CHENNAI: In a key step toward the proposed satellite terminal at Chennai Airport, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has submitted a detailed study report to the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, focusing on the construction of an elevated corridor and terminal facilities.
The report assesses whether the pillars of the proposed four-lane elevated flyover over the Adyar river would obstruct water flow during the monsoon or flood situations. The study was carried out by the Water Resources Centre of Anna University at the request of the state government and has now been formally handed over to the Water Resources Department by the AAI.
Once approvals are obtained from the Water Resources Department and the Central Pollution Control Board, the AAI will proceed with allocating funds for the construction of both the flyover and the satellite terminal, said a Maalaimalar report.
The satellite terminal project is part of AAI’s plan to decongest the existing Chennai Airport, especially as the proposed Parandur greenfield airport is still at least four to five years away from becoming operational.
Earlier, the Tamil Nadu government had stated that no additional land could be allotted for the satellite terminal. Following this, the AAI redesigned the project to construct the elevated flyover entirely within the existing airport land.
Under the revised plan, the flyover will begin near Madhav Arts and Science College in Thandalam, connect to the national highway, pass over the Adyar river, and lead directly to the satellite terminal’s entry point.
Officials said the satellite terminal project, first proposed nearly eight years ago, had faced prolonged delays. After the AAI revived the plan in 2024, the project has now gained momentum, with clearances and funding processes moving forward.