The proposed greenfield airport at Parandur will include a dedicated cargo village to handle trade consignments, with direct connectivity to the upcoming multimodal logistics park in Mappedu, according to Sandeep Nanduri, Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO). This initiative is part of the master plan for the new airport, which is set to become Chennai’s second major aviation hub.
Located in Parandur, Kancheepuram district, the airport has received site clearance from the central government. TIDCO’s master plan outlines the development of the airport in four phases at an estimated cost of Rs 32,704 crore. Designed with three terminal buildings, the facility aims to accommodate up to 100 million passengers annually. Construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin in January 2026 and finish by December 2028, with the final phase expected to be completed by December 2046.
Additionally, plans are in place for a new airport in Hosur, focusing on supporting the region’s manufacturing industries, particularly those involved in electric vehicles and semiconductors. Land allotment for the Hosur airport is still pending.
Speaking at the SEAIRO Conference, themed “Connecting Markets, Collaborative Strategies for Elevating Logistics to Global Standards,” hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Nanduri shared that the master plan for the Parandur airport is in progress. He also noted that the state is working with Indian Railways on developing high-speed rail and freight corridors, with routes such as Madurai-Thoothukudi, Coimbatore-Thoothukudi, and Chennai-Hosur under consideration.
At the same conference, Sunil Paliwal, Chairman of Chennai Port Authority, underscored the importance of shore power facilities at Kamarajar Port, which would significantly reduce emissions from vessels while docked.
These developments are part of Tamil Nadu’s broader strategy to enhance logistics infrastructure, boost trade, support local industries, and promote environmental sustainability. State Chief Minister M K Stalin confirmed that the existing Meenambakkam airport and the new Parandur airport will operate concurrently, meeting the rising demand in the civil aviation sector. Like Delhi (Delhi and Noida airports), Mumbai (Mumbai and Navi Mumbai airports), and Goa (Dabolim and Mopa airports), Chennai could soon have a dual airport system.
