The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has recently imposed strict regulations aimed at reducing dust emissions from construction activities in response to rising air pollution levels. Builders are now required to install high barricades, utilize dust suppression techniques, and ensure proper waste management. Non-compliance could result in fines ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 500,000, depending on the project's scale and severity of violations. The GCC has also mandated 24/7 CCTV surveillance for high-rise constructions to monitor adherence. These measures aim to address the daily generation of approximately 800 metric tonnes of construction and demolition waste in the city.Read more

Walmart has leased 460,000 sq. ft. of office space at Radial IT Park, Chennai, with a monthly rent of INR 3.26 crore and a 4% annual escalation, marking a major expansion of its India-based backend operations. The five-year lease, which began in January 2025, includes a INR 19.55 crore deposit. This move strengthens Walmart's tech and analytics capabilities in India, supporting global operations. Located in the ITPC hub managed by Ascendas India Trust, the facility joins a growing list of global firms choosing Chennai for their global capability centres. The deal underscores strong demand for Grade A tech-centric office spaces in India.Read more

Horizon Industrial Parks, backed by Blackstone, started construction of a 3.16 lakh sq. ft. built-to-suit manufacturing facility in Chengalpattu, Chennai, for Yazaki India. The Japanese auto parts giant has now expanded its India presence to nearly 1 million sq. ft. across key industrial hubs including NCR, Hosur, and Chennai. This new facility is Yazaki's third collaboration with Horizon and reflects its commitment to sustainable and modern industrial infrastructure. The plant is designed for rooftop solar installations and will employ over 2,000 individuals, reinforcing Yazaki's focus on quality, safety, and timely execution.Read more

The CBI's Economic Offences Branch, Chennai, has booked a landlord, builder, bank-valuers, buyers, and unknown-others for defrauding SBI of INR 5.5 crore through a fraudulent housing-loan. In 2020, siblings S Vakisan and S Deivanai secured a INR 4.26 crore loan for a Tiruporur villa, falsely-valued at INR 6.3 crore by bank-empanelled valuers. An audit later revealed the villa was built in 2016 and previously-mortgaged. The actual-value was INR 3.5 crore. The bank suspected the landowner's involvement and filed a CBI complaint. Following a Madras High Court directive, the CBI has registered a case for investigation.Read more

Chennai's commercial real estate market is on a strong growth trajectory, with office space expected to exceed 100 million square feet by the end of 2026, up from 89 million square feet currently. Private equity investments have reached USD 1.19 billion in the past two years, supporting the development of modern office spaces. While the tech sector has traditionally dominated, the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sectors, along with life sciences, are increasingly driving demand. In 2024, life sciences absorbed 0.8 million square feet, a 60% jump from 2023. Additionally, Chennai ranks third in Global Capability Center (GOC) leasing, with 2.9 million square feet leased in 2024. Other Tamil Nadu cities, including Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli, are also witnessing commercial real estate growth, reflecting the region's evolving economic landscape.Read more

The Madras High Court has ordered that seven unauthorized floors of a commercial complex in Pondy Bazar, Chennai, be demolished. A division bench rejected the builder's plea to regularize the illegal construction, saying that regularisation is not an absolute right but a one-time concession under special schemes. Previous instances, like the 2017 Madras High Court raid on illegal buildings and the 2019 Delhi Supreme Court direction for demolitions, reflect a uniform judicial attitude towards unauthorised buildings. The ruling stresses the necessity to follow planning legislations and detests the abuse of government schemes of regularisation.Read more

CCI Group has reportedly planned an investment of more than INR 640 crore for developing over 2 million square feet of warehousing space in the second phase of its Chennai logistics hub. This will take the total investment made on the facility to INR 900 crore, increasing its overall capacity to 3 million square feet. The development will take place over 85 acres in the Polivakkam locality within the next 15 months. The facility will include both standard requirement warehouses and built-to-suit (BTS) segments, catering to industries such as e-commerce, automotive, FMCG, and manufacturing. The company aims to capitalise on Chennai's growing prominence as a logistics and supply chain hub. The expansion will be funded through a combination of promoter equity and construction finance.Read more

The Madras High Court has ordered that seven unauthorized floors of a commercial complex in Pondy Bazar, Chennai, be demolished. A division bench rejected the builder's plea to regularize the illegal construction, saying that regularisation is not an absolute right but a one-time concession under special schemes. Previous instances, like the 2017 Madras High Court raid on illegal buildings and the 2019 Delhi Supreme Court direction for demolitions, reflect a uniform judicial attitude towards unauthorised buildings. The ruling stresses the necessity to follow planning legislations and detests the abuse of government schemes of regularisation.Read more

The Madras High Court recently heard a plea seeking the extension of the Madurai Metro Rail to Melur, citing heavy traffic congestion. Advocate B. Stalin argued that the current plan, covering 32 km from Othakadai to Thirumangalam at INR 11,360 crore, overlooks Melur's transport needs. The court, while acknowledging the concerns, stated that the decision lies with the government. Judges M.S. Ramesh and A.D. Maria Clete emphasized that policy matters must be evaluated by authorities. As metro projects reshape urban mobility, further studies on extending connectivity to Melur could help improve transportation efficiency in the region.Read more

Casagrand Premier Builder, based in Chennai, has received final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise INR 1,100 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The IPO will comprise a fresh issue of up to INR 1,000 crore and an offer for sale of up to INR 100 crore by promoter shareholders. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to repay certain borrowings and for general corporate purposes. The IPO's lead managers are JM Financial and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors, while KFin Technologies is the registrar.Read more

Shriram Properties Limited (SPL) has sold a 3.9-acre land parcel on Chennai's GST Road for INR 93 crore to a prominent South Indian healthcare and educational group. This land, previously designated for retail development, is located near SPL's fully operational 4 MSF office complex and a 2 MSF residential project, Shriram Park 63. The sale aligns with SPL's strategy to divest non-core assets and redirect funds towards its core focus on mid-market and mid-premium residential projects in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata.Read more

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is preparing to acquire land on Avinashi Road and Coimbatore-Sathyamangalam Road by March 2025 for its metro rail project. The first phase, covering a 34.8 km stretch, will have two corridors, connecting key locations in Coimbatore. The project is expected to be completed in three years. The metro will feature three-coach trains, capable of accommodating over 700 passengers. CMRL is aiming for minimal land acquisition by constructing elevated corridors, with plans for future extensions. The project is being developed in collaboration with local bodies and railway authorities.Read more

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is spearheading efforts to revitalise the Chennai Outer Ring Road (CORR) by initiating e-auctions of land parcels along the 62-km stretch. This project aims to convert the corridor into an economic powerhouse with industrial zones, urban forests, premium housing, and logistics hubs. Drawing lessons from successful corridor developments like the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, the plan integrates modern infrastructure and sustainability. Strategic connectivity through metro expansions and a comprehensive flood management system underscores the project's long-term vision. If executed well, CORR could redefine Chennai's urban and economic landscape.Read more

TVS Emerald has acquired a 12-acre prime land parcel on Chennai's Radial Road, marking one of the city's largest real estate transactions in two years. The project, spanning 2.5 million square feet, promises to generate INR 2,800 crore in revenue. This strategic acquisition reinforces the company's focus on growth and market leadership in Chennai and Bengaluru. TVS Emerald, a subsidiary of TVS Holdings, has a robust portfolio, having delivered 3.6 million square feet of residential projects and having 8.6 million square feet under development. The move aligns with its vision to create world-class properties in high-demand locations.Read more

PNT Reporter

IT and Digital Services Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan recently announced that officials will prepare a comprehensive plan for a three-million-square-foot IT complex in Coimbatore's ELCOT SEZ within two to three months. The government is securing a real estate marketing firm to ensure top-tier development. Addressing the issue of unused land in ELCOT SEZs, he noted ongoing efforts to reclaim and reallocate these plots to active companies. Highlighting AI's rapid growth, he affirmed immediate job creation in data management while noting its long-term implications. The minister expressed optimism about India's strong position in the global software sector, crediting the nation's skilled talent.Read more

Vidhi Sangoi

The Chennai Metro, operational since 2015, has evolved into a pivotal mass transit system in Tamil Nadu's capital. Managed by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), it currently spans over 54 km, offering rapid and reliable transportation through a combination of elevated and underground stations. Phase I, completed by 2019 at a cost of around INR 14,600 crore, introduced two main corridors and improved travel efficiency. An extension to Wimco Nagar, completed in 2021, further enlarged its coverage. Phase II, set for completion by 2026 at a cost of INR 61,843 crore, will add nearly 119 km. Despite challenges in construction, fare structure, and ridership targets, the Chennai Metro continually enhances passenger experience through modern amenities, digital ticketing, and accessibility features, reflecting the city's commitment to advanced public transit solutions.Read more

PNT Reporter

A previously neglected, garbage-filled four-acre plot in Valasaravakkam, Chennai, is undergoing a major transformation into a sprawling lake. Once prone to flooding, particularly near metro construction sites, the area faced regular disruptions. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has addressed this issue by converting an abandoned private land into a three-acre pond, now holding 1.5 million cubic feet of water. The pond is set to be developed into an eco-park at an estimated cost of INR 5 crore, featuring multiple facilities, including a walking path, open-air theatre, and parking areas. Residents have also raised concerns about encroachment and the need for boundary walls.Read more