Coimbatore: The long-pending expansion of Coimbatore International Airport in Tamil Nadu has moved a step closer to execution, with the district administration completing a detailed land survey to facilitate the construction of a 10.5-metre-wide access road sought by local residents and farmers.
Officials said the survey report and revised land map have now been submitted to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), and work on the airport’s boundary wall is expected to resume once the proposal receives approval.
The expansion of Coimbatore Airport is regarded as one of the most significant infrastructure projects for western Tamil Nadu, with the upgraded facility expected to strengthen the region’s industrial, commercial and international connectivity.
The existing 9,000-foot runway is proposed to be extended to 12,000 feet, enabling the airport to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350.
The longer runway would also allow direct international passenger services and long-haul cargo operations from Coimbatore, reducing dependence on other airports and providing a major boost to exports, manufacturing and investment in the region.
The airport expansion project had received an allocation of around Rs 2,200 crore in earlier phases, and most of the required land has already been acquired by the government. However, officials said an additional seven acres are still required to complete the project, and the Revenue Department is continuing the land acquisition process.
Construction of the airport’s perimeter wall had recently commenced on the acquired land but ran into opposition from farmers and residents living in the surrounding villages. They insisted that sufficient land should be reserved for a 10.5-metre-wide road alongside the boundary wall to ensure uninterrupted access for local traffic.
Residents alleged that the original alignment proposed by airport authorities would leave only a four-metre-wide road, which they argued would be inadequate for regular vehicular movement and future development. The protests temporarily stalled construction activities.
Following the objections, Coimbatore District Collector Pawan Kumar inspected the site a few days ago and held discussions with farmers and local residents.
During the meeting, they reiterated that they would permit further construction only if a 10.5-metre-wide road was provided. Acting on the Collector’s directions, the district administration conducted an extensive land survey over the past three days to finalise the revised road alignment.
Officials said the survey has now been completed and the findings forwarded to the Airports Authority of India. Once the authority grants its approval, construction of the airport boundary wall is expected to resume, paving the way for the next phase of the long-awaited airport expansion project.
(IANS)
