Tiruchirappalli, June 14: The Tamil Nadu government, in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India, has submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the upcoming domestic airport in Thanjavur to the central Ministry of Civil Aviation. The project has received an approval of ₹100 crore for administrative sanction and fund allocation.
Director of Tiruchirappalli International Airport, S.S. Raju, stated that the Tamil Nadu government has already allocated the necessary 55 acres of land for this project. The proposed airport is set to be constructed under the central government’s Udaan regional connectivity scheme at the Thanjavur Airport station.
Raju mentioned that the initial phase of the domestic airport will accommodate three ATR aircraft, providing essential air connectivity for passengers in the delta districts. The DPR also includes plans for an administrative building and other necessary infrastructure for domestic flight operations.
He added, “The initial work has seen the ₹100 crore DPR sent to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This project will establish vital infrastructure to serve domestic air travelers in the delta region.”
Airport Director A.S. Raju also discussed ongoing infrastructure projects at Tiruchirappalli International Airport, revealing that approximately 70% of the new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower is complete. This 53-meter tall tower, costing ₹60 crore, is expected to significantly enhance air traffic management and operational capacity.
Raju noted that land acquisition for extending the runway from 8,000 feet to 12,500 feet is nearly complete. The ₹350 crore runway expansion project aims to bolster the airport’s cargo handling capacity and facilitate the operation of larger aircraft. He stated, “Once the runway extension is finished, wide-body aircraft will be able to operate from Tiruchirappalli, improving cargo facilities and connectivity.”
Regarding the recently launched integrated terminal, Raju highlighted that its capacity to handle passengers during peak hours has surged from 652 to 3,480. The parking capacity has also more than doubled, increasing from 450 to 990 cars, enhancing convenience for travelers. This combined infrastructure upgrade is expected to solidify Tiruchirappalli’s position as a major aviation hub in Tamil Nadu, while also extending air connectivity benefits to the people of the delta region.
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