No public land to be used for new airport terminal project

The people’s views would be sent to the Airport Authorities of India (AAI) after which the works are expected to commence. Over 300 residents living near the airport participated in the hearing presided by Collector K Rajamani. Members of the public cleared their doubts regarding the new terminal building during the hearing. They were assured that their routine life would not be affected since the entire work would be executed within the existing area of the airport. 

Airport officials said once the TNPCB’s letter with the views of the public is received by the AAI, the works would commence. It would be a major boost for the city as well as the airport, the officials said. The AAI had come up with the proposal for the new integrated terminal parallel to the runway with apron, multi-level car parking and ramps to reach the departure level to be constructed in an area of 60,723 sqm at an estimated cost of Rs 951 crore. 

“The infrastructural development of the airport has been proposed only in the existing area and no public land would be utilised for it. The views of the people residing close to the airport would be recorded as mandatory procedure,” said TNPCB District Engineer Lakshmi.