A special meeting will soon take place in New Delhi to discuss Tamil Nadu’s request for ‘in principle approval’ for Chennai’s second airport at Parandur, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu announced. The proposed greenfield airport has sparked strong opposition from villagers and farmers in Parandur and nearby areas, who fear displacement and loss of fertile land. Addressing the media at Chennai airport, Naidu clarified that the Central government is responsible for project development, while site selection falls entirely under the state government’s jurisdiction. “We do not choose the location for airports — that is the state government’s role. They propose, select, and seek site clearance from us. Our job is to conduct feasibility studies and assess operational, navigational, and technical aspects,” Naidu explained. He further emphasized that land-related concerns must be addressed by the Tamil Nadu government. The feasibility study for the Parandur airport has already factored in airspace sharing between civil and defense aviation, with necessary approvals in place. The upcoming Delhi meeting is expected to push the project forward. Udaan Yatri Cafe Launched in Chennai During his first visit to Chennai airport as Union Minister, Naidu also inaugurated the Udaan Yatri Cafe, making it the second in India after the Kolkata airport outlet. The Kolkata cafe has been a success, generating daily sales of around Rs 35,000. The initiative offers budget-friendly options such as water bottles for Rs 10, tea and coffee for Rs 10, and samosas for Rs 20. “We believe no passenger should go hungry at the airport because of high prices. Our goal is to set up Udaan Yatri Cafes at airports across the country,” Naidu said. With ongoing discussions on Chennai’s second airport and the expansion of passenger-friendly services, India’s aviation infrastructure continues to evolve.Image Source: news18