Tamil Nadu zeroes in on two sites for Chennai's second airport

The Tamil Nadu government has identified two potential locations for Chennai's second airport and has formally requested the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct a pre-feasibility study on both sites. The development follows last week's announcement by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay that the state would abandon the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur and explore alternative locations.

The two sites under consideration are Cheyyur in Chengalpattu district and Manellore in Tiruvallur district, which falls within the Gummidipoondi area. A team from the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has already completed an initial round of inspections at both locations.

According to sources, the Cheyyur site lies approximately 40 km from Puducherry airport and about 35 km from Kalpakkam. The Manellore site is roughly 50 km from Chennai city and 35 km from Sriharikota.

Officials note that securing regulatory clearances could prove difficult for either location. The Cheyyur site may have a better chance if the Ministry of Defence grants clearance, as the Indian Air Force station at Tambaram controls the airspace in that region. The Manellore site, however, is said to face considerably more challenges.

AAI officials are expected to visit both sites for inspections in the coming weeks, after which a detailed report will be prepared. The state government has urged AAI to expedite the process, with the report anticipated within a few months. Even with swift action, sources indicate that the project would take at least five to seven years to become operational.