Farmers, water bodies: Why has CM Vijay dropped 2nd Chennai airport plan, for now

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced on Monday that his administration will abandon the proposed Rs 27,000-crore greenfield airport at Parandur, honoring an early and politically significant pledge. The decision, proclaimed in the Assembly, concludes the five-year project that encompassed 5,746 acres of land in Kanchipuram district, which had faced opposition from residents of Ekanapuram and neighboring villages.

For Vijay, Parandur was more than just an infrastructure dispute; it was his first major protest site since founding the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. At a meeting with villagers on January 20, 2025, the chief minister publicly supported those opposing the development of the airport on their homes and farmland. On Monday, Vijay reiterated his previous assurances, stating, "As I had already assured, the measures undertaken to establish a new airport at Parandur will be abandoned by this government."

The announcement underscores the growing demand for a second airport in Chennai, with Meenambakkam currently handling passenger traffic for 30 million passengers annually. Vijay affirmed his support for industrial growth but maintained that the Parandur site was unsuitable due to its impact on agricultural land and residential areas.

Following detailed consultations with experts, the government identified alternative locations for the new airport, with feasibility studies to follow. The eventual selection of a new site is expected to be finalized soon. While Vijay's decision addresses the political challenge posed by Parandur, it also presents a new planning dilemma.

The project, which had been in development for years, would have required the acquisition of nearly all of the 5,746 acres earmarked for the airport, though TIDCO had already secured about 1,700 acres. Environmental advocates had highlighted the potential harm to local water bodies and ecosystems. In his decision, Vijay emphasized the need to avoid large-scale displacement of farmers and residents.

To prepare for the future, Vijay's administration announced plans to expand the existing Chennai airport, specifically building a new Terminal 5 in Meenambakkam. This expansion would increase the airport's capacity by 20 million passengers annually, with the goal of eventually handling 55 million passengers per year. Additionally, Vijay pledged to improve services at Meenambakkam through the development of an access road and flyover, allowing the airport to meet passenger and cargo demands until the new Parandur airport is operational.