Chennai airport to get new elevated rear access road
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has submitted a Detailed Project Report to the Tamil Nadu government seeking approval for an elevated road connecting the Tambaram–Porur corridor with the rear side of Chennai airport.
The proposed road would cross the Adyar River and provide an alternative route into the airport complex. Officials expect the link to ease pressure on the heavily used GST Road and make it easier for both passenger and cargo traffic to reach the airport.
The proposal is part of AAI’s broader plans to expand Chennai airport. The authority is also pursuing a fifth terminal aimed at increasing capacity and making better use of remote aircraft parking bays. The terminal plan, which had remained stalled for several years, was revived in 2024.
A major reason for the proposed alternate access is the difficulty faced by cargo operators using the airport’s existing entrance. Congestion and restrictions along the GST Road can cause delays, particularly for freight vehicles travelling from other parts of Tamil Nadu.
The elevated crossing over the Adyar has been under consideration for some time. At the State government’s request, AAI had earlier commissioned a study by the Centre for Water Resources at Anna University to examine how the proposed structures could affect river flow during normal, monsoon and flood conditions.
AAI has indicated that it is prepared to take up the project once the State government provides the necessary approval. The latest DPR will now be examined by the authorities before any decision on implementation is taken.
The proposal comes as other airport expansion works progress, including the integrated Terminal 3, which is nearing completion. The proposed elevated road is expected to add another important access route as passenger and cargo activity increases.