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The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has called for strengthening the Chennai Airport and also urged the state government to fast-track alternative greenfield airport.
The statement comes in reaction to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's announcement to scrap the Parandur airport project, which he said would affect agricultural land and disrupt the livelihoods of farmers and residents. "An airport is far more than a piece of transport infrastructure; for a capital city and economic powerhouse like Chennai, it is a strategic enabler of economic growth, global competitiveness, trade, tourism, investment, and job creation," said Ravichandran Purushothaman, the Chairman of CII Southern Region. The industry body stressed the need for a clear, time-bound and growth-oriented aviation strategy for the state. Under this, CII has outlined two immediate priorities -- strengthening Chennai International Airport at Meenambakkam as the state's primary gateway and accelerating the development of an alternative greenfield airport. In April 2025, the Civil Aviation Ministry had granted the 'in-Principle' approval for setting up an International Greenfield Airport at Parandur, Kancheepuram District. "The foremost priority must be to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to significantly enhance the capacity, efficiency, and passenger experience at Chennai International Airport," CII said as Meenambakkam plays a critical role in supporting business activity, exports, tourism, and regional connectivity. As per CII, the investments should focus on world-class passenger amenities, expanded cargo infrastructure, improved operational efficiency, and the capability to accommodate larger wide-body international aircraft. "These upgrades are essential to meeting growing demand while reinforcing Chennai's position as a leading economic hub," CII noted. For alternative greenfield airport, CII noted, while modernisation of the existing airport is imperative, it can only address capacity requirements in the near to medium term. "Chennai's rapidly expanding industrial, manufacturing, logistics, and services sectors require a second airport to sustain long-term economic growth and attract future investments," the industry body noted adding, it is "critical" that the state government finalise an alternative site. (ANI)
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