New Delhi, Aug. 24 -- The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has called for strengthening the Chennai Airport and also urged the state government to fast-track alternative greenfield airport.

The statement comes in reaction to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's announcement to scrap the Parandur airport project, which he said would affect agricultural land and disrupt the livelihoods of farmers and residents.

"An airport is far more than a piece of transport infrastructure; for a capital city and economic powerhouse like Chennai, it is a strategic enabler of economic growth, global competitiveness, trade, tourism, investment, and job creation," said Ravichandran Purushothaman, the Chairman of CII Southern Region.

The industry...