"Proposal for Site Clearance of Parandur Airport Reaches Centre's Panel"

The long-awaited proposal seeking site clearance for Chennai's second airport at Parandur has finally reached the Union government's steering committee, more than a year after its initial application by the Tamil Nadu government.

Members of the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) recently presented the project before the high-level steering committee, which oversees strategic approvals for major infrastructure projects. Sources familiar with the matter indicated positive feedback from the committee members following the presentation. "They were happy with it. We have to see if they will recommend to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for granting site clearance," a source stated.

Parandur, located in Kancheepuram district, was selected by the state government two years ago after evaluating multiple potential sites for the airport project. TIDCO subsequently developed a comprehensive plan for the airport, estimated at ₹32,704.92 crore. The facility is planned to be developed in four phases and is expected to accommodate up to 100 million passengers, featuring three terminals.

The site clearance application was formally submitted by TIDCO in 2023, addressing various concerns and queries regarding the feasibility of establishing the airport in Parandur. "In addition to site clearance, approvals from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and environmental clearances are also required. Timely receipt of these approvals is crucial to meeting the project's deadlines," noted a source closely involved with the project.

Notably, in December 2023, the Ministry of Defence issued a no-objection certificate for site clearance, marking a significant step forward. The steering committee includes representatives from key ministries such as Defence, Home Affairs, Civil Aviation, as well as stakeholders like the Airports Authority of India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The progression of the site clearance proposal to the Union government's steering committee signifies a critical milestone towards realizing Chennai's much-anticipated second airport at Parandur, aiming to bolster regional connectivity and accommodate growing air travel demands effectively.

THE HINDU