Chennai’s Outer Ring Road Master Plan Nears Completion: Four Growth Nodes Identified

The long-anticipated master plan for the Chennai Outer Ring Road (ORR), spanning 126 square kilometers, is on track for completion by the end of December or early next year. The detailed development plan is being prepared by Delhi-based Rudrabhishek Enterprises Private Limited (REPL), which was awarded a ₹2.9 crore contract by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA).

Prabhakar Kumar, Business Head of Government Services at REPL, revealed that the plan focuses on four strategic growth nodes: Minjur, Red Hills, Poonamallee, and Vandalur. These areas have been selected for their diverse characteristics, ranging from abundant land availability to ecological sensitivity.

“Eco-sensitive regions prone to waterlogging and flooding will see restricted development, ensuring the conservation of waterbodies and other natural assets,” Kumar stated. “In contrast, zones with greater development potential will be optimized for growth.”

Adding to Chennai’s road network, a new Greenfield Expressway is also in the works as the city’s fourth ring road, costing ₹12,301 crore. Divided into five sections, this expressway will connect Singaperumal Koil, Sriperumbudur, Thiruvallur, Thamaraipakkam, Periyapalayam, Puduvoyal, and Kattupalli, enhancing connectivity across major urban and suburban nodes.

The consultancy aims to identify suitable areas for the Land Pooling Area Development Scheme (LAPDS) and devise an economic development strategy along the ORR corridor. The government envisions the ORR as a high-growth corridor that balances urban expansion with sustainability.

Designed to attract businesses and industries, the ORR offers superior infrastructure and a higher Floor Space Index (FSI) to accommodate more affordable commercial and residential spaces. Kumar added, “We are targeting an average FSI of 4 to 5, with nodes designed for mixed-use and multimodal development, supporting commercial, industrial, and residential needs.”

Addressing delays in finalizing the master plan, Kumar pointed to the complexity of the process. “Master plans in India typically take at least two years due to multiple steps, including stakeholder consultations and legal approvals,” he explained.

Once complete, the ORR master plan, combined with the Greenfield Expressway, is expected to transform Chennai’s urban landscape, fostering new hubs for economic activity while safeguarding the region’s ecological balance.