Ramp Up Meenambakkam Airport, Zero In on New Site: CII
The industry body called for investments in world-class passenger facilities, expanded cargo infrastructure, improved operational efficiency and facilities to accommodate larger wide-body international aircraft.
Chennai:The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has called for strengthening the Chennai International Airport at Meenambakkam and fast-tracking the development of an alternative greenfield airport following the state government’s decision to drop the Parandur airport project.
CII Southern Region chairman Ravichandran Purushothaman said an airport is more than transport infrastructure and is a strategic enabler of economic growth, global competitiveness, trade, tourism, investment and employment.
The CII said the immediate priority should be to significantly enhance the capacity, efficiency and passenger experience at Chennai airport. As Tamil Nadu’s principal international gateway, Meenambakkam plays a key role in supporting business, exports, tourism and regional connectivity.
The industry body called for investments in world-class passenger facilities, expanded cargo infrastructure, improved operational efficiency and facilities to accommodate larger wide-body international aircraft.
At the same time, the CII stressed that modernising the existing airport would address capacity requirements only in the near and medium term. Chennai’s expanding industrial, manufacturing, logistics and services sectors would require a second airport to support long-term growth and attract investments.
With the Parandur project no longer being pursued, the CII urged the government to quickly identify and finalise an alternative site after considering technical, environmental and economic factors.
He said the new airport project should be accorded high priority and executed without delay to improve regional connectivity and help Chennai retain its position as a leading industrial and investment destination.
