The DMK government in Tamil Nadu has decided to slow down land acquisition for the proposed greenfield airport in Hosur amid upcoming assembly elections and local protests, while continuing to seek necessary clearances from New Delhi.
Tamil Nadu’s plan for a greenfield airport in Hosur, envisioned as a key logistics and industrial hub, is proceeding cautiously. The project requires about 3,000 acres of land, including 800 acres of government property and 2,134 acres of private agricultural holdings across 12 villages in Hosur and Shoolagiri taluks. Designed to handle 30 million passengers annually, the airport aims to support the region's booming manufacturing sector, which includes over 500 large industries and nearly 3,000 small and medium enterprises in automotive, electronics, aerospace, and electric vehicles.
With assembly elections on the horizon, the DMK administration has opted to delay formal land procurement due to emerging protests in affected villages. A senior official involved stated, “This delay won’t have any impact on the project.” The Krishnagiri district is revising its Land Development Plan based on inputs from the Commissioner of Land Administration, but acquisition cannot start until a government order is issued.
Despite the slowdown, progress continues elsewhere. Earlier this month, the state applied for site clearance from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and issued bids for a consultant to prepare a Detailed Techno-Economic Report. Challenges persist, including airspace constraints from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited operations near Bengaluru and the need for a No Objection Certificate from Bengaluru International Airport Limited, which bars new airports within 150 km until 2033.
The site, in the Hosur–Berigai–Bagalur–Shoolagiri area, is strategically located near the Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road, promising better connectivity for south Bengaluru's tech and manufacturing zones. Officials view the airport as an economic tool to retain industries and prevent migration to neighboring Karnataka.