Kuppam Airport Triggers Debate In Tamil Nadu Assembly

The proposed Kuppam airport in Andhra Pradesh has triggered a political debate in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. DMK MLA Srinivasan questioned the government over the Hosur airport project and alleged that Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were trying to block the proposed airport.

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Keerthana rejected the allegations and said there was no attempt by either state to stop the Hosur airport. She also asked the MLA not to rely on social media rumours and make claims without proper evidence.

The Hosur airport project faces some technical and regulatory challenges. Hosur is very close to Bengaluru, while Kempegowda International Airport is already serving the region. Rules also restrict the development of another airport within a certain distance of an existing major airport.

Another challenge is the presence of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facilities in the Hosur region. Certain areas around these facilities have restrictions on flight operations. These factors have made approvals for the Hosur airport difficult.

Kuppam is also located relatively close to Bengaluru airport. However, the Andhra Pradesh government has worked with Bengaluru International Airport and secured a conditional No Objection Certificate for the Kuppam airport project. This helped the project move forward with its feasibility studies.

The proposed Kuppam airport requires around 1,788 acres of land. Around 1,300 acres have already been acquired. The airport is planned under a capital expenditure model, with the state government taking steps to develop the project and arrange its operation and maintenance.

The Kuppam airport is expected to give a major boost to the region. It can help develop Kuppam as a logistics hub and support industrial growth in Chittoor and nearby areas. It could also help farmers and exporters by making it easier to transport horticulture and other products to different markets.

While the Kuppam airport project is moving ahead after overcoming several hurdles, the Hosur airport issue has now become a political talking point in Tamil Nadu. The developments also highlight how neighbouring states can face different challenges while planning airports in the same region.