PNT Reporter

The Madras High Court has stayed the eviction of 130 Chinna Udaippu villagers in Madurai district, halting proceedings linked to Madurai Airport expansion. Justices M.S. Ramesh and A.D. Maria Clete directed the state to respond to a petition citing inadequate compensation and lack of rehabilitation under land acquisition laws. The petitioners argue that 350 families face eviction without proper resettlement plans, violating the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act. The case underscores the tension between infrastructure growth and fair rehabilitation, with further hearings scheduled later this month.Read more

PNT Reporter

BEML Ltd has secured a INR 3,658 crore contract from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) for the design, manufacture, supply, testing, and commissioning of Standard Gauge Metro Rolling Stock. The project includes 210 metro cars, to be delivered as 70 three-car train sets, and a 15-year maintenance contract. These trains will operate in Unattended Train Operation (UTO) mode, serving three major corridors. The entire metro network will span 118.9 km, with delivery starting in January 2027 and completion by April 2029.Read more

PNT Reporter

Chennai is rapidly solidifying its position as a global capability centre (GCC) hub, with current numbers exceeding 250 units and expected to reach 450-460 by 2030, according to CBRE. The city absorbed 2.3 million sq. ft. of office space in the first nine months of 2024, with GCC leasing projected to hit 3-3.2 million sq. ft. by 2025. A skilled workforce, set to grow 1.4 times by 2030, underpins this expansion. Strategic government policies and infrastructure investments are further driving Chennai's appeal. As India's fifth-largest office market, Chennai is poised to play a key role in advancing the country's economic and business landscape.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently returned an INR 12 crore plot of land in Chennai to its rightful owner after it was fraudulently seized and sold by land grabbers. The land was unlawfully encroached upon, and documents were forged to falsely claim ownership. The ED took action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), following an FIR filed by the Chennai Police. The property was attached in 2017, and this action was confirmed by the PMLA Adjudicating Authority. The ED emphasised its commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims by recovering illegally obtained assets.Read more

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has introduced new deadlines for 11 departments to issue no-objection certificates (NOCs) to fast-track building approvals. Nine departments must provide their NOCs within 30 days, while three will have 15 days. If a department misses the deadline, the NOC will be automatically granted. Experts believe this move will streamline the approval process, boost residential development, and attract investment to Tamil Nadu. The directive aims to address the city's growing housing demands and promote a more transparent and efficient real estate market.Read more

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently launched the state's first co-working space, "Mudhalavar Padaipagam," in Chennai. It is located in Agaram near Perambur. This new space aims to support local professionals and students by offering high-quality facilities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a learning centre. Built with an investment of INR 2.85 crore, the project is part of the "North Chennai Development Scheme." Mudhalvar Padaipagam provides affordable, modern workspaces with simple online booking options.Read more

Brigade Group has entered a Joint Development Agreement for a one million square foot residential project in West Chennai, forming part of a larger 1.5 million square foot mixed-use complex. Brigade envisions Chennai as a key growth market, second only to Bengaluru, with this project valued at an estimated INR 800 crore. With plans to invest over INR 8,000 crores in Chennai by 2030, Brigade aims to expand across residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality sectors. This partnership reinforces Brigade's commitment to delivering premium, integrated spaces that meet evolving market demands and enhance Chennai's urban landscape.Read more

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, and Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal recently reviewed the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 project, which is set to cost INR 63,246 crore. The central government will finance nearly 65 per cent of this amount, including a loan of INR 33,593 crore. Currently, Phase 1 serves over 310,000 passengers daily across 54.1 km. Phase 2, once operational, will extend the network to approximately 172 km. Key officials participated in the review, highlighting ongoing efforts to expedite the project and seek funding for additional Metro projects in Coimbatore and Madurai.Read more

JLL's latest report underscores Chennai's dramatic transformation in the real estate sector over the past 25 years, highlighting a remarkable 75-fold increase in office space primarily fuelled by the IT sector and the rise of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Currently, the state commands a 12% share of India's GCC market, with a notable 15% presence in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. Siva Krishnan of JLL India remarked on the city's evolution from a manufacturing hub to a diversified economic powerhouse, emphasizing that ongoing infrastructure advancements and strategic policies position Chennai to leverage emerging trends in technology and urban living.Read more

The Union Cabinet has approved the second phase of the Chennai Metro, a 119-km expansion projected to cost INR63,246 crore. This decision marks a significant breakthrough after months of delays, with the approval process completed in an unprecedented 24 hours. The expansion will add 128 stations and is expected to be operational by 2027, enhancing Chennai's metro network to 173 km. PM Modi and Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin have expressed their support, highlighting the project's potential to alleviate traffic and foster economic growth.Read more

On September 27, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) council approved a 6% property tax increase, backed by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) but opposed by the CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and AIADMK. Dissenting members criticised the tax hike for burdening working-class residents, staging a walkout during the council meeting. The increase, applied uniformly to all property categories, follows a three-year gap since the last adjustment in 2022. The GCC also introduced a 1% penalty for late payments and a 5% incentive for early payments to encourage timely compliance. The hike is expected to take effect in the October-March tax cycle.Read more

The Tambaram and Avadi corporations in the vicinity of Chennai are set to expand by integrating 37 village panchayats. Tambaram will absorb 18 villages, increasing its area from 84.7 sq km to 172.34 sq km, while its population is projected to rise from 723,017 to 1,008,473. Meanwhile, Avadi will amalgamate three municipalities and 19 panchayats, enlarging its size from 65 sq km to 188 sq km and boosting its population from 345,996 to 695,212. The incorporation of these panchayats is expected to be completed by late 2024 or early 2025.Read more

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has yet to take action on 387 dilapidated buildings identified in a 2022 survey with the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). Despite issuing notices to 100 structures, no demolitions have taken place, leaving dangerous buildings with exposed reinforcements and cracked roofs across areas like Anna Nagar, Ambattur, and George Town. Many of these buildings still house residents, complicating efforts due to ongoing litigations between owners and builders. Under the 2020 Tamil Nadu Urban Local Body Rules, the GCC is required to conduct structural stability assessments. Officials said a fresh survey of dilapidated buildings is expected to begin soon.Read more

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) plans to develop commercial properties around phase-two metro stations at key locations, including Thirumangalam, Alandur, Vadapalani, KK Nagar, Mandaveli, Anna Nagar West, Thousand Lights, and Koyambedu. These developments aim to integrate the public transit with the commercial spaces, enabling the passengers to access the workplaces and the shopping complexes directly from the stations via walkways or subways. CMRL is seeking the state government funds and collaborating with agencies like MTC and CMDA. This initiative is part of a transit-oriented development strategy to boost non-fare revenue, which increased by 65% in 2022-2023, aiding financial sustainability.Read more

The feasibility study for South India's first interstate metro project, extending 23 km from Bommasandra to Hosur, is nearing completion despite facing opposition. Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has sought support from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for project implementation. The study, conducted by Balaji RailRoad Systems, examines crucial factors like ridership, train types, and station alignments. Though the Tamil Nadu government funded the feasibility report, BMRCL may contribute during the implementation phase. Hosur, a major industrial hub, faces severe traffic congestion, which the metro aims to alleviate.Read more

Chennai is set to boost its ornamental fish trade with a new centre in Kolathur, inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Covering 3.93 acres in Siva Sakthi Colony, the two-storey facility will include 188 shops, office spaces, and parking, aimed at transforming Kolathur into a major fish trading hub. This development is part of a broader INR 1,000 crore North Chennai Development Scheme, which includes six additional projects like community halls, modern laundry hubs, and lake improvements. The initiative seeks to enhance infrastructure and local amenities, supporting both economic growth and community well-being in the region.Read more

Cognizant is reportedly considering selling its Chennai headquarters, located on a 15-acre parcel in Okkiyam Thoraipakkam within Chennai's IT Corridor. The 400,000 square-foot property, expected to fetch INR 750-800 crore, has been listed with international property consultant JLL. The company aims to vacate the premises by year-end, consolidating operations into other city campuses. This move follows Cognizant's strategy to streamline operations and reduce non-core real estate holdings, as seen in their recent sales of offices in Hyderabad and Chennai's Siruseri. Meanwhile, Cognizant faces a legal probe in Maharashtra over allegations of bribery involving L&T and environmental permits for their Pune campus, stemming from a 2013-14 incident.Read more

Greenbase Industrial and Logistics Parks, a joint venture between Hiranandani Group and Blackstone, is set to invest INR 4,500 crore to expand its operations across India, targeting over 20 million square feet of industrial space within five years. Currently, Greenbase has invested INR 2,000 crore, delivering 5.5 million square feet of built-to-suit spaces. A significant portion of the new investment, INR 1,500 crore, will be directed towards expanding their Oragadam project near Chennai, which is expected to contribute 40% of their portfolio. Greenbase's focus on customised industrial infrastructure positions it as a key player in India's growing logistics sector.Read more

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has announced an INR 180 crore investment to establish a 65,000 square-foot hydrogen innovation centre at IIT Madras' Thaiyur campus in Chennai, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Guidance Tamil Nadu. Supported by the Tamil Nadu government, the centre, set to open by 2026, will focus on green hydrogen development and fuel cell technology. This initiative underscores Tamil Nadu's growing role in sustainable automotive innovation, aligning with global shifts towards eco-friendly transportation and bolstering the state's position as a leader in the sector.Read more

Aptiv PLC is investing USD 45 million to upgrade its manufacturing plant in Oragadam, Chennai, adding 220,000 square feet of production space. This expansion will double the workforce to 230 employees and aligns with Aptiv's strategy to support the growing demand for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Matthew Cole of Aptiv emphasized the need for solutions tailored to the Indian market, highlighting advancements in electric and software-driven vehicles. The facility will initially focus on cockpit controllers but is designed for future production of advanced driver-assistance systems and other automotive technologies. Aptiv's expansion underscores India's rising role in the global automotive sector.Read more