Parandur Airport Update: TN Govt Secures 1,100 Acres, Disburses Rs 680 Cr For Chennai's Second Airport

The Tamil Nadu government has accelerated land acquisition for the proposed greenfield airport in Parandur, securing over 1,100 acres, even as it confronts steadfast opposition from residents of Ekanapuram village, a site critical for the project's runway.

The state has successfully acquired land spread across 17 villages in Kancheepuram district, disbursing approximately ₹680 crore in compensation to landowners, The Times of India reported citing sources. The acquisition drive, which saw 1,075 sale deeds registered in the past four months, has been marked by cooperation from a majority of villagers.

"Those who registered the land in favour of the govt received the compensation on the same day through bank transfer," an official source told the English daily. However, The compensation ranges from 35 lakh to 1.1 crore per acre depending upon the guideline value of the land, apart from other benefits including employment.

With this progress, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd (TIDCO), the project's nodal agency, now controls about 50% of the required 5,000 acres. TIDCO Chairman Sandeep Nanduri said the goal is to complete a substantial portion of the acquisition by February.

However, the project's trajectory is clouded by persistent protests in Ekanapuram, where residents have been demonstrating for over 1,000 days. The village's 905 acres are essential, as they are slated to host the airport's main runway.

"Ekanapuram alone holds 905 acres. None of the villagers has relented to the mounting pressure to forgo their land," said Subramanian, president of a protest group. The group is planning to file a Public Interest Litigation to protect local water bodies.

Official sources acknowledge the challenge. "Dealing with residents of Ekanapuram is tricky... Unless they agree, we cannot launch the project," a second source admitted. The state government has decided against using coercion, especially with Assembly elections looming, and hopes to resolve the impasse within a year, which could delay the project.

The ₹27,000 crore airport is planned to be developed in four phases, with work on the first phase expected to begin next year. The state government contends the new airport is crucial for Chennai, as the existing facility in Meenambakkam is constrained and has lost key routes to other southern hubs.