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Five unserved airstrips in Tamil Nadu-Arakkonam, Chettinad, Cholavaram, Sulur, and Ulundurpet-are now available for bidding under the UDAN Scheme, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Rajya Sabha. Responding to a query from DMK MP Kanimozhi NVN Somu, the minister also provided updates on regional connectivity in Tamil Nadu. He noted that five airports-Salem, Vellore, Neyveli, Tanjore, and Ramnad—had been identified for Regional Connectivity Services (RCS) flights under the Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) Scheme. While Salem has already commenced RCS operations, Neyveli and Vellore airports have completed development work and are in the licensing process. Land acquisition is still underway for Ramnad airport, and at Tanjore, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will proceed with civil enclave construction once the State Government provides the necessary approach road. The RCS-UDAN scheme is market-driven, where airline operators assess route feasibility and bid accordingly. The revival or upgrading of unserved and underserved airports is based on successful bidding and selection of an airline operator, the minister explained. Regarding the proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport, the minister responded to AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai, confirming that in August 2024, the Government of India granted Site Clearance approval to Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (TIDCO) for the project. In September 2024, TIDCO submitted its application for In-Principle approval along with a Detailed Project Report. Under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, responsibilities such as land acquisition, funding, and rehabilitation fall under the jurisdiction of the airport developer or the State Government. |
