Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Drops Parandur Airport, Announces ₹4,000 Crore LPG Scheme on August 24

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay made three major announcements on August 24, 2026, that reshape the state’s welfare and infrastructure agenda. He dropped the proposed second airport at Parandur, announced free LPG cylinders worth ₹4,000 crore annually for 1.34 crore families, and expanded free bus travel to women and transgender persons across express and deluxe services. The moves fulfil electoral promises and reverse the previous government’s airport plan.

Parandur airport project shelved after farmer protests

Tamil Nadu will no longer build a second airport at Parandur. The project, planned over 5,746 acres, faced fierce resistance from farmers and residents in Ekanapuram and 12 surrounding villages. Vijay visited the area last year and backed the protesters. The government is now exploring alternative sites for aviation expansion, he said.

Free LPG cylinders for 1.34 crore families from Pongal 2027

Under the ‘Annapoorani Super Six’ scheme, eligible families will receive reimbursement for three LPG cylinders annually, starting Pongal Day in January 2027. The scheme covers families with annual income up to ₹2.5 lakh, small and marginal farmers, and families below the poverty line. The government will credit the cost directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts after purchase. Annual cost: ₹4,000 crore.

Free bus travel expands for women and transgender persons

The ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme now covers express, deluxe, and low-speed shuttle buses in urban areas, plus mofussil services between districts. Women face no income ceiling, distance limit, or journey cap. Transgender persons gain equal access. The scheme takes effect October 2, Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Annual cost to the state: approximately ₹6,000 crore.

Welfare spending signals TVK government’s priorities

The announcements deepen the welfare focus of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, which came to power in May 2026. Vijay cited a shortage of cylinders in the last four months following the West Asian conflict and rising fuel prices eating into family incomes. Despite a financial crisis, the government prioritizes welfare over other spending to fulfil poll promises.

Final Thoughts

Vijay’s triple announcement reverses the Parandur airport decision and commits ₹10,000 crore annually to LPG and bus subsidies. The moves cement TVK’s welfare-first agenda but raise questions about fiscal sustainability as the state faces a financial crisis.

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