In-principle approval for Parandur airport under review: Union minister
CHENNAI: The in-principle approval for the Parandur greenfield airport is under consultation, and a review meeting is scheduled in New Delhi within two weeks, said Union civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Thursday.
The minister was speaking after inaugurating the Udan Yatri Cafe at the T1 domestic terminal of Chennai airport.
The state has already sought clearance for the site, and in-principle approval is the next stage of approvals.
On the concerns raised by residents of Parandur regarding land acquisition for the new airport, the minister clarified that the site selection was a state govt decision, while the central govt’s role was limited to feasibility studies and technical clearances.
The state govt was responsible for addressing local opposition and land-related concerns.
Regarding Chennai airport’s expansion, the minister stated that efforts were under way to enhance passenger capacity from the current 22 million annually to 35 million.
“The first phase of Terminal 2 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Phase 2 is currently under construction. The ministry is working closely with the state govt to streamline operations and optimise available land for further expansion,” he said.
On the issue of cargo operations, the ministry pledged to study the current state of Chennai’s air cargo infrastructure and implement necessary improvements to enhance efficiency. This is in line with the Union budget’s focus on streamlining air cargo services, warehousing, and logistics.
The minister dismissed the speculations of Chennai airport being privatised. “Chennai airport is very close to our heart. It is an important airport for the Airports Authority of India,” he said.
About the proposed airport in Hosur, the minister clarified that the state was yet to approach them for site clearance.
The minister said a flight connecting Vellore with Chennai would soon start to operate. He appealed to flight training organisations to make use of the airports with minimal activity and the airstrip in Ulundurpet for training purposes.
