Parandur Airport Update: 540 Acres Secured For Chennai's Greenfield Project

Progress on Chennai's long-awaited second airport is steadily advancing, with the state government having secured approximately 540 acres for the new facility in Parandur, The Hindu reported.

The project, which received the essential in-principle nod from the Civil Aviation Ministry earlier this year, represents a massive infrastructure undertaking with a projected price tag of ₹27,400 crore.

The full development will eventually require nearly 5,750 acres, a significant portion of which is privately held land across a dozen villages. The acquisition process, initiated under a specific industrial purposes act, has seen a measure of success, with many landowners from areas like Nelvoy and Valathur agreeing to voluntary sales.

However, the path forward is not without its hurdles. The village of Eganapuram remains a notable point of resistance, with residents maintaining strong opposition to the project from its very announcement.

With Tamil Nadu to go for assembly elections, the DMK government is having a cautious approach, prompting officials to navigate the process with care, as per the report. Consequently, the project's timeline has been adjusted. The tender for the initial phase is now anticipated next year, potentially pushing the first phase's completion to 2030, with the entire airport master plan envisioned to be realized by 2046.

As per the earlier reports, to encourage participation, the government has proposed a structured compensation package, offering flat rates per acre supplemented by a substantial 275% mark-up on negotiable values and an additional incentive, making it a lucrative proposition for many.

Tamil Nadu government reportedly offers flat rates between ₹35 lakh and ₹60 lakh per acre for over 1,960 acres for landowners in Kancheepuram and Sriperumbudur taluks, according to a recent report in DT Next.

Despite the economic promise of a modern aviation hub set to handle 20 million passengers annually, the project continues to face scrutiny. Its location, roughly 70 km from the city center, has drawn questions from social and environmental advocates.