4 sites considered for greenfield airport.

A few sites in districts around the city are being considered for a greenfield airport for Chennai, sources said. Sites near Walajabad and Madhurantakam in Kancheepuram district and Alamathy and Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district are in the race for the second airport for the city, sources said.

The Airports Authority of India will once again push this project at a meeting with the State government officials to be held on Thursday. Earlier, Sriperumbudur was identified for the project but, sources said, it may not be considered any more.

“The Ministry of Civil Aviation had written to the State about the project a while ago. Now, we want to raise the issue again. We will suggest these locations and depending on the availability of land, the State will take a call on identifying the site,” an official said.

About 3,000-5,000 acres will be needed for the construction of a greenfield airport, sources said. A few years ago, the estimate of ₹20,000 crore was made for this project. A second airport for the city will be necessary as the existing facility may reach saturation point and may not be able to meet commuters’ needs in the future.

Meanwhile, AAI has awarded a contract to a consultant - AECOM Asia Company Limited - to chalk out a plan for phase II of the modernisation of Chennai airport. The project that is expected to cost ₹2,587 crore will include new terminals, multi-level car parking and airside development, such as construction of additional parking bays and walkalator.

THE HINDU