‘Irreversible Setback’: Stalin Criticises CM Vijay Over Scrapping of Parandur Airport Plan

Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin has criticised Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay over the decision to scrap the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur, calling it an “irreversible setback” for the state’s development.

The Tamil Nadu government announced on Monday that it would abandon the Parandur airport project and instead identify an alternative location for Chennai’s proposed second airport. The decision came amid strong opposition from local residents and farmers over the possible impact on agricultural land and livelihoods.

Stalin Questions the Decision

Stalin argued that abandoning a major infrastructure project after years of planning could delay Tamil Nadu’s development and affect Chennai’s future aviation and economic needs.

The former chief minister had earlier backed the Parandur site as part of plans to develop a second airport for Chennai. The project was estimated to cost around ₹20,000 crore and was planned with a large passenger-handling capacity.

Why Did CM Vijay Drop the Project?

Chief Minister Vijay said Chennai still urgently needs a second airport because of rising passenger traffic, industrial expansion and growing cargo movement.

However, he maintained that Parandur was not suitable because the project could affect agricultural land and residential areas. He said the government would look for an alternative site with significantly less impact on farmers and local communities.

Alternative Airport Site to Be Identified

The state government has said that cancelling the Parandur proposal does not mean abandoning plans for a second airport.

Instead, officials will identify a new location where there is less opposition and lower impact on agricultural land and water resources. The government also plans to expand the existing Chennai airport, including the development of an additional terminal.

Political Row Intensifies

The decision has triggered a political controversy between the ruling TVK government and the opposition DMK. Stalin has warned of long-term consequences for Tamil Nadu’s development, while the Vijay government has defended the decision as one that prioritises farmers and local residents.

The debate is now centred on whether Chennai can meet its future aviation requirements without proceeding with the Parandur project.