidable hub in India’s civil aviation map.

₹20,000 Crore Investment Cleared for Mega Aviation Hub

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted site clearance for the new greenfield airport under the Greenfield Airports Policy (GFA), 2008. The proposed budget for the Parandur airport is ₹20,000 crore, reinforcing its status as one of the largest infrastructure ventures in southern India. Located approximately 70 km from Chennai in Kanchipuram district, this airport will serve as a critical alternative to the existing overburdened Chennai International Airport in Meenambakkam.

Strategic Location and Global Connectivity Potential

Situated near Sriperumbudur, a rapidly growing industrial and residential corridor, the Parandur airport site spans nearly 4,970 acres. The chosen location benefits from proximity to key national highways, major industrial belts, and the Chennai-Bengaluru expressway corridor. Its connectivity potential will unlock unprecedented growth in passenger and cargo traffic, enabling direct international routes to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

Key Benefits of the Parandur Airport Location:

• Proximity to NH-48 and NH-32 for seamless road connectivity
• Access to Chennai–Bengaluru Industrial Corridor
• Close to major ports: Chennai, Ennore, and Kattupalli
• Potential future metro rail and high-speed rail integration

Project Timeline, Execution & Stakeholders

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) is overseeing the implementation of this project. TIDCO has submitted a detailed project report and completed pre-feasibility studies, including environmental and social impact assessments. Land acquisition efforts are underway, with ₹2,000 crore allocated for compensation to displaced residents and landowners in 13 villages.

Project Development Phases:

• Phase 1 (2025–2028): Land acquisition, DPR finalization, and commencement of construction

• Phase 2 (2028–2032): Completion of terminals, runways, ATC towers, and support infrastructure

• Phase 3 (2032 onward): Full commercial operations with international carriers and cargo logistics

Designed for High Capacity and Sustainable Growth

The Parandur airport is planned to handle 100 million passengers annually in the long term, with an initial capacity of 40 million. The master plan includes parallel runways, a modular terminal design, cargo logistics centers, an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility, and a dedicated aviation economic zone.

Environmentally Sustainable Features:

• Rainwater harvesting and zero-discharge sewage systems
• Solar panel installations for terminal energy
• LEED-certified green terminal infrastructure
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and e-transport integration

Socioeconomic Transformation for Tamil Nadu

The Parandur Greenfield Airport is expected to create over 50,000 direct and indirect jobs during its development and operation phases. It will uplift the economy of surrounding districts such as Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu. Real estate, hospitality, logistics, and manufacturing sectors are projected to experience significant growth due to the airport’s construction.

Addressing Local Opposition and Land Acquisition Concerns

While the project promises transformative growth, it faces resistance from local villagers concerned about displacement and livelihood loss. TIDCO and the Tamil Nadu government have initiated dialogues with local communities and assured equitable compensation, employment opportunities, and relocation packages.

Tamil Nadu’s Position in India’s Aviation Growth Strategy

With this approval, Tamil Nadu joins the league of states actively transforming aviation into a growth engine. Parandur Airport will complement the Union Government’s UDAN scheme and improve regional connectivity across tier-2 cities like Trichy, Coimbatore, and Madurai. It also aligns with India’s target of having over 200 functioning airports by 2047.

Conclusion: A Game-Changer for India’s Southern Aviation Landscape

The Parandur Greenfield Airport, now officially approved, is a landmark development that sets Tamil Nadu on a trajectory for aviation excellence. Once operational, it will rival India’s largest airports in Mumbai and Delhi, while boosting trade, tourism, and regional development. The project exemplifies visionary infrastructure planning and paves the way for a connected, sustainable, and prosperous Tamil Nadu.