Tuesday, May 26, 2026
writingonblog uncensored: Chennai airport plans second passenger terminal, c...
writingonblog uncensored: Chennai airport plans second passenger terminal, c...: C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning to develop an additional passenger terminal and cargo infr...
Chennai airport plans second passenger terminal, cargo hub under expansion strategy on other side of runway
C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning to develop an additional passenger terminal and cargo infrastructure on the other side of the runway at Chennai International Airport, while retaining the existing cargo terminal, signalling a broader long-term expansion strategy for the airport, according to Chennai Airport Director M Raja Kishore.
He was responding to a proposal from the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), which had suggested shifting cargo operations to the rear side of the airport campus as part of a logistics revamp and an alternative cargo access corridor from the Chennai Bypass.
Kishore said a complete relocation of cargo facilities was not operationally feasible because around 60 per cent of freight handled at Chennai airport moves as “belly cargo” in passenger aircraft.
“Cargo operations are not an independent activity. So shifting cargo operations completely to the other side is not fully viable,” he said in response to queries.
Instead, authorities are examining the possibility of creating an additional cargo hub on the rear side of the airport campus while continuing operations at the existing terminal, he added.
CUMTA had proposed a 5.2-km alternative road connectivity to improve cargo movement and suggested that relocating cargo facilities could free up land for apron expansion and potentially help the airport handle up to 35 million passengers in the future.
Kishore, however, said the projection linked to vacating the existing cargo terminal area was “not viable” under current operational requirements.
“As it is in the conceptual stage, approvals and junction connectivity with NHAI (NH-32), Adyar river flow management, and land acquisition, if any below the shadow region of the flyover, need to be assessed going forward, based on the outcome and decision of the Government of Tamil Nadu,” he added.
The proposal forms part of CUMTA’s proposed 10-year City Logistics Plan aimed at streamlining freight movement across the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
According to CUMTA officials, a significant share of Chennai’s commercial air cargo originates from western industrial clusters such as Thirumudivakkam and Irungattukottai. Under the proposal, closed-body trucks carrying cargo would move from the Outer Ring Road via Anakaputhur to the proposed cargo complex on the western side of the airport.
Sources said the proposed connector road is expected to handle 200-250 trucks carrying nearly 700 tonnes of air cargo daily.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning to develop an additional passenger terminal and cargo infrastructure on the other side of the runway at Chennai International Airport, while retaining the existing cargo terminal, signalling a broader long-term expansion strategy for the airport, according to Chennai Airport Director M Raja Kishore.
He was responding to a proposal from the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), which had suggested shifting cargo operations to the rear side of the airport campus as part of a logistics revamp and an alternative cargo access corridor from the Chennai Bypass.
Kishore said a complete relocation of cargo facilities was not operationally feasible because around 60 per cent of freight handled at Chennai airport moves as “belly cargo” in passenger aircraft.
“Cargo operations are not an independent activity. So shifting cargo operations completely to the other side is not fully viable,” he said in response to queries.
Instead, authorities are examining the possibility of creating an additional cargo hub on the rear side of the airport campus while continuing operations at the existing terminal, he added.
CUMTA had proposed a 5.2-km alternative road connectivity to improve cargo movement and suggested that relocating cargo facilities could free up land for apron expansion and potentially help the airport handle up to 35 million passengers in the future.
Kishore, however, said the projection linked to vacating the existing cargo terminal area was “not viable” under current operational requirements.
“As it is in the conceptual stage, approvals and junction connectivity with NHAI (NH-32), Adyar river flow management, and land acquisition, if any below the shadow region of the flyover, need to be assessed going forward, based on the outcome and decision of the Government of Tamil Nadu,” he added.
The proposal forms part of CUMTA’s proposed 10-year City Logistics Plan aimed at streamlining freight movement across the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
According to CUMTA officials, a significant share of Chennai’s commercial air cargo originates from western industrial clusters such as Thirumudivakkam and Irungattukottai. Under the proposal, closed-body trucks carrying cargo would move from the Outer Ring Road via Anakaputhur to the proposed cargo complex on the western side of the airport.
Sources said the proposed connector road is expected to handle 200-250 trucks carrying nearly 700 tonnes of air cargo daily.
--
Thursday, May 14, 2026
writingonblog uncensored: Can Tamil Nadu Retain Its Edge After Political Tra...
writingonblog uncensored: Can Tamil Nadu Retain Its Edge After Political Tra...: C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s industrial story is entering a high-stakes political transition. After five years of aggressively pos...
Can Tamil Nadu Retain Its Edge After Political Transition?
C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu’s industrial story is entering a high-stakes political transition. After five years of aggressively positioning itself as India’s factory floor and investment magnet, the change in government has shifted attention from headline investment pledges to a tougher question: can the new administration under Chief Minister Joseph Vijay preserve investor confidence while crafting its own economic identity?
The challenge comes at a sensitive moment. States across India are locked in an increasingly fierce contest for global capital, manufacturing supply chains and export-led growth.
Over the past five years, Tamil Nadu emerged as one of India’s most aggressive industrial destinations, with the Industries Department and Guidance Tamil Nadu driving investments in electronics, renewable energy, automobiles and export-oriented manufacturing. Between 2021 and 2026, the state signed 1,179 memoranda of understanding involving proposed investments of ₹12.37 lakh crore and potential employment for 36.52 lakh people, according to official data.
Industry executives say the new government’s first few months will be closely watched for signals on policy continuity, approvals, infrastructure delivery and electricity pricing.
“Mature governments build on continuity rather than disruption,” said M Ponnuswami, co-chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s National Taskforce on Ease of Doing Business. He said faster planning approvals would be crucial to sustaining investor confidence. He also said the state should push for time-bound environmental clearances.
Ponnuswami also pointed to mounting concerns over rising power costs and the need for reforms at Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation. “Neighbouring states are competing aggressively for investments," he said highlighting the cost of power for industries coming down in other states.
For manufacturers, continuity matters as much as incentives. Kumar Subramaniam, chief executive of Kaynes Circuits, said investors would study whether the new administration retained the policy direction of its predecessor.
“In Tamil Nadu there has traditionally been continuity across governments. Industry expects that to continue,” he said. “What investors will watch for now is whether the new government introduces a fresh industrial policy that indicates its priorities and long-term direction.”
The industrial roadmap outlined by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam attempts to signal both continuity and strategic recalibration. The party has set a target of transforming Tamil Nadu into a $1.5trillion economy by 2036 while promising faster ease-of-doing-business reforms and accelerated infrastructure creation.
Its manifesto proposes “Industry Transformation Maps” for 20 high-growth sectors and industrial development centres aimed at expanding public-private partnerships. It also seeks to deepen Tamil Nadu’s export orientation through an “EnterpriseTNPlan” focused on clusters such as Tiruppur textiles, Vellore leather goods, Chennai auto components and Erode jewellery.
The administration is also attempting to address growing stress among micro, small and medium enterprises, many of which have struggled with higher electricity tariffs, uneven power supply and tighter credit conditions. The manifesto proposes a ₹15,000 crore state-backed fund to provide low-interest support for distressed MSMEs.
“Policy certainty is now the real competitive advantage,” said Arun Alagappan of South India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). He said Tamil Nadu remained one of India’s strongest industrial and export-driven economies but sustaining competitiveness in a technology-led and climate-sensitive global economy would require continuous policy reforms, infrastructure investments and deeper government-industry coordination.
He has urged the government to raise manufacturing’s share of the state economy from about 20 per cent to 25 per cent by promoting sunrise sectors such as drones, semiconductors, green hydrogen and space technology.
For investors, however, the larger issue extends beyond announcements. Tamil Nadu’s industrial transition will ultimately be judged not by the scale of promises, but by whether the new government can preserve the state’s reputation as one of India’s most dependable manufacturing destinations.
Tamil Nadu’s industrial story is entering a high-stakes political transition. After five years of aggressively positioning itself as India’s factory floor and investment magnet, the change in government has shifted attention from headline investment pledges to a tougher question: can the new administration under Chief Minister Joseph Vijay preserve investor confidence while crafting its own economic identity?
The challenge comes at a sensitive moment. States across India are locked in an increasingly fierce contest for global capital, manufacturing supply chains and export-led growth.
Over the past five years, Tamil Nadu emerged as one of India’s most aggressive industrial destinations, with the Industries Department and Guidance Tamil Nadu driving investments in electronics, renewable energy, automobiles and export-oriented manufacturing. Between 2021 and 2026, the state signed 1,179 memoranda of understanding involving proposed investments of ₹12.37 lakh crore and potential employment for 36.52 lakh people, according to official data.
Industry executives say the new government’s first few months will be closely watched for signals on policy continuity, approvals, infrastructure delivery and electricity pricing.
“Mature governments build on continuity rather than disruption,” said M Ponnuswami, co-chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s National Taskforce on Ease of Doing Business. He said faster planning approvals would be crucial to sustaining investor confidence. He also said the state should push for time-bound environmental clearances.
Ponnuswami also pointed to mounting concerns over rising power costs and the need for reforms at Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation. “Neighbouring states are competing aggressively for investments," he said highlighting the cost of power for industries coming down in other states.
For manufacturers, continuity matters as much as incentives. Kumar Subramaniam, chief executive of Kaynes Circuits, said investors would study whether the new administration retained the policy direction of its predecessor.
“In Tamil Nadu there has traditionally been continuity across governments. Industry expects that to continue,” he said. “What investors will watch for now is whether the new government introduces a fresh industrial policy that indicates its priorities and long-term direction.”
The industrial roadmap outlined by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam attempts to signal both continuity and strategic recalibration. The party has set a target of transforming Tamil Nadu into a $1.5trillion economy by 2036 while promising faster ease-of-doing-business reforms and accelerated infrastructure creation.
Its manifesto proposes “Industry Transformation Maps” for 20 high-growth sectors and industrial development centres aimed at expanding public-private partnerships. It also seeks to deepen Tamil Nadu’s export orientation through an “EnterpriseTNPlan” focused on clusters such as Tiruppur textiles, Vellore leather goods, Chennai auto components and Erode jewellery.
The administration is also attempting to address growing stress among micro, small and medium enterprises, many of which have struggled with higher electricity tariffs, uneven power supply and tighter credit conditions. The manifesto proposes a ₹15,000 crore state-backed fund to provide low-interest support for distressed MSMEs.
“Policy certainty is now the real competitive advantage,” said Arun Alagappan of South India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI). He said Tamil Nadu remained one of India’s strongest industrial and export-driven economies but sustaining competitiveness in a technology-led and climate-sensitive global economy would require continuous policy reforms, infrastructure investments and deeper government-industry coordination.
He has urged the government to raise manufacturing’s share of the state economy from about 20 per cent to 25 per cent by promoting sunrise sectors such as drones, semiconductors, green hydrogen and space technology.
For investors, however, the larger issue extends beyond announcements. Tamil Nadu’s industrial transition will ultimately be judged not by the scale of promises, but by whether the new government can preserve the state’s reputation as one of India’s most dependable manufacturing destinations.
writingonblog uncensored: TN Govt Reviews Finances, Airports as AMCA Project...
writingonblog uncensored: TN Govt Reviews Finances, Airports as AMCA Project...: C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Thursday held a review meeting with officials from the Industries and Fina...
TN Govt Reviews Finances, Airports as AMCA Project Slips to Andhra
C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Thursday held a review meeting with officials from the Industries and Finance departments, amid heightened attention on the State’s fiscal position and key infrastructure projects.
The meeting assumes significance as the Chief Minister, during his oath-taking ceremony, announced plans to release a white paper on Tamil Nadu’s finances while flagging the State’s debt burden of ₹10 lakh crore.
The review with the Industries Department is also being closely watched as uncertainty persists over the proposed Parandur airport project following the poll promise made to residents of Ekanapuram to halt land acquisition and prevent the displacement of villagers.
Officials from both departments described the interaction as a routine review meeting. However, it comes at a crucial juncture as the new government prepares to roll out its first Budget and recalibrate its industrial strategy.
When asked whether discussions covered the proposed airports at Hosur and Parandur, officials declined to comment. The issue gains importance in the backdrop of Tamil Nadu losing out to Andhra Pradesh in securing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) flight testing and integration complex — a landmark defence aerospace project linked to India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter programme. The groundbreaking ceremony for the facility is scheduled to be held on May 15 at Puttaparthi in Andhra Pradesh.
Tamil Nadu has proposed a 3,000-acre aerospace and aviation development in Hosur, including a greenfield airport and a dedicated manufacturing hub for the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) AMCA programme. Located near the Bengaluru border, the project is aimed at strengthening the State’s footprint in defence and aerospace manufacturing.
A senior government official said Tamil Nadu’s inability to secure the AMCA-linked project was linked to delays in obtaining clearances for the proposed Hosur airport. “Approvals involving defence considerations typically go through multiple layers of scrutiny and iterations with the Centre,” the official said.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
writingonblog uncensored: UWA India announces scholarship for students
writingonblog uncensored: UWA India announces scholarship for students: CHENNAI: University of Western Australia (UWA) unveiled one of its largest standalone scholarship commitments for Indian students as it ope...
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