Parandur and Pannur chosen as the Sites for Chennai’s 2nd Airport

The Airports Authority of India has shortlisted two locations for the city’s second airport, Pannur and Parandur, and has recently submitted them to the State government. Initially, a team from Chennai examined four sites in Pannur, Parandur, Thiruporur, and Padalam and generated a pre-feasibility study, according to sources at the Airports Authority of India (AAI). It would be a long drive for any passenger who has to travel to the greenfield airport because talks to keep the existing airport at Tirusulam are ongoing. These two sites have been picked after thorough consideration of various aspects of four sites. There are certain restrictions and limitations at the Padalam and Thiruporur locations. “We’ve referred it to TIDCO (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation), which will take it up with the State government,” a source added. Before making a final selection, the pricing and availability of land in these two sites will be examined. At least 2,000 to 3,000 acres of land are required for a greenfield airport in Chennai. TIDCO will now undertake talks with the State government on the next steps in the site selection process. “The AAI has only recommended two sites for further studies. After this, techno-feasibility study and obstruction limitation surface and a few other checks have to done before finalising a site. Then, a steering committee from the Centre will have to approve the site. Subsequently, the site has to get several clearances for constructing a greenfield airport. Even if the work is taken up at a fast pace, the second airport will be a reality only in about five years,” another source stated.