Tamil Nadu Government Plans to Issue Tenders for Parandur Airport Next Year

The Tamil Nadu government is gearing up to launch tenders for Chennai's anticipated second airport in Parandur, estimated to cost over Rs 20,000 crore. A Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) official revealed plans to float tenders by the end of next year, following ongoing land acquisition efforts spanning 13 villages near Parandur in Kancheepuram district.

The acquisition process, offering 3.5 times the market value, is underway for 4,563.56 acres, comprising patta, nanjai, punjai lands, and government poramboke lands. Once land acquisition is completed within a year, tendering will commence. However, project progression awaits site clearance post the conclusion of Lok Sabha elections and in-principle approval from the Centre, along with environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.

A high-level committee has scrutinized hydrogeological aspects, including groundwater levels and rainfall data, submitting recommendations for the project. Despite local opposition due to concerns over land loss and livelihood impact, the government intends for both the old and new airports to operate concurrently, emphasizing acquisition under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.