Chennai’s Satellite Towns Set for Major Makeover: CMDA Unveils 20-Year Development Plan

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has now put forward a landmark 20-years plan for the transformation of these two satellite towns, namely Thirumazhisai and Mamallapuram, into urban centers with great impact. With the underlying theme of wellness, tourism, infrastructure, and sustainability from 2025 to 2045, the initiative is to support the sprawling urbanization of Chennai.

The area allocated for Thirumazhisai lies over 34.10 sq. km, covering an area of 17 villages in Tiruvallur district. With excellent connectivity through NH-48, the Outer Ring Road, a proposed metro, and Kuthambakkam bus terminus coming up, this area is destined to develop into a highly dense, mixed-use, transit-oriented zone. A wellness hub, which promotes alternative traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani, is also under the pipeline, generating potential employment opportunities for about 25,000 people.

The Mamallapuram plan of development covers 123.48 sq km and extends to 25 villages and emphasizes the preservation of heritage while providing for tourism and modern infrastructure. Among the plans is an entertainment and hospitality zone developed under the PPP model to include hotels, water sports, public areas, and community facilities. In a nutshell, the intent is to rebrand Mamallapuram into a coastal tourism hub of international repute operating 24/7.

The strategic positioning of the town and its proximity to lure business and leisure travelers will be further enhanced by the coming into shape Kalaignar Convention Centre on the East Coast Road.

Varying from affordable housing, last-mile transport connectivity, climate resilience strategy, and heritage conservation are common features in both towns’ plans. CMDA officials stated that people’s participation will be one of the mainstays of shaping the projects.

Basheer Ahmed, committee member of the Outbound Travel Association of India, welcomed the wellness zone concept, saying it could attract international tourists currently heading to Kerala. “ECR has immense tourism potential. Water sports should be promoted aggressively it can boost local revenue significantly,” he added.

Fostering equal development along the lines of urbanism, CMDA’s satellite town concept represents an important watermark in the forevision of long-term development for Chennai.