Adyar SRO Gets a Modern Makeover, More Upgrades on the Way

In a step towards the modernization of property registration services, the sub-registrar office (SRO) in Adyar has been upgraded with world-class facilities. Now it features access-controlled entry, air conditioning, and additional security. This effort is only the first of its kind, with plans for other SROs across the city to receive similar upgrades this year.

To ensure smooth functioning, the government aims to combine advanced technology in 588 sub-registrar offices with around 15,000 visitors on average every day. One of the first SROs in the state to introduce this initiative was the Adyar SRO, based in Thiruvanmiyur on L B Road and Kamaraj Nagar.

The Adyar SRO is an important property transaction hub since 1982. It handled 4,955 documents in the FY 2023-24 and earned ₹295.53 crore in revenue. This year, 3,680 documents have been registered so far, Collecting ₹190.57 crore.

Controlled access for visitors is a major aspect of the new system. “Visitors need to take a token and access card before we allow them into the campus. “For operations to run smoothly, only 10 persons are allowed inside at a time,” the official said.

The modernization also includes visitor amenities. “We created a little library, added seating, WiFi and other amenities. The government proposed to upgrade 30 other SROs across the state, including those at Virugambakkam and Villivakkam,” the official said.

The initiative has generated interest beyond Tamil Nadu. “The registration department in Andhra Pradesh sent a delegation recently to study the model as they plan to follow a similar approach,” the official said.

While the promotion has received such widespread acclaim, some questions still linger. G. Mohan, a former president of the Chennai Southern Builders Association, said while things had improved, it had not been easy. “Document return delays due to understaffing or technical issues are still prevalent. Getting Encumbrance Certificates (ECs) also poses a challenge,” he said.

Hopefully, the upgrades will improve property registration services in terms of efficiency and transparency as the government presses ahead with its modernization drive.