Chennai: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has agreed to replace a proposed dedicated corridor with a public road for the satellite terminal planned between Chennai airport’s two runways, accepting a revised proposal from the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA). This decision will improve connectivity for residents of neighbourhoods including Kolapakkam and Tharapakkam.
Revised Proposal Accepted
While AAI had initially pitched a dedicated elevated corridor to link the proposed satellite terminal to the Chennai-Maduravoyal bypass road, CUMTA revised the plan, suggesting that the road be made accessible to nearby residents to improve regional connectivity. Sources said AAI had no objection to the proposal, as the state believes such access would support growth in the surrounding areas.
Background of the Satellite Terminal
AAI had proposed the satellite terminal plan a few years ago to shift air cargo operations, ease congestion on GST Road, and restrict cargo vehicle movement on the arterial stretch. The plan was later revised into a full-fledged terminal handling both passenger and cargo operations, along with a dedicated corridor linking it to the Tambaram-Maduravoyal bypass road.
“If it is an elevated corridor project, AAI will bear the entire cost. However, since the state wants it to function as a common road with access to adjoining areas, the implementation model — whether through a 50:50 sharing of state and central funds or a public-private partnership — will have to be worked out,” the source said.
Capacity Expansion
Currently, Chennai airport has a capacity of 35 million passengers per year—10 million at Terminal 1, nine million at Terminal 3, and 16 million at the integrated terminal (T2 and T3) under development. Once the satellite terminal becomes operational, capacity is expected to increase to 45 million passengers annually. The project is also expected to boost cargo-handling capacity at the airport, which recorded 16% year-on-year growth in the last financial year.
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About the Author
Venkadesan S is a Special Correspondent who primarily covers electricity, aviation, the information commission, central investigation agencies, and metro rail.
