The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has announced plans to e-auction plots along the Chennai Outer Ring Road (CORR) in January, as published by The Economic Times.
The move is part of an ambitious effort to transform the 62-kilometer corridor into a dynamic economic zone featuring premium housing, industrial hubs, warehousing facilities, hotels, and urban forests.
The initiative aligns with the third master plan that incorporates key areas such as Minjur, Red Hills, Poonamallee, and Vandalur.
Nearly 80% of the CORR master plan has been completed, according to CMDA officials. The corridor, which connects Minjur in the north to Vandalur in the south, was included in the first master plan but has remained underdeveloped.
The current plan aims to unlock its potential by focusing on infrastructure development at critical nodes, including Parandur Airport, a port near Minjur, Meenambakkam Airport, and Kilambakkam bus terminus.
The plots slated for e-auction are located along a 20-kilometer stretch between Poonamallee and Vandalur. The CMDA is also working on a comprehensive flood drainage plan to support the anticipated population growth. “We expect an 80% increase in population in this area. Before densification, we will conduct flood vulnerability mapping, study water bodies, and develop a runoff management strategy,” a CMDA official said.
Additionally, the CMDA has identified eight strategic locations for a network of roads to promote uniform growth. The development plan includes distinct roles for different areas:
- Poonamallee: Positioned as a business district and multi-modal connectivity hub due to its proximity to the Bengaluru Highway, metro connections, and the upcoming Thirumazhisai New Town.
- Vandalur: Set to evolve into a cosmopolitan hub.
- Minjur: Envisioned as an industrial and multi-modal hub with port-based development.
- Red Hills: Planned as an eco-sensitive zone featuring urban forests.
Ajit Chordia, chairman of the Indian Green Building Council’s Chennai chapter and vice-chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Chennai Zonal Council, highlighted the potential for urbanization in the surrounding areas. “The strategic release of land will encourage private landowners to participate in the development process,” Chordia said.
Local residents have also weighed in on the project’s potential impact. T. Sadagopan, a Pattabiram resident, suggested extending the proposed metro line from Koyambedu to Avadi to Nemilichery on CORR. “This extension would connect Minjur and Vandalur while linking five industrial estates, significantly improving accessibility,” Sadagopan said.
The CMDA’s efforts aim to create a vibrant economic corridor while addressing challenges such as flooding and transportation. With targeted investments and infrastructure planning, CORR is poised to become a significant driver of urban and economic growth for Chennai and its adjoining areas.