Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Scraps Parandur Airport Project, Announces 3 Free LPG Cylinders, Expands Free Bus Travel

August 24, 2026

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday announced that his government has decided to drop the proposed Parandur airport project near Chennai amid protests and opposition from local residents.

The announcement was made by Vijay while addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly during the ongoing Budget Session.

Parandur airport project scrapped

The proposed second airport project for Chennai was announced by the erstwhile Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in August 2022, with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) serving as the nodal agency.

The project faced opposition from local residents over environmental concerns. Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) had also supported the protesters and opposed the project.

However, the DMK criticised the decision to scrap the airport plan, arguing that the Centre had also approved the project.

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, DMK leader Thangam Thennarasu said the second airport was essential for Chennai and alleged that the project was being dropped for political reasons.

He said the decision could cause economic damage and claimed that industries could shift towards Andhra Pradesh.

Three free LPG cylinders for families

During his Assembly address, Vijay also announced a scheme under which three free LPG cylinders will be provided to each eligible family every year.

The amount will be directly credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries, and the scheme is expected to benefit around 1.30 crore families across Tamil Nadu.

The scheme will be implemented from Pongal in January, with around Rs 4,000 crore allocated annually.

Families with an annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh, small and marginal farmers, differently-abled families and other vulnerable sections will be eligible for the benefit.

Free bus travel scheme expanded

Vijay also announced the expansion of the Vetri Payanam scheme, which provides free bus travel to women in Tamil Nadu.

Under the expanded scheme, women will be able to travel free of cost on Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses operating in metropolitan and urban areas.

Women will also be allowed free travel on ordinary buses in mofussil and hilly areas.

The expanded benefit will come into effect on Gandhi Jayanti this year. Vijay said there would be no income ceiling or restriction on the number of trips.

The scheme will also cover transgender persons.