Light rail to link 2nd airport in Parandur with Meenambakkam airport
Posted on: 15/Feb/2020 10:21:28 AM
The proposed second airport would be located in Parandur in Kancheepuram district is known now.
The TN state government is exploring the possibility of introducing mass rapid transit link to connect it with the present airport at Meenambakkam.
The airport in Meenambakkam and the airport in Parandur (62 km away from Meenambakkam airport) would be linked by a light rail for transit passengers. In addition to this, there are also plans to extend metro line from Poonamallee to connect it. In the future, international flight operations might also be shifted to the new airport in Parandur. This was as per AAI. When there were discussions about the setting up of a second airport, suggestions for light rail was floated.
It was pointed out by an official belonging to the industries department that the light rail would be the only option for the passengers landing at Meenambakkam to proceed towards Parandur. He added that for Chennai passengers metro rail would be the best option. The option that would be feasible would be studied by the TNIDC or Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation. This TNIDC would appoint a consultant for the second airport is known.
It must be taken into account that light rail has smaller coaches with a train having 2 or 4 coaches and would have less capacity than a metro train. The important advantage of light rail is it is less expensive to build (Rs 100 crores) when compared with the metro line (Rs 150 to Rs 200 crores).
