Coimbatore airport expansion: concerns mount over access to lands, alternative roads

While the 2,200-crore project to expand Coimbatore International Airport is awaiting final approvals to commence, a few people whose lands were acquired for the project are at the mercy of the State government for connectivity to their remaining parcels of land.

Ramesh Chinnasamy (50) of Chinniyampalayam is among the most affected landowners. The government acquired 10 cents belonging to him on the side of Chinniyampalayam – Irugur Road, one of the roads to be cut off with the construction of a compound wall by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) around the rectangular patch of lands for the extension of the runway. Mr. Chinnasamy, who had to demolish his house and 10 rental spaces on the 10 cents, now lives in another house on the remaining 38 cents, access to which also will be cut off with the construction of the wall.