The achievement of the trillion-dollar economy goal depends on the Parandur Airport addressed by Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu

On Wednesday, MCCI and TIDCO held a meeting in Chennai that was addressed by Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu.

In order to ensure that the residents of Parandur have a better future, the government would have their trust when carrying out the project.

The greenfield airport project, according to industries minister Thangam Thennarasu, will be a "milestone" in the state's development and play a "key role" in achieving the state government's target of a trillion-dollar economy. The government would have the trust of the Parandur residents when carrying out the project, ensuring a better future for them.

"The second airport is urgently needed. The next stage of growth can only be reached after that. The goal is to develop it into a socioeconomic model. Speaking at the event 'Greenfield Airport: Timely Initiative of Fast Track TN's Growth' hosted by the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry and TN Industrial Development Corporation Ltd in Chennai, the Minister said that it was not only for the improvement of the industries but would also care for the upliftment of the local populace.

Four locations—Parandur, Pannur, Thiruporur, and Padalam—were chosen as potential sites for the airport project after the Airports Authority of India (AAI) had assessed 11 potential locations. The Minister defended the government's choice by stating that Parandur became the best option when important establishments like Tambaram, Kalpakkam, and ecologically sensitive areas like Pulicat were taken into account.

The Chief Minister, MK Stalin, has made it clear that the project will be developed to ensure a better future for them, the Minister said, adding that "We considered Parandur as a better site and it has less challenges." The project would be carried out with the cooperation of the community.

In the meantime, the state government had succeeded in acquiring 80% to 85% of the land needed for the expansion of the airports in Coimbatore, Tiruchy, Madurai, and Tiruchy. By taking these steps, the upcoming airport would be improved and made into an international airport. The Minister added that improved connectivity between the current airports, seaports, and upcoming airports is necessary to accommodate cargo shipments.

According to him, the greenfield airport, which would have all the amenities necessary to achieve inclusive growth, would coexist with the Meenambakkam airport as it currently exists.

S Krishnan, the additional chief secretary of industries, said they would address the pressing problems involving the locals and the waterways. He added that they were hopeful that the new airport would be operational by 2030 and added, "We have also commissioned a study involving experts from IIT-Madras and College of Engineering, Guindy, to study the waters in the site to ensure no flooding in the upcoming airport."

He added that the upcoming airport would create jobs with a high level of added value and fulfil the dreams of the state's youth. It would boost the state's economy in multiple ways.

The upcoming airport, according to Mallika Srinivasan, Chairman and Managing Director of TAFE Ltd, will draw in business and talent, leading to overall development in addition to clearing congestion in the city. Speaking at the event were TR Kesavan, president of the MCCI, and Kapil Kaul, CEO and director of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation India.