In a move that shows that the TVK government is pro-privatisation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a change in the operator of Chennai airport, citing concerns over its passenger, aircraft movement and cargo performance, sources said as reported in The Hindu.
In a letter sent in August, the State government reportedly urged the Centre to appoint an operator other than the Airports Authority of India (AAI), arguing that Chennai requires better airport management as Tamil Nadu continues its efforts to attract industries and investments.
“The letter has highlighted that be it passenger volume, aircraft movement, or cargo volume, the Chennai airport needs significant improvement. Such a business-friendly State needs an excellent airport. The State government hence wants a change in the operator,” a source said.
The move effectively amounts to an attempt to privatise the Chennai airport and comes after the State government decided to drop the proposed greenfield airport at Parandur in Kancheepuram district and instead expand the existing airport.
“We have sent the letter. Now, we hope the Centre takes it up on priority and initiates work to privatise the airport,” another source said.
The State has shortlisted Cheyyur and Gummidipoondi as potential sites for a second airport. However, with construction of a new airport expected to take several years, the immediate focus is likely to remain on expanding Chennai’s existing airport and changing its operator.
Passengers have also been demanding privatisation of the airport, arguing that a private operator could improve maintenance, connectivity to more destinations and the overall passenger experience.
Concerns have also been raised over delays in infrastructure projects at the airport. The cab pick-up point, for instance, reportedly took considerable time to become operational, while construction of the T3 terminal is still underway.
According to sources, another issue is the time taken for several key decisions to receive approval from the AAI headquarters in New Delhi. The process, they said, can affect airport operations, although airport staff have been making efforts to improve services.
The proposed change in operator would therefore come alongside the State government’s plans to expand the existing Chennai airport while it evaluates options for a second airport at Cheyyur or Gummidipoondi.
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