“Chennai’s Outer Ring Road: CMDA to E-Auction Plots for Economic Transformation”
Revolutionizing the Chennai Outer Ring Road (CORR)
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is gearing up to e-auction select land parcels along the Chennai Outer Ring Road (CORR) in January 2025. The 62-km corridor, which connects NH45 at Vandalur, NH4 at Nazarathpet, NH205 at Nemilichery, NH5 at Nallur, and TPP Road at Minjur, is poised for a major transformation into a vibrant economic hub. With plans to integrate premium housing, industries, warehousing, hotels, and urban forests, the project marks a significant step in Chennai’s urban and economic development.
Currently, 80% of the Master Plan for CORR is complete, and the CMDA envisions unlocking the corridor’s potential by leveraging key infrastructure projects, including the proposed Parandur airport, the port near Minjur, Meenambakkam Airport, and Kilambakkam terminus.
E-Auctioning Land for Strategic Development
The CMDA plans to e-auction select land parcels, covering 20 km between Poonamallee and Vandalur. The initiative is expected to attract significant investments and catalyze urbanization along the corridor.
CMDA has also prioritized flood mitigation in this development. A comprehensive drainage plan will address water runoff issues, including flood vulnerability mapping and water body studies. Additionally, a grid of roads will be established in eight locations to ensure uniform growth across the corridor.
Key Development Nodes along CORR
The project focuses on unlocking the potential of specific areas:
- Poonamallee: Positioned as 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: Envisioned as a cosmopolitan residential and commercial hub.
- Minjur: Targeted for industrial growth with port-based development and multi-modal connectivity.
- Red Hills: Planned as an eco-sensitive zone with urban forests and sustainable development practices.
Ajit Chordia, chairman of the Indian Green Building Council (Chennai chapter), emphasized that developing CORR will drive urbanization in adjacent areas. A strategic release of land will encourage private landowners to contribute to the region’s growth.
Enhancing Connectivity for Economic Growth
Transportation upgrades are also being explored, such as extending the proposed metro line from Koyambedu to Avadi to Nemilichery on CORR. This extension could link Minjur, Vandalur, and five industrial estates, significantly boosting accessibility and economic activity along the corridor.