Defence authorities decline to give land for Chennai airport expansion project

Non availability of Defence land came in the way of airside development of Chennai’s Meenambakkam airport and it was time that the Tamil Nadu government held direct discussions with the defence authorities in this regard, it was decided at the Airport advisory committee held at Chennai last week.

The meeting presided over by Lok sabha MP T R Baalu, instructed the special DRO to handover the land identified for hanger and simple approach lighting of runway 12/30. The obstacles on the approach path of secondary runway I are affecting its optimum usage. The meeting dwelled up on obstacles on approach path of runway 12/30 to be removed without affecting the building which are having low infringement.

Chairman AAC advised the concerned district administration(s) to initiate immediate measures to clear obstacles on the approach path to enable wide bodied aircraft operations. Further the land to the tune of 60 acres to be acquired for providing connectivity road between New terminal and Cargo terminal to Chennai By-pass was also deliberated

The meeting commenced deliberating on issues concerning the Chennai Airport modernisation project, airside enhancement works, clearing of obstacles and acquisition of land pockets identified for development.

The Modernisation phase II, which is underway will be able to cater to 35 Million Passengers Per Annum, which is a seamless increase from the existing capacity of 17 Million Persons Per Annum. However, in consonance with the terminal capacity increase, airside works are progressing well to meet the demand and the land pockets which are already identified and needed to be acquired for further development. Commissioning of the Bravo taxiway, Rapid Exit Taxiway (RET) -3, R & N Taxiways have quickened aircraft movement between runway(s) and apron(s) and with commissioning of RET 01, the peak hour aircraft handling capacity is expected to go up from 36/hr to 45/hr.

The presence of touts at the arrival was also discussed. Chairman AAC directed Police Authorities to have a strict vigil and ensure no such anti-social activity s allowed at the airport.

Chairman AAC suggested for deployment of CISF personnel speaking local language to be positioned in the passenger interaction areas. The same is expected to ensure better facilitation of passengers. Other points including shortage of manpower in immigration were also discussed.