Vijay Vs Stalin: Why Tamil Nadu's Mega Parandur Airport Project Was Cancelled

Tamil Nadu's proposed ₹27,400 crore Parandur Greenfield Airport project has been shelved, bringing an end to years of protests by local farmers. The Vijay government says the decision follows an assessment by the Airports Authority of India, which reportedly found the proposed site unsuitable for runway construction because of its extensive wetlands and water bodies. The ambitious project, announced by the previous Stalin government, would have covered 13 villages and required thousands of hectares of land, raising concerns over the loss of farmland, livelihoods and ecologically sensitive areas. While protesting farmers have welcomed the decision as a major victory, the Opposition has criticised the government's move, turning the issue into a fresh political flashpoint. This report explains why the Parandur airport project was dropped and what it means for Tamil Nadu's infrastructure plans.