Tamil Nadu Cancels Parandur Airport Project Amid Opposition Criticism

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced on August 24 that the state government will abandon the long-planned Parandur greenfield international airport project near Chennai, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and some ruling party allies who argue it will severely hamper the state's economic growth. The announcement, made in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, immediately sparked a walkout by the opposition DMK party.

The project, conceived during the previous DMK regime and granted in-principle approval by the Civil Aviation Ministry in April 2025, was intended to serve as Chennai's second airport. Chief Minister Vijay defended the cancellation, stating it was necessary to protect agricultural land and the livelihoods of local villagers. He cited concerns that approximately 55 percent of the proposed site consisted of waterbodies and wetlands, which raised issues related to flooding and runway safety. Vijay said his government would instead identify a new location for the airport after conducting detailed technical and feasibility studies.

The decision was met with immediate and strong opposition. DMK President and former Chief Minister M.K....