AAI submits report to WRD on building elevated corridor

In a bid to push towards speedy implementation of an elevated corridor and the construction of the satellite terminal at the Chennai Airport, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has submitted a study to the Water Resources Department (WRD).

The satellite terminal was proposed nearly eight year ago as it will help in handling  air and passenger traffic. It will also be a way of optimum utilisation of the remote bays.

This project, which was on the back burner for several years, gained a new lease of life in 2024, when AAI revived it.

Fresh proposal

After the Tamil Nadu government informed AAI that they cannot provide additional land for establishing connectivity to this terminal, AAI pitched a new proposal to the State government early last year.

According to this renewed plan, an elevated corridor from National Highway 32 can be built to give access to the satellite terminal.

This corridor’s origin will be close to Madha Arts and Science College in Thandalam, pass via the Adyar River and finally end at the terminal’s entry point.

Officials of AAI said, while this new plan did not demand additional land, they needed a nod from the WRD and Central Pollution Control Board.

“The State government had asked us to submit a report which is a study on the hydrological impact on the Adyar River. Since the pillars will be on the river, they wanted us to examine if such construction will hinder the flow of water. So, we requested the Centre for Water Resources, Anna University, to do a study on the same, examining how the flow of water will be when there are no rains, during monsoon and floods. They recently gave the report. We have now submitted it to WRD,” an official said.

AAI officials said, if they receive approval from the State government, then they will allocate funds towards building this terminal and the four-lane elevated corridor.

“This terminal could either be a full-fledged passenger terminal or even serve as an exclusive cargo terminal. Since Parandur airport will take another 4-5 years, the city will benefit from having such a terminal,” another official said.