Tamil Nadu CM Vijay plans new airport near Chennai after govt cancels Parandur project, sparks row

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, is planning to set up a new international airport near Chennai, as demand for passenger and cargo traffic from the capital city and its neighbouring districts rises.

News agency ANI, citing the state government's Industries Policy Note, reported the development on Tuesday. It said that after consulting experts, alternative locations for setting up the new airport will be identified. The note stated that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will assess the feasibility of these sites, following which the government will take the necessary steps to establish the airport based on its findings.

The policy note also stated that AAI has planned a new passenger handling system on the north-western side of the existing Chennai Meenambakkam airport to accommodate the growing passenger and cargo traffic more efficiently. AAI has sought the Tamil Nadu government's approval to construct a road connecting the new facility to the national highway.