New elevated access for Chennai airport: AAI submits DPR

CHENNAI: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Tamil Nadu government for a new elevated road linking the Tambaram-Porur stretch to Chennai airport, seeking State approval for an alternative access route to the facility's rear.

The proposed elevated link, planned across the Adyar River, will offer direct connectivity to the airport's rear side, reducing dependence on the congested GST Road. This new route is expected to streamline both passenger and cargo vehicle movement.

This road proposal aligns with AAI's plans for a fifth terminal at the airport, designed to augment capacity and optimise the use of remote bays. This terminal project, stalled for several years, was revived by AAI in 2024.

The push for alternative access is also driven by the difficulties cargo vehicles face at the main entrance. Restrictions and heavy traffic on the GST Road often hamper freight movement, particularly vehicles arriving from other parts of the State, officials noted.

The elevated corridor across the Adyar has been mooted for some time. Following the State government's request to assess the impact of the proposed structures on the river's flow during normal, monsoon, and flood conditions, AAI had previously commissioned a hydrological study by the Centre for Water Resources, Anna University.

AAI has indicated its readiness to undertake the road project once the State government grants approval. Authorities will now review the latest DPR before the proposal advances to the implementation stage.

The development coincides with AAI's broader expansion of Chennai airport, with the integrated Terminal 3 also nearing completion.

The new elevated link is expected to complement this expansion by providing a crucial additional access route for passengers and cargo.