Parliament Question: Accelerating Tamil Nadu’s aviation growth through UDAN

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 174 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 2nd February 2026 ACCELERATING TAMIL NADU’S AVIATION GROWTH THROUGH UDAN 174. SHRI I.S. INBADURAI Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION be pleased to state:- (a) the manner in which new airports at Rameswaram, Vellore, Neyveli and Tirunelveli(Radhapuram) under UDAN boost tourism, jobs and regional economic growth; (b) the manner in which Government's proactive land acquisition for Salem and other airports reflect its commitment to improve regional connectivity and balanced development across the State of Tamil Nadu; (c) the manner in which Chennai airport Terminal-3 completion by 2026 strengthens international capacity and supports State's growing trade and travel demands; and (d) the manner in which Government is addressing land acquisition challenges at Parandur while ensuring rehabilitation, consensus and timely delivery of world-class aviation infrastructure? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol) (a) & (b): The Vellore and Neyveli airports have been identified under the UDAN Scheme and the licensing process is underway. The operationalisation of these airports will significantly enhance regional air connectivity in Tamil Nadu, improve access to religious, educational, industrial and cultural centres, boost tourism, generate direct and indirect employment, attract investment, support trade and local industries, reduce travel time and logistics costs, and contribute to balanced regional development and inclusive economic growth across the State. The responsibility of land acquisition lies with the concerned State Government. (c): The new terminal-3 at Chennai Airport will cater to 16 million passengers and thus enhance the overall capacity of the airport to 35 MPPA. The expansion will help cater to the rising demand for international & domestic travel, support growth in cargo and trade movements, and reinforce Chennai's position as a major aviation gateway for South India. Enhanced terminal capacity and modernised facilities will also support the State's expanding tourism, business travel and global connectivity requirements. (d): Government of India (GoI) has formulated a Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008 for development of Greenfield airports in the country. GoI has granted 'Site Clearance' to TIDCOon 01.08.2024 and 'In-Principle' approval on 07.04.2025 for development of Parandur Green Field Airport in Kanchipuram District. As per the GFA Policy, the responsibility for implementation of the Greenfield airport projects such as land acquisition, R&R, etc., lies with the State Government or the Airport Developer, as the case may. ******