The Coimbatore International Airport is set to undergo a Rs 93-crore underground sewage and drainage upgrade, jointly planned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC).

The project addresses the issue of untreated wastewater flowing through the airport campus, including beneath the runway, from areas like Nehru Nagar and Brindhavan Nagar. The partially covered natural drain currently causes odour, stagnation, and bird activity, posing safety risks for aircraft. The proposed plan includes a closed underground canal connected to a sewage treatment plant (STP), with treated water diverted safely into the Aachankulam tank.

Two STP sites are being considered, and construction options such as a box culvert or large-diameter pipelines are under discussion. The project is aligned with the airport’s future expansion and aims to integrate stormwater and wastewater management for long-term sustainability. Final decisions on implementation and funding are pending as discussions continue between the stakeholders.