CMDA Seals Railway Land Over Building Rule Violations

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s (CMDA) decision against the property that they sealed near Padi Junction was appealed, and the violation of planning and building rules was cited. The subject land belongs to the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), which is under a 45-year lease agreement with a private firm that was going to construct a high-rise on the land.

The CMDA had acted on this because there were delays in obtaining the necessary approvals for the project, among them the street alignment and Open Space Reservation (OSR) requirements. . These delays were flagged as violations under Sections 56 and 57 of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act.

A notice affixed to the property’s gate on CTH Road in Kakkapallam village, Ambattur, within the Greater Chennai Corporation limits, stated: “Following notices issued on September 12, 2024, the building is locked and sealed. All ongoing development must cease until the necessary planning permissions from CMDA and local building permits are obtained in compliance with the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules.”

The land in question spans 5.584 acres and was leased by the RLDA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Railways, for Rs 43 crore. The RLDA was established to monetize unused railway land and has identified several key sites for development in Chennai, including Pulianthope, Wall Tax Road, Tiruvottiyur, Tambaram, and Perambur.

Efforts to reach RLDA officials for a response were unsuccessful. The authority has played a pivotal role in commercializing railway properties across the country, but the current incident highlights the need for strict adherence to local planning laws.

The CMDA’s sealing of the property underscores its commitment to enforcing urban planning regulations and ensuring that developments comply with established rules. This action sends a strong message to developers about the importance of obtaining proper approvals before initiating construction activities.