AirportExpansion – Coimbatore Airport Access Road Plan Sparks Fresh Landowner Concerns

AirportExpansion-  A new disagreement has surfaced over the ongoing expansion of Coimbatore International Airport, as several residents and farmers from Chinniyampalayam and Irugur have raised objections to a proposal by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The dispute centers on plans to build boundary walls along both sides of the newly constructed approach road that will connect Avinashi Road to the airport’s upcoming terminal facility.

Landowners Raise Access Concerns

People affected by the project claim that the proposed walls could create significant difficulties for those who had previously parted with portions of their land for airport development. According to local residents, the construction would restrict access to the remaining sections of their properties, including agricultural fields that continue to support their families and livelihoods.

The approach road under development stretches approximately 1,917 metres and has a width of 60 metres. It passes through areas including RG Pudur, Irugur and Chinniyampalayam. Residents point out that the new route intersects an existing 20-metre-wide public road that currently serves as an important connection for nearby homes and farmland.

Farmers Fear Loss of Connectivity

Agricultural landowners argue that enclosing the entire approach road with walls would effectively isolate several properties from surrounding road networks. Many farmers depend on these connections to transport crops, access irrigation facilities and move farming equipment.

One farmer, who contributed more than two acres of land for the airport project, said he supports security measures within the airport premises. However, he believes extending such restrictions along the approach road could prevent landowners from reaching the portions of land that remain under their ownership and cultivation.

Residents maintain that their concerns are not related to airport security itself but to the potential loss of practical access to fields and residential plots that were not acquired as part of the expansion project.

Background of the Land Acquisition Process

According to local landowners, the state government issued a land acquisition order in October 2010 to facilitate airport expansion activities. While land acquisition moved forward, residents say adequate arrangements were not included to preserve access to properties that remained with original owners after portions were acquired.

Compensation payments were eventually settled in 2020. Agricultural landowners received compensation at the rate of Rs 900 per square foot, while owners of residential properties were paid Rs 1,500 per square foot. Despite receiving compensation for the acquired land, many residents continue to depend on their remaining holdings for income and daily living.

Demand for Alternative Access Routes

To address the issue, affected residents have proposed the construction of service roads on both sides of the new approach road. They suggest a width of 10 metres for these roads, similar to arrangements already available along existing airport access routes.

Some property owners have also stated that if uninterrupted access cannot be guaranteed, authorities should consider acquiring the remaining portions of their land as well. They argue that ownership becomes less practical if movement to and from their properties is restricted by airport infrastructure.

Authorities Exploring Possible Solutions

Following objections from local residents and farmers, work related to the proposed wall construction has reportedly been paused. Officials are understood to be examining alternative options that could balance airport security requirements with public accessibility.

The matter has also drawn the attention of Sulur MLA N. M. Sugumar. After discussions with airport officials, he stated that he had requested measures to ensure continued public access through service roads. He emphasized that residents and farmers should not lose access to their lands and expressed confidence that a practical solution acceptable to all parties could eventually be reached.