Has Land Acquisition for Parandur Airport in Chennai Gained Momentum with Rs 400 Crore Paid to Landowners?
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Chennai, Nov 5 (NationPress) The process of acquiring land for the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district has accelerated significantly, with officials confirming that nearly 1,000 acres have already been secured for the project.
So far, compensation totaling approximately Rs 400 crore has been distributed to landowners.
Officials stated that efforts to acquire the remaining land parcels are being conducted in a phased and timely manner to facilitate the airport's development.
This ambitious Parandur airport seeks to alleviate congestion at Chennai’s current Meenambakkam facility and is planned to cover a total area of 5,183 acres across 13 villages, which include Parandur, Ekanapuram, Nelvoy, Podavur, Akkamapuram, and Valathoor.
The site is located within the Sriperumbudur and Kundrathur taluks of Kancheepuram district.
District officials have observed that the process has gained speed in recent months.
As of September, 441 landowners from 12 villages had voluntarily surrendered around 566 acres, with the first group of 19 landowners from five villages having formally handed over their properties as early as July.
“The land transfer process is now in an expedited phase, and all essential measures are being taken to ensure a smooth completion,” a senior revenue official stated.
However, the project is facing opposition from some residents who are concerned about displacement, environmental issues, and the loss of traditional livelihoods.
Residents from Ekanapuram and surrounding areas have organized protests and requested alternative sites or better compensation packages.
Multiple political parties, including actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), have voiced their support for the protesters, calling for a reassessment of the project’s alignment.
Despite the pushback, officials have reaffirmed that the airport development will move forward as planned, highlighting its significance for the state's long-term infrastructure and economic growth.
Once operational, the Parandur airport is anticipated to accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually, establishing itself as a major aviation hub for South India.
Officials noted that groundwork for boundary demarcation and initial layout planning will commence once the land acquisition reaches the necessary threshold.