Defence Ministry Clears Way for Parandur Airport, Civil Aviation Approval Awaited

The Ministry of Defence has given its approval and issued a 'No Objection' for site clearance, marking the first step as the State government awaits site clearance for the second airport at Parandur from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The Ministry of Defence approved on October 25 of this year, however, it was accompanied by certain 'specified conditions', stated Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation V. K. Singh.

In response to a question from Rajya Sabha MP R. Girirajan about the Ministry of Defence's stance on the proposed airport at Parandur, Mr. Singh revealed that the Ministry had, on April 11, suggested the government reconsider the construction of a second airport at this location due to its close proximity to the Tambaram Air Force Station (IAF), Arakkonam (IN), and Chennai airport. It was highlighted that implementing this project at this location could potentially interfere with military operations and possibly result in negative aerospace safety outcomes.

He highlighted that the Ministry had communicated this information to both the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on April 21. In response, both AAI and TIDCO relayed their views on the issue back to the Ministry.

Mr. Singh responded by saying that the Ministry of Defence, through its official memorandum dated October 25, 2023, has given its non-objection towards the establishment of a Greenfield Airport at Parandur, Tamil Nadu, provided all set conditions are met. This information was also forwarded to TIDCO for their awareness and adherence on November 8, 2023.

Last year, the Parandur site was chosen as the spot for Chennai city's second airport, with an estimated cost of ₹20,000 crore, and since then, several activities have been underway to initiate the construction. TIDCO, after submitting the application for site clearance, responded to various inquiries from different agencies to secure the necessary approvals.

A committee was established to address environmental issues and conduct a study, which will be submitted soon. Importantly, the state government recently granted administrative approval for the Parandur airport project.