Vision for Sustainable Urban Growth
New Town Development Plans Around Chennai to Guide Urban Growth for the Next 20 Years: Tamil Nadu is embarking on a transformative urban planning journey with new town development plans for nine growth centres near Chennai, including Parandur, the proposed site of the greenfield airport. Chief Minister MK Stalin, while inaugurating FAIRPRO 2025, emphasized that these initiatives are not merely infrastructure upgrades but a roadmap for sustainable and economic growth.
These nine centres will be key pillars of the upcoming Third Master Plan for the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), which is set to guide urban development in the region over the next two decades. The plan focuses on managing increasing urbanization, promoting balanced regional growth, and avoiding overburdening Chennai’s existing infrastructure.
Key Features of the Third Master Plan
The earlier master plans were rolled out during previous DMK regimes. This third version is designed to tackle modern challenges like urban congestion, housing demand, and climate resilience. With Tamil Nadu already 48% urbanised, and this figure projected to rise, the master plan includes provisions for smart housing, economic clusters, transport connectivity, and environment-friendly policies.
Specific attention is being given to Parandur, where the new airport is expected to catalyse development in surrounding towns. These centres will function as economic and residential satellites to the main city.
Development Beyond Chennai
The government is also preparing 10 regional plans to balance development across both urban and rural Tamil Nadu. These include comprehensive town plans for Coimbatore, Madurai, Hosur, Salem, Tiruppur, Tiruchirappalli, Vellore, and Tirunelveli. The Hosur Master Plan has already been released, with Coimbatore and Madurai plans expected soon.
Such decentralised planning ensures resource distribution and employment generation outside major urban hubs. It also complements the state’s ambition of becoming a model for inclusive and climate-smart urbanisation.
Simplifying Urban Governance
At the same event, Stalin highlighted reforms that have already started yielding results. The introduction of a Single Window System and Online Building Permit System has made layout and building approvals 45% faster, reducing waiting periods from 180 days to around 64–90 days. These steps underline the state’s focus on efficiency, transparency, and citizen service delivery.
Impact and Static GK Insights
With over 500 real estate projects showcased at FAIRPRO 2025, the government’s roadmap shows its alignment with private players. Tamil Nadu’s urban policies are increasingly integrated with technology, environment goals, and housing for all.
Chennai’s urban planning journey is not just about expanding real estate—it’s about building a future-ready, inclusive, and sustainable Tamil Nadu.
Static GK Snapshot
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Urban Population (2025 est.) | ~48% |
| Chief Minister | MK Stalin |
| Greenfield Airport Location | Parandur, near Chennai |
| Planning Authority | Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) |
| Major Event | CREDAI FAIRPRO 2025 |
| Target Period | Next 20 years (till ~2045) |
| Related Towns | Hosur, Coimbatore, Madurai, Vellore, Salem |
| Real Estate Showcase Area | 32.5 million sq ft residential, 0.25 million sq ft commercial |
| Online Permit Reform | Approval time reduced to 64–90 days |
