CMDA Unveils Master Plan for Chennai Outer Ring Road Development

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has announced plans to e-auction land parcels along the Chennai Outer Ring Road (CORR) in January, signaling a major step towards transforming the 62-kilometer corridor into a thriving economic zone. CMDA officials confirmed that nearly 80% of the Master Plan for CORR is now complete.

The ambitious plan aims to develop CORR into a dynamic economic corridor with a mix of premium housing, industries, warehousing, hotels, and urban forests. Key areas such as Minjur, Red Hills, Poonamallee, and Vandalur will be integrated into the third Master Plan for the region. Although CORR was part of the first Master Plan, the areas along it remain largely underdeveloped. CMDA is now focused on unlocking its economic potential by targeting critical infrastructure nodes, including Parandur Airport, a port near Minjur, Meenambakkam Airport, and the Kilambakkam terminus.

To further this development, CMDA will e-auction select parcels of land located between Poonamallee and Vandalur, covering a 20-kilometer stretch. The authority is also working on a comprehensive flood drainage plan in anticipation of an 80% increase in population along the corridor. Before allowing densification, CMDA plans to conduct flood vulnerability mapping, study water bodies in the area, and devise strategies to manage runoff. Additionally, CMDA has identified eight locations for a grid of roads to ensure balanced growth across the region.

Distinct plans are being made for key areas along the corridor. Poonamallee is positioned to become a business district and multi-modal connectivity hub due to its proximity to the Bengaluru highway, metro connectivity, and the planned Thirumazhisai New Town. Vandalur will evolve into a cosmopolitan hub, Minjur will become an industrial and multi-modal hub with port-based development, and Red Hills is set to be developed as an eco-sensitive zone with urban forests.

Ajit Chordia, Chairman of the Indian Green Building Council (Chennai Chapter) and Vice Chairman of the CII Chennai Zonal Council, emphasized that development along CORR would drive urbanization in surrounding areas. “A concentrated release of land will encourage private landowners to contribute to development,” he said.

Resident T. Sadagopan suggested extending the proposed metro line from Koyambedu to Avadi to Nemilichery along CORR, which would connect Minjur and Vandalur, linking five industrial estates and enhancing accessibility.