A key meeting held today, chaired by senior leaders of the Tamil Nadu Government, strongly criticised the Union Government for delaying major infrastructure projects essential to the state’s development—particularly the expansion of the Coimbatore Airport and Madurai Airport.
The meeting noted that Tamil Nadu is witnessing rapid progress under the leadership of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, with high-level flyovers, modern libraries, and high-quality hospitals being constructed across the state. Delegates pointed out that the state’s economy is growing at an unprecedented pace and that upgrading key airports has become crucial to support industrial investment and global connectivity.
Several members stressed that expanding both Coimbatore Airport and Madurai Airport is vital for the next stage of Tamil Nadu’s economic growth. They also highlighted the long-standing demand to declare Madurai Airport as an international airport, noting that such an upgrade would significantly benefit tourism, trade, and the development of southern districts.
The meeting pointed out that Chief Minister Stalin has repeatedly raised these demands with the Centre, including through formal communications addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite this, delegates said the Union Government has continued to delay or reject these proposals.
Speakers accused the Central BJP Government, led by Prime Minister Modi, of attempting to gain political advantage by stalling key development projects and later seeking votes from the people of Tamil Nadu. They said the Centre often tries to “speak and act in Tamil” during election periods, while failing to deliver on essential infrastructure needs.
Delegates asserted that the Union Government has no legitimate reason to deny approval for the expansion of Coimbatore and Madurai airports. They called the proposals crucial for Tamil Nadu’s future and urged that they should not be hindered by political considerations.
The meeting concluded by urging the Centre to immediately approve the Coimbatore–Madurai airport expansion projects and to grant international status to Madurai Airport, stressing that such moves are essential for strengthening Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure and supporting its continued economic growth.
