Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has decided to examine the feasibility of providing road connectivity between the proposed satellite terminal at Chennai International Airport and the Tambaram–Maduravoyal bypass, while ensuring that the project does not disrupt the natural flow of the Adyar River or affect nearby residential areas.
Senior state government officials held a meeting with Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials on Friday to discuss the proposed fifth terminal and its execution, according to the report.
The move comes after the state government officially shelved the Parandur greenfield airport project, shifting the focus towards expanding Chennai’s existing airport infrastructure. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has indicated that a satellite terminal would be developed with road connectivity to the Tambaram–Maduravoyal bypass.
AAI has proposed a four-km elevated corridor connecting the satellite terminal to the bypass. However, the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has suggested considering a ground-level road to improve accessibility for neighbourhoods including Pozhichalur and Tharapakkam.
A key concern for the government is the Adyar River, which runs along the airport’s periphery. Officials want the proposed connectivity project to preserve the river’s natural course and avoid increasing flood risks in surrounding areas, particularly in the event of rainfall and flooding similar to the 2015 episode.
Satellite terminal to raise airport capacity
The proposed satellite terminal is expected to increase Chennai airport’s passenger-handling capacity from 35 million to 55 million passengers annually. It is also expected to improve runway efficiency from 35 aircraft movements per hour to 45, supported by a rapid-exit taxiway network.
According to airport officials, the satellite terminal will handle both passengers and cargo. The proposed road link will primarily serve passengers and cargo entering and leaving the airport, while passengers transferring between the primary and satellite terminals could continue to use the existing perimeter road and airport vehicles.
AAI has an expert team to study the connectivity proposal and make necessary modifications. Work on the plan is expected to begin once the state government grants final approval.
Join our WhatsApp Channel for fastest updates: Join now
