Land Acquisition Accelerates for Chennai’s Second Airport at Parandur

The Tamil Nadu government is making steady progress in land acquisition for Chennai’s upcoming second airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district. So far, nearly 540 acres have been acquired across 12 villages, marking a key milestone for this ₹27,400-crore project. The Ministry of Civil Aviation granted in-principle approval in April, three years after the project’s announcement.

The Parandur airport, designed to ease congestion at Chennai International Airport and boost regional growth, requires a total of 5,746 acres. Of this, 3,774 acres are private patta lands spread across villages including Parandur, Eganapuram, Nelvoy, Ciruvallur Thandalam, Thodur, Valathur, Gunakara Pakkam, Magadevi Mangalam, and Podavur.

To encourage cooperation, the Tamil Nadu government has offered 3.5 times the market value to landowners. This compensation package has seen positive response in certain villages, with landowners from Nelvoy, Valathur, Podavur, and Akkamapuram already parting with parcels of land. However, strong resistance continues in Eganapuram, where residents have opposed the project since its inception.

Officials admit the acquisition process has been deliberately paced, given the upcoming elections. While the first phase of construction tenders was initially expected this year, delays in acquisition may push the process to 2026, thereby extending Phase I completion to 2030 instead of the earlier 2028 target.

Despite these hurdles, the state government remains committed to the project, which is expected to transform air connectivity for Tamil Nadu and South India. The airport will not only handle surging passenger traffic but also create employment opportunities and attract significant investments into Kancheepuram and surrounding regions.

Authorities emphasize that land acquisition will continue with a balanced approach, ensuring fair compensation and open communication with villagers. With successful completion, the Parandur airport is set to become a key driver of infrastructure growth, boosting Tamil Nadu’s position as a major hub for aviation and economic development.