TN Adopts ‘Soft’ Land Acquisition Strategy for Chennai Greenfield Airport Ahead of 2026 Polls

The Tamil Nadu government is taking a measured approach in acquiring land for the proposed ₹20,000 crore greenfield airport near Chennai, amid growing protests and political sensitivity ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Planned in Parandur, Kanchipuram district, the airport will feature two runways, a dedicated cargo village, and aims to meet Chennai’s growing aviation needs. Officials have reiterated that the state will start land acquisition only from voluntary farmers and villagers, and that it will not be involved in any forceful land acquisition whatsoever.

“We’re starting with those who agree to sell their land for fair compensation and rehabilitation,” a senior official told Deccan Herald, adding that the gradual approach of such a soft start might persuade more villagers to cooperate later.

The timing of this decision also seemed to be at politics high with actor-politician Vijay supporting the protesting villagers and threatening to gherao the State Secretariat unless Chief Minister M.K. Stalin visited them.

With polls approaching, officials said a directive has been issued to district authorities to avoid confrontation. “The project will be delayed by at least a year, but there’s no turning back,” another source said.

TIDCO, the nodal agency, needs around 3,900 acres—excluding 1,500 acres it already holds—but so far has registered only 17.52 acres. Villagers of Eganapuram, where a key runway is planned, remain the biggest hurdle. Protests there have continued for over 1,000 days, and about 60% of the 1,000 homes to be razed fall within this hamlet.

Still, officials say many farmers are now open to selling, attracted by compensation rates 3–7 times higher than guideline values. Mass registrations are expected within three months.

The government is preparing tenders for selecting a concessionaire and seeking environmental clearance. The new airport is planned near Chennai-Bengaluru NH and Sriperumbudur, with a township in the works to ease congestion in the capital.

Previous attempts to build a new airport since 2006 have failed due to political and local opposition. With Chennai’s air traffic swelling and the current airport under pressure, the greenfield project is seen as critical, but politically delicate.