The Tamil Nadu Housing Board has identified 714 of its 1,698 houses in Madurai district for demolition, as per the information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application. This means more than 40% of the TNHB housing stock in the district has reached the demolition category.
The affected housing properties include quarters in
- DRO Colony,
- Avaniapuram and
- the Periyar bus-stand area
However, a complete area-wise list of all 714 houses has not yet been made public.
Of the remaining houses, 746 were classified as being in good condition, while another 238 were placed under a separate condition category.
Why Is Demolition Being Planned?
The RTI response reportedly states that:
- 1,474 of the 1,698 houses are more than ten years old—about 86.8%.
- Only 487 houses are currently allotted.
- Another 83 houses are vacant.
- TNHB officials said the DRO Colony quarters are nearly 45 years old
Residents have also raised concerns about inadequate maintenance, damaged structures and the safety of people continuing to live in ageing buildings. According to the RTI details, 1,474 of the 1,698 houses are more than ten years old.
TNHB has therefore proposed demolishing buildings that are considered too damaged to be safely retained. Buildings that can still be used may undergo repairs using available departmental funds.
Tender Issued for the First 174 Flats
TNHB has already floated a tender for the demolition of 174 dilapidated TNGRHS flats at DRO Colony.
The first-phase tender covers:
- 6 Type-A flats
- 120 Type-B flats
- 48 Type-C flats
- Removal of demolition debris and recovered materials
The tender was published on 27 July 2026, under Tender ID 2026_TNHB_688907_1 and reference number DB/2927/2022. Bid submission closed on 25 August 2026 after an extension.
The tender is currently shown as closed, with the award pending. Therefore, the tender process has started, but the appointment of the contractor and the actual commencement of demolition have not yet been confirmed.
What Has TNHB Said?
A senior TNHB official said that demolition would be carried out in phases. Proposals are also being prepared for other severely damaged buildings.
The official further stated that occupants of buildings with serious structural damage are generally provided alternative accommodation. However, no detailed public information is presently available about:
- Who will qualify for alternative accommodation
- Where residents will be relocated
- When they will have to vacate
- Whether new houses will be constructed
- When any redevelopment will begin
Demolition Does Not Automatically Mean Redevelopment
The present tender is specifically for demolishing 174 flats and removing debris. It does not confirm that a new residential project has been approved on the land.
Residents, prospective allottees and nearby property buyers should verify the demolition order, land ownership, redevelopment approval, planning permission and future land use before relying on claims about a new project.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, RTI information and tender records as of the date of publication. Demolition, relocation and redevelopment plans may change. Occupants, buyers and property owners should confirm the latest position directly with TNHB and other relevant authorities before making any decision.