Chennai Airport News: Two Locations Shortlisted After Parandur Project Dropped
Chennai Airport News
Tamil Nadu is considering two new locations for Chennai’s proposed second airport after the government decided not to continue with the earlier Parandur airport plan. The two locations now under consideration are Seyyur in Chengalpattu district and Manalur near Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district.
The state government has asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct a preliminary feasibility study of both sites. The final location will be decided after the government receives AAI’s recommendations. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has already completed an initial study of the two proposed locations.
Seyyur, located in Chengalpattu district, is one of the sites shortlisted for the new airport. It is around 40 km from Puducherry Airport and about 35 km from Kalpakkam.
The second option is Manalur near Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district. This location is around 50 km from Chennai city and approximately 35 km from Sriharikota. Its location could also make it relevant for improving air connectivity in northern parts of the Chennai region.
The search for a new site comes after the proposed Parandur greenfield airport project was dropped. The Parandur plan had been under consideration for several years as Chennai’s second airport.
The project faced strong opposition, particularly over land acquisition and its impact on local communities and agricultural land. The government is now looking for an alternative location that can support Chennai’s future aviation requirements while addressing concerns linked to land and development.
The preliminary feasibility study by AAI will be an important step in deciding which location is more suitable. Officials are expected to examine factors such as land availability, connectivity, technical feasibility and the suitability of each site for airport development.
The final decision has not yet been made. Even if the studies and approvals move quickly, developing a new greenfield airport would still require considerable planning, land-related work and infrastructure development.
Chennai’s growing population, business activity and air passenger demand have increased the need for additional aviation infrastructure. A second airport could help reduce pressure on the existing Chennai International Airport and provide greater capacity for future passenger and cargo growth.
For now, Seyyur and the Gummidipoondi-area site remain the two main options. The next major step will be the AAI feasibility assessment, after which the Tamil Nadu government is expected to take a decision on the preferred site.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
