AAI Proposes Elevated Road Linking Tambaram–Porur to Chennai Airport

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Tamil Nadu government for a proposed elevated road connecting the Tambaram–Porur stretch with the rear side of Chennai airport. The proposal is aimed at creating an alternative access route to the airport and easing pressure on the existing road network.

The proposed elevated corridor is planned across the Adyar River and would provide direct connectivity to the rear portion of Chennai airport. If approved, the route could offer an additional access option for both passenger vehicles and cargo traffic, reducing dependence on the congested GST Road, which currently handles a significant share of airport-bound movement.

Cargo movement is one of the key considerations behind the proposal. Officials have pointed to difficulties faced by freight vehicles approaching the airport through the main entrance, particularly during periods of heavy traffic on GST Road. An alternative rear access could help streamline the movement of cargo vehicles arriving from different parts of Tamil Nadu.

The road proposal is also linked to the broader expansion plans for Chennai airport. AAI has been working on plans for a fifth terminal aimed at increasing airport capacity and improving the utilisation of remote aircraft parking bays. The terminal project, which had remained stalled for several years, was revived by the authority in 2024.

Before the elevated road proposal can move towards implementation, the Tamil Nadu government will have to examine the DPR and provide the necessary approval. The impact of constructing the elevated structure across the Adyar River is also an important consideration.

AAI had earlier commissioned a hydrological study through the Centre for Water Resources at Anna University to assess how the proposed structures could affect the river’s flow under normal, monsoon and flood conditions. The findings are expected to be relevant as authorities evaluate the project.

The proposed access road comes at a time when Chennai airport is undergoing wider infrastructure expansion, including the integrated Terminal 3 project. A new elevated connection to the rear of the airport could complement these developments by providing additional road connectivity for passengers, airport users and cargo operators.

At present, the project remains at the proposal stage. The next step is for the Tamil Nadu government to review the DPR and decide on the approval required for AAI to proceed with the elevated road project.