Chennai Second Airport: Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi Identified as Possible Sites

The Tamil Nadu government is reportedly considering Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi as potential locations for Chennai’s second airport, following the decision to drop the Parandur airport project.

Chennai’s existing Meenambakkam International Airport has been operating for more than a century and handles over 50,000 passengers daily. With passenger traffic continuing to increase, the airport has been facing space constraints, prompting the need for a new international airport.

Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi Under Consideration

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has reportedly conducted an initial assessment of locations for the proposed second airport and shortlisted Cheyyur in Chengalpattu district and Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district.

However, both locations face certain challenges that could affect the feasibility of developing a major airport.

Cheyyur is located around 100 km from Chennai, which could create transportation challenges for passengers. The proposed location is also around 20 km from the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, while restrictions related to the airspace and nearby defence and nuclear facilities could require further assessment and approvals.

Similarly, Gummidipoondi is located around 50 km from Sriharikota and is close to the Pulicat protected ecological zone. The availability of a large area of suitable land could therefore be a major challenge.

Centre`s Approval and Feasibility Study

Reports indicate that the Tamil Nadu government has written to the Central government seeking an on-site assessment of the shortlisted locations.

Further steps are expected to be taken only after a detailed feasibility study by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and necessary clearances relating to aviation safety, defence and environmental concerns.

The government is also expected to assess the extent of land acquisition, the impact on agricultural land and the number of water bodies that could be affected by the proposed airport project.

Chennai Second Airport Could Boost Regional Development

If one of the two locations is ultimately selected, the Chennai second airport project could significantly boost economic development in the surrounding region.

The airport could encourage growth in manufacturing, logistics, cargo transportation and industrial establishments, while creating additional employment opportunities for local residents.

The project could also increase land values and contribute to the growth of the real estate sector in the surrounding areas.

According to TIDCO officials, it could take around five to seven years for the new airpoport to become operational after the location is finalised and the necessary approvals and construction work are completed.