CMDA updates about ORR

CMDA’S OUTER RING ROAD MASTER PLAN

Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has announced e-auctioning of plots along Chennai Outer Ring Road in Jan, marking a step forward in transforming the 62-km corridor into a thriving economic zone. Nearly 80% of work on the Master Plan for CORR is complete, say CMDA officials.

CMDA aims to develop CORR into a vibrant economic corridor featuring premium housing, industries, warehousing, hotels and urban forests, with areas such as Minjur, Red Hills, Poonamallee, and Vandalur integrated with the third master plan.

CORR, connecting Minjur in the north with Vandalur in the south, was part of the first master plan but areas along it remain largely underdeveloped. Now, CMDA plans to unlock its economic potential by concentrating on key infrastructure nodes such as Parandur airport, port near Minjur, Meenambakkam Airport and Kilambakkam terminus.

Select parcels along CORR will be e-auctioned, said a CMDA official. The land parcels, located between Poonamallee and Vandalur, cover 20km. CMDA is also working on a comprehensive flood drainage plan. “We anticipate an 80% increase in population. Before densification, we will conduct flood vulnerability mapping, study water bodies in the area, and devise a plan to manage runoff,” he added. Additionally, CMDA identified eight locations for a grid of roads to ensure uniform growth.

While there are distinct plans for Poonamallee, Vandalur, Minjur, and Red Hills, the first is positioned to become a business district and multi-modal connectivity hub, thanks to its location near Bengaluru highway, metro connectivity and proximity to the planned Thirumazhisai New Town. Vandalur is set to evolve into a cosmopolitan hub, Minjur an industrial and multi-modal hub with port-based development, while Red Hills is planned as an eco-sensitive zone with urban forests.

To ensure uniform growth, CMDA has identified eight locations for a grid of roads. Specific plans are being developed for Poonamallee, Vandalur, Minjur, and Red Hills. Poonamallee is envisioned as a business district and multi-modal connectivity hub, benefiting from its proximity to the Bengaluru highway, metro connectivity, and the planned Thirumazhisai New Town. Vandalur is set to become a cosmopolitan hub, Minjur an industrial and multi-modal center with port-based development, and Red Hills an eco-sensitive zone featuring urban forests.

Ajit Chordia, chairman of the Indian Green Building Council (Chennai chapter) and vice-chairman of the CII Chennai Zonal Council, highlighted the potential for urbanization in adjacent areas. “The concentrated release of land will encourage private landowners to participate in development,” he remarked.

Local residents have also proposed additional connectivity projects. For example, Pattabiram resident T. Sadagopan suggested extending the proposed metro line from Koyambedu to Avadi further to Nemilichery on the CORR, linking Minjur and Vandalur. “This extension would connect five industrial estates and significantly enhance accessibility,” he noted.

The planned developments along the CORR are expected to drive economic growth, improve connectivity, and create new urban centers, positioning Chennai for a dynamic future.

Pattabiram resident T Sadagopan said the proposed metro line from Koyambedu to Avadi can be extended to Nemilichery on CORR, connecting Minjur and Vandalur.

“This will link five industrial estates and boost accessibility.”