Tamil Nadu: Construction Of Vellore's New Airport Complex On Chennai-Bengaluru Highway Nears Completion

Construction of the Vellore airport complex on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 44) is approaching its final stages.

In recent days, workers have been setting up steel wire fencing around the new facility.

Representatives from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) stated that the installation of the steel fencing is one of the last remaining tasks for the new airport.

They anticipate the facility to be operational by November, following a safety inspection by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The official added, "We're close to completion, with just a few final touches needed. We are eagerly awaiting the DGCA's approval to kickstart operations at the airport."

The new airport will feature a steel fence that stands 12-15 feet high, a measure primarily taken to cut down on construction costs. The airport, sprawling over 97 acres, will also have high-resolution lights installed alongside the fence for enhanced security.

At present, the new airport is equipped with an 850-m runway, taxiway, ground handling equipment, air traffic control (ATC), and an aviation information receiving facility.

It also boasts of a terminal building and an oil depot. The previously existing airstrip, which could only accommodate eight-seater planes, has been upgraded to cater to 20-seater aircraft.

The sanction for the new airport in Vellore came a few years back under the second phase of the Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik — Regional Connectivity Scheme.

The scheme is designed to enhance connectivity in smaller towns, particularly those adjacent to metropolitan and tier-two cities.

According to officials, this new airport will aid domestic travellers from areas such as Ambur, Arcot, Vanniyambadi, and Vellore.