Chennai, Sept 8:
Cheyyur in Chengalpattu district and Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district have emerged as possible locations for Chennai’s second airport following the reported decision to drop the Parandur airport project.
The two locations are being considered as Tamil Nadu looks for an alternative site for a major new airport to meet the city’s growing aviation requirements. The existing Chennai airport at Meenambakkam, which has been operating for more than a century, handles over 50,000 passengers a day and is facing space constraints amid rising passenger traffic.
The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has reportedly carried out an initial assessment and shortlisted Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi for further consideration.
However, both locations face significant challenges.
Cheyyur is around 100 km from Chennai, raising concerns over passenger connectivity and travel time. The proposed location is also around 20 km from the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. In addition, aviation-related restrictions and the presence of defence and nuclear facilities in the wider region would require detailed assessment and clearances.
Gummidipoondi, meanwhile, is around 50 km from Sriharikota and is close to the Pulicat protected ecological zone. The availability of sufficiently large and suitable land is therefore expected to be an important factor in determining the feasibility of the site.
The State government has reportedly approached the Centre seeking an on-site assessment of the shortlisted locations. Any decision is expected only after a detailed feasibility study by the Airports Authority of India and the completion of necessary assessments relating to aviation safety, defence and environmental concerns.
The government will also have to examine the extent of land acquisition required, the impact on agricultural land and the number of water bodies that could be affected by the project.
If a site is ultimately finalised, the proposed second airport could have a major economic impact on the surrounding region. Improved air connectivity could encourage manufacturing, logistics, cargo operations and industrial development while generating employment opportunities.
The project could also trigger growth in the real estate sector and increase land values in areas surrounding the eventual airport site.
According to TIDCO officials, the new airport could take around five to seven years to become operational after the location is finalised, approvals are secured and construction is completed.