Coimbatore: After over two decades of delay, Coimbatore’s long-awaited dream project, the expansion of Coimbatore International Airport, is finally set to proceed as the Tamil Nadu government prepares to hand over 600 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on a 99-year lease, free of cost.
Tamil Nadu govt hand over land for Coimbatore airport expansion unconditionally
Notably, the state government had earlier attached a precondition that if the airport is privatized, revenue sharing with Tamil Nadu must be considered, ensuring the state benefits from all future developments and revenue streams. But that has been withdrawn, and the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government handed over the land unconditionally.
The Coimbatore Airport, a crucial infrastructure in Tamil Nadu’s second-largest city, is set to undergo a long-awaited expansion. The existing runway’s short distance has hindered landing capabilities, prompting demands for the extension. In response, the government has initiated land acquisition for the expansion, aiming to complete the process by month-end.
Land Acquisition and Road Diversions
A total of 632 acres of land will be acquired for the project. Land acquisition work is currently underway. However, this will necessitate road diversions. The road from Irukur to Chinniampalayam will be blocked due to construction, and a detour will be created. A new road, an L and D road, will be built to connect Irkur to the airport, ensuring uninterrupted access.
