TN to Send Parandur Airport Tender by March

The Tamil Nadu government is moving ahead with plans to build a new airport at Parandur, near Chennai. According to sources, the State will send the tender documents for the project to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) by March. The government is expected to invite bids from companies only after the Assembly elections.

Last year in April, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation gave in-principle approval for the airport project. However, the Centre made it clear that certain steps must be followed before starting the bidding process. One important condition is that the tender documents must be shared with the Ministry first for review and approval.

These documents include the concession agreement, Request for Proposal (RFP), and other papers related to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The Centre wants to carefully check these papers, especially any clauses or benefits related to the Government of India, before the State calls for tenders.

Officials said this process will ensure that the project follows national guidelines and legal rules. Once the Ministry reviews and clears the documents, the State can formally invite companies to bid for the construction and operation of the airport.

The proposed Parandur airport is expected to reduce congestion at Chennai International Airport and improve air connectivity in the region.