CHENNAI: Industries Minister TRB Rajaa on Monday said the Tamil Nadu government has submitted detailed technical safeguards and is ready to fund the proposed Hosur international airport on its own, even as defence related airspace restrictions continue to delay clearance from the Centre.
The Hosur airport proposal has faced repeated hurdles as the region falls within the operational airspace of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which conducts military operations and aircraft test flights. The Union Ministry of Defence has consistently maintained that the airspace is reserved for strategic defence requirements and has earlier too declined clearance citing safety and operational concerns.
In a tweet, Minister Rajaa said the State was not surprised by the delay, noting that approvals from the Defence Ministry usually involve multiple rounds of scrutiny. He said the government has engaged with all stakeholders and submitted detailed technical representations showing that the proposed airport would not significantly affect HAL or Indian Air Force operations, with airspace management and security safeguards in place.
Citing precedents across India, the Minister said several civil airports operate successfully within controlled and restricted airspaces through coordinated civil defence protocols, and similar arrangements could work for Hosur as well if there is willingness to find a solution.
Highlighting Hosur’s rapid growth as an industrial and employment hub, minister said improved connectivity is essential for the people of Hosur, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri, while also easing commute time for South Bengaluru residents. Under Chief Minister M K Stalin’s leadership, he added, Tamil Nadu will continue efforts to convince the Centre and the Prime Minister’s Office of the project’s strategic and economic importance.