Chennai: The state govt has decided to study the feasibility to connect the proposed satellite terminal at the wide-end of the intersecting runways at Chennai international airport with the Tambaram-Maduravoyal bypass without affecting the natural flow of Adyar river as well as the residential pockets in the locality.Senior officials at the secretary level held a meeting with Airports Authority of India (AAI) officers on Friday and discussed in detail the proposed fifth terminal and its execution, said a source.With the TVK govt officially shelving the Parandur greenfield airport, attention has shifted to the expansion of the current airport as chief minister C Joseph Vijay himself said a satellite terminal would be built with road connectivity to the Tambaram-Maduravoyal bypass road.While no additional land would be required to build the terminal, AAI has proposed a four-km elevated corridor to link the terminal with the bypass road, whereas CUMTA has suggested that the road could be built at the ground level to make it accessible for neighbourhoods such as Pozhichalur and Tharapakkam along the way. “The govt is keen on the satellite terminal, but it is also concerned that Adyar river, which runs along the airport’s periphery, should not be affected. If there were to be a flood like in 2015, the river should be able to stick to its natural course without affecting the nearby areas or the airport,” said the source.The satellite terminal is expected to increase the passenger handling capacity of Chennai airport to 55 million per annum from 35 million per annum and increase the runway efficiency to handle 35 aircrafts per hour to 45 with a supporting rapid exit taxiway network.Meanwhile, Chennai airport officials said the satellite terminal will be a equipped to handle passengers as well as cargo. “The road connectivity is only for passengers and cargo entering and exiting the airport. For those who have to move between the primary and satellite terminals to catch a connecting flight, we already have the perimeter road and can ferry passengers using our vehicles. We have an expert team to carry out the study and make necessary changes to the plan. Work will begin as soon as the state govt gives its final approval,” said the official.
