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Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu has announced that a key meeting will be held in New Delhi to discuss the Tamil Nadu government's request to build a second airport in Chennai at Parandur. The meeting will help move forward with the plan for the new airport, which has faced opposition from local residents and farmers. People living in Parandur and nearby areas are worried about losing their farmland and homes if the project is approved.
Government's Role in Airport Development
The Minister explained that the state government is responsible for choosing the location of new airports, while the Central government oversees the project's development. He clarified, "We do not choose the location for airports - that is the state government's role. They propose, select, and seek site clearance from us. Our job is to conduct feasibility studies and assess operational, navigational, and technical aspects." This shows that both the state and Central governments have different roles in airport projects.
Concerns About Land and Project Feasibility
Naidu said that any problems related to land acquisition must be handled by the state government. After receiving a proposal, the Central government checks if the selected land is suitable for an airport. The land must meet several requirements, such as being technically and operationally feasible. The Parandur airport project has already been given initial site clearance, but it still needs "in principle approval." The decision made in the upcoming meeting in Delhi will be very important for the future of this project.
Experts have also studied how another airport near Chennai will affect the airspace. They have looked at ways to manage air traffic between the new airport and existing ones, including those used for military purposes. Before giving final approval, the government will ensure that all necessary permissions are in place.
Affordable Food Options for Passengers
During his visit to Chennai airport, Naidu also opened the Udaan Yatri Cafe. This is the second such cafe in India, after the first one was launched at Kolkata airport. The cafe offers passengers low-cost food options, such as tea, coffee, samosas, and sweets. All items are priced affordably to help travelers avoid expensive food at airports.
"We believe no passenger should go hungry at the airport because of high prices. Our goal is to set up Udaan Yatri Cafes at airports across the country," Naidu said. The cafe's success in Kolkata shows that many travelers prefer budget-friendly food options.
The upcoming meeting in New Delhi will be crucial in deciding the future of the Parandur airport project. While some residents are concerned about losing their land, the government is working to expand India's aviation sector. At the same time, new efforts like the Udaan Yatri Cafe are making airport travel more comfortable and affordable for passengers.
