Vijay’s Chennai airport privatisation push triggers political storm in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has reportedly written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a change in the operator of Chennai International Airport, which is currently managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The letter, reportedly sent in August, has triggered opposition from several political parties after details emerged publicly. The DMK, CPI, CPI(M) and AMMK have criticised the reported move, viewing a change from AAI management as a possible step towards privatisation.
According to the reported contents of the letter, Vijay raised concerns over passenger traffic, aircraft movements and cargo operations at Chennai airport. He argued that Tamil Nadu’s growing industrial and investment activity requires airport infrastructure and management capable of meeting increasing demand.
The development comes after the TVK government abandoned the proposed greenfield airport project at Parandur and shifted attention towards expanding the existing airport at Meenambakkam. The state is also considering alternative locations for a second airport.
The issue has revived an older political dispute over airport privatisation in Tamil Nadu. The DMK had previously opposed proposals to monetise Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli airports, arguing for arrangements that would account for the state’s contribution of land.
Communist parties have now opposed the reported proposal. The CPI said on September 19 that changing the airport operator amounted to an attempt to privatise a major public asset. The party argued that operational problems should instead be addressed through improvements in passenger facilities, cargo handling, aircraft operations and connectivity.
CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam also called for any plan to hand the airport to a private operator to be dropped. AMMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran has similarly opposed the reported proposal.
DMK leaders have connected the development with the cancellation of the Parandur airport project. Former Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa questioned why the reported August communication to the Prime Minister had not been made public earlier.
The debate also comes against the backdrop of earlier assurances from Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu that Chennai airport would continue under AAI management while efforts were made to improve its services.