Tamil Nadu Picks Two Hosur Sites for New Airport
The
Tamil Nadu government has identified two potential sites for a new airport in
Hosur while facing resistance against the proposed Parandur greenfield airport.
The shortlisted Hosur locations are near Taneja Aviation and Aerospace Limited
in Belagondapalli and Shoolagiri. The upcoming facility is expected to span
over 2,000 acres and accommodate up to 30 million passengers annually.
A
consultant is being finalised to carry out an Obstacle Limitation Surface
survey, essential for airspace clearance. However, the project may be delayed
due to proximity to Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, which has a
no-compete clause effective until 2033.
Meanwhile,
the Rs 200 billion Parandur airport proposal—meant to handle 100 million
passengers by 2030—continues to draw criticism over land acquisition and
environmental impact. The development spans 4,791.29 acres, of which 2,605
acres are wetlands, affecting 13 villages.
Protests
against Parandur have been ongoing since 2022. Residents have appealed to the
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to reconsider backing Chennai Metro’s
Phase Four, which links to the airport.
Tamil
Nadu sees airport infrastructure as vital to its ambition of becoming a one
trillion dollar economy by 2030.
Source:
Hindustan Times