The Tamil Nadu government has officially dropped the proposed Kancheepuram New Town Development Plan and Detailed Development and Heritage Revitalisation Plan for 2025–2045.
The decision was issued through G.O. Ms. No.156, Housing and Urban Development Department, dated August 10, 2026, and published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on August 26.
- Notification: II(2)/HOU/665/2026
- Gazette page: 429 PDF of G.O. Ms. No.156, Housing and Urban Development Department, dated August 10, 2026
- page: 11 of 11
- Action: Withdrawal of the proposed Kancheepuram New Town and Heritage Revitalisation Plan for 2025–2045.
What has been cancelled?
Using its powers under Section 10(1)(c) of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, the government has rescinded Notification No. II(2)/HOU/148/2023, published on February 22, 2023.
The earlier notification had started the process of establishing a special planning area covering approximately 62.78 sq km across 18 revenue villages around Kancheepuram.
The proposal was intended to guide the city’s growth between 2025 and 2045.
Why was the plan originally proposed?
Kancheepuram was witnessing rapid development, particularly towards National Highway 48. The government had identified growing traffic congestion, unplanned commercial development and pressure on the temple city’s heritage areas.
The plan was expected to provide a long-term framework for:
- Roads and transport infrastructure
- Residential and commercial development
- Industrial growth
- Public amenities
- Land-use planning
- Protection and revival of heritage areas
CMDA’s earlier policy note described the vision as developing Kancheepuram into a world-class heritage town while transforming its surrounding areas into a vibrant industrial town.
Which villages were included?
The cancelled proposal covered:
Enadur, Nallur, Pappankuzhi, Vaiyavoor, Kalaiyanur, Puteri, Melambi, Kilambi, Chitterimedu, Konnerikuppam, Thirumalpadithangal, Kilkadirpur, Thimmasamudram, Karuppaditatadai, Achukkattu, Netteri, Arrappanjeri and Sirukaveripakkam.
How far had the planning work progressed?
CMDA had already begun the planning process after the 2023 notification.
Consultancy proposals were invited, studies were undertaken and consultation exercises were reportedly conducted. The project had reached the stage of preparing its final report, but the completed New Town Development Plan had not yet been approved and notified as a legally enforceable land-use plan.
The latest order therefore cancels the notification that started the planning process, rather than withdrawing an already operational final plan.
Why has the government dropped it?
The Gazette notification does not state a reason. However, the government has reportedly explained that the Directorate of Town and Country Planning is already preparing a Master Plan for the Kancheepuram Local Planning Area, with Anna University involved in the work.
Preparing a separate CMDA New Town Plan for substantially the same area would have resulted in duplication. CMDA therefore proposed dropping its planning exercise.
Anna University has reportedly submitted a draft Kancheepuram Master Plan, and the approval process is expected to be completed by August 2027.
This indicates that long-term planning for Kancheepuram may continue through the Local Planning Area Master Plan, instead of the cancelled CMDA-led New Town framework.
It primarily started the statutory process of preparing a future New Town plan and invited public objections. The latest cancellation therefore ends that special planning exercise rather than unlocking land from a general transaction freeze.
What about Tamil Nadu’s other proposed New Towns?
The decision has also raised questions about previously proposed plans for Thirumazhisai, Minjur, Tiruvallur, Mamallapuram, Chengalpattu, Maraimalai Nagar and Sriperumbudur.
Their omission from the Housing and Urban Development Department’s 2026–27 policy note has created uncertainty, but there is no official confirmation that these plans have also been cancelled.