Parandur Airport Land Work Speeds Up, Says Baalu

03 Dec 2025 CW Team

Baalu stated that the Central Government has already approved the project. Of the 5,700 acres required, 2,000 acres are government-owned, while 3,700 acres are privately held. Of the private land, 1,300 acres have already been acquired, and negotiations with farmers are under way to secure the balance. Construction will commence once acquisition is finalised, he added, emphasising that the new airport will significantly ease congestion at the existing Chennai airport.

Reviewing current operations, Baalu highlighted a number of passenger-centric improvements. Chennai remains the only airport in India where Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses are allowed inside the terminal premises to pick up passengers directly. Services to Kilambakkam and Siruseri are already running from within the airport, with similar routes to other destinations planned. The State Government is also fast-tracking the metro rail link connecting the airport with Kilambakkam.

Cargo operations are set for expansion, with plans to develop a new terminal offering increased space and upgraded infrastructure. Technical and feasibility studies for the terminal will commence shortly. Responding to frequent complaints from foreign passengers regarding cab availability, Baalu announced that a prepaid taxi counter will be established inside the international terminal.

Airport Director Raja Kishore, MLAs S. R. Raja and E. Karunanidhi, representatives from the Chennai Corporation, local bodies and senior police officials attended the review meeting. Baalu noted that district collectors were unable to participate due to election-related duties, and that a detailed review meeting with district officials will be held at the end of December to finalise further development measures.

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