The Tamil Nadu government is set to initiate the tender process for Chennai’s second airport by the end of next year.

The project at Parandur, estimated to cost over Rs 20,000 crore, was confirmed by an official from the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO).

Site clearance for the greenfield airport is anticipated after the conclusion of the model code of conduct for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. According to the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008, the steering committee's site clearance is essential for airport development.

The state is also awaiting in-principle approval from the Centre and necessary environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.

A high-level committee, formed to assess hydrogeological and related issues, has submitted its findings. "Any recommendations made will be implemented," stated the official, reports The New Indian Express.

The seven-member committee, established last year, conducted multiple visits to Parandur's villages and waterbodies, examining groundwater, flood levels, and historical rainfall data.