CREDAI Tamil Nadu Welcomes CMDA Empowerment for High-Rise Building Approvals in Chennai

CREDAI Tamil Nadu has welcomed the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to delegate planning approval powers for high-rise building projects to the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), describing the move as a significant reform for the state’s real estate sector.

The decision is expected to simplify the approval process for high-rise developments within the Chennai Metropolitan Area and reduce the time taken for project clearances. Industry stakeholders believe the reform will improve efficiency, enhance transparency, and strengthen investor confidence in Tamil Nadu’s real estate market.

According to CREDAI Tamil Nadu, the earlier approval mechanism involved multiple stages, including application scrutiny, field inspections, review by the High Rise Building Committee, recommendations to the government, and the issuance of government orders before planning permission could be granted. While each stage served a regulatory purpose, the overall process often resulted in substantial delays.

The association noted that approval delays have a direct impact on project execution, financing, construction schedules, and homebuyers awaiting possession of their properties. Delayed approvals can also increase project costs and affect the overall development ecosystem, including architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers, and construction workers.

By authorising CMDA to grant or reject planning permissions based on recommendations from the High Rise Building Committee, the state government has established a more accountable and time-bound framework. The reform is expected to support faster project launches and improve ease of doing business in the real estate sector.

CREDAI Tamil Nadu expressed appreciation to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and the Housing and Urban Development Department for introducing the policy. The association stated that the move demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting investment, planned urban development, and sustainable growth.

The industry body has also urged the government to extend similar approval mechanisms to other major cities, including Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli. Strengthening regional urban development authorities and enabling local approvals could help accelerate investments and infrastructure development across Tamil Nadu.

Industry experts believe the reform will play an important role in boosting housing supply, supporting economic activity, and reinforcing Chennai’s position as one of India’s leading real estate destinations.