Parandur Airport: Over 500 acres of land already acquired

The land acquisition for Chennai’s second airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district is gradually progressing, with the Tamil Nadu government acquiring nearly 540 acres for the project so far.

Announced three years ago with a projected cost of ₹27,400 crore, the Parandur airport received in-principle approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation in April. The project, which will be developed in multiple phases, requires a total of 5,746 acres of land, including 3,774 acres of private patta land across several villages such as Parandur, Eganapuram, Nelvoy, Ciruvallur Thandalam, Thodur, Valathur, Gunakara Pakkam, Magadevi Mangalam, and Podavur.

In June, the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order to begin land acquisition under the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997. By July, several landowners from Nelvoy, Parandur, Valathur, Podavur, and Akkamapuram voluntarily agreed to part with their land parcels.

According to state government sources, 540 acres have been acquired across 12 villages, with 50% owned by local residents and the remaining 50% by landowners residing elsewhere. Parandur village accounts for the largest portion of land acquired to date.

Officials indicate that the acquisition process is being handled cautiously, particularly with elections scheduled for early next year. Acquiring land in Eganapuram remains challenging due to strong opposition from residents since the project’s inception.

The Parandur airport project has experienced delays, with tenders for Phase I construction now expected next year. Consequently, Phase I completion may shift from 2028 to 2030, while the remaining three phases are projected to conclude by 2046.

This ambitious project will significantly enhance Chennai’s aviation infrastructure, creating a modern airport in Kancheepuram district and contributing to the region’s economic growth.