The Tamil Nadu government’s ambitious green-field airport project at Parandur has entered a critical phase, with more than 1,100 acres of land already acquired across 17 villages in Kanchipuram district. The total land requirement stands close to 5,700 acres, combining both private and government holdings.

District officials clarified that landowners can continue using the acquired plots for farming and other routine activities until construction begins. “Since most of the acquired lands remain vacant, owners will be informed well in advance before they are required to hand them over,” a Kancheepuram administration official stated.

🌿 Government’s Next Steps: Clearances and Planning

While land transfer continues, the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) has taken charge of preparing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the project. Once substantial acquisition is complete, draft bid documents will be forwarded to the Union government for approval — the final administrative step before construction begins.

The proposed airport is designed to handle 10 crore passengers annually, featuring two runways, expansive terminal buildings, taxiways, an apron, and a cargo terminal, positioning it among India’s largest aviation infrastructure ventures.

💰 Compensation and Disbursement Drive

The state has already disbursed around ₹850 crore in compensation to landowners. Rates range between ₹35 lakh and ₹60 lakh per acre, depending on the locality and market valuation. In premium pockets, the payout can reach upwards of ₹70 lakh per acre, roughly three to seven times higher than guideline values, making it one of Tamil Nadu’s most generous land-acquisition programs.

🧑‍🌾 Ekanapuram: The Core of Resistance

However, not all villages are on board. The fiercest resistance continues from Ekanapuram, where the airport’s main runway is planned. The village alone accounts for nearly 905 acres, making it a decisive piece of the project puzzle.

Local protest leader Subramanian, president of the Ekanapuram residents’ group, reiterated that no landowners have agreed to surrender their land despite mounting pressure. “Except for the first 17.5 acres, the rest has only been registered in the name of the state government — not TIDCO,” he said.

The villagers are also preparing to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to protect nearby water bodies they claim could be affected by the airport’s footprint.

⚖️ Politics, Pressure, and Patience

Sources within the administration acknowledge that acquiring land from Ekanapuram is unlikely before the next Assembly elections. The government has decided not to use coercive methods, instead pursuing negotiations and incremental consent.

“Dealing with residents of Ekanapuram is delicate — they’ve been protesting for nearly 1,000 days,” said an official familiar with the situation. “About 500 acres will need to be taken from this village, and nearly 60% of the 1,000 houses marked for demolition fall within it. Unless the residents agree, construction cannot begin.”

Still, optimism persists within official circles. “A significant number of farmers are willing to give up their land after seeing the revised compensation,” said another source. “We expect the entire acquisition process to wrap up within a year.”

🚜 District-Wide Cooperation and Next Targets

Outside of Ekanapuram, villages such as Parandur, Nelvoy, Podavur, Valathoor, Thandalam, and Madapuram have largely cooperated with the process. Many landowners have voluntarily transferred land after compensation settlements, and the district has pledged to provide advance eviction notices and fair rehabilitation plans.

Meanwhile, the government is simultaneously advancing a metro-corridor project worth over ₹1,800 crore, linking Chennai city directly to the upcoming airport — a major infrastructure step designed to ensure seamless connectivity upon completion.

🌅 The Road Ahead

The Parandur Airport project stands at a crossroads of ambition and resistance. On one hand, Tamil Nadu has made visible progress in acquisition, compensation, and planning. On the other, Ekanapuram’s continued opposition poses a serious challenge that could delay timelines.

If completed on schedule, the airport will transform Kanchipuram’s landscape — boosting employment, real-estate growth, and regional connectivity. For now, the government’s task is clear: balance development with consent, and turn one of Tamil Nadu’s most contentious projects into a shared success story