Chennai Set to Rise Taller: CMDA’s Third Master Plan Pushes for Vertical Growth

Chennai’s skyline is set for a transformation as the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) gears up to launch its third master plan (TMP) for the 1,189 sq km Chennai Metropolitan Area. With a focus on compact, vertical growth, the TMP proposes higher Floor Space Index (FSI) along metro corridors, commercial hubs, entertainment zones, and industrial belts.

“We want people to live closer to where they work. Increasing FSI in a planned way near transport and employment zones will optimise land use and infrastructure,” said a senior CMDA official.

However, higher vertical growth will be backed by infrastructure upgrades. CMDA plans to phase underground utilities—sewage, water supply, and roads based on each area’s carrying capacity. “Without supporting civic services, higher FSI could overload systems,” the official added.

A key aspect of the TMP is integrating slum communities into the urban fabric. With nearly 40% of Chennai’s population residing in informal settlements, the plan will emphasise in-situ redevelopment over relocation. “Relocating people far from their social networks destroys livelihoods and dignity. Legal slum areas should be redeveloped with higher FSI and access to jobs and social infrastructure,” the official stressed.

Urban planners are also advocating for more flexible land use. The current system’s rigid zoning categories make it difficult to adapt to changing urban needs. “We should reduce the 10-plus land use categories to three or four – like urbanisable, conservation, and hazardous – to make planning more development-friendly,” said K P Subramanian, urban planning expert.

He also urged caution in increasing FSI. “It must be based on detailed studies of existing infrastructure. Earlier plans aimed to decentralise the city through six urban nodes and four new towns. That strategy is still relevant and should continue,” he said, also calling for better coordination among agencies to ensure plan implementation.

State Minister for CMDA, P.K. Sekarbabu, confirmed the TMP will be launched on schedule.