From a macro-level perspective, the growth of the city of Chennai has been predominantly focused in its southern and southwestern areas, thanks largely to the new developments on East Coast Road, Old Mahabalipuram Road and other regions of excellence like Sriperumbudur that have attracted many foreign-based companies to set up shop here. The rapid pace of growth has led to a corresponding but serious demand for better intra-city transportation to help people commute between their places of work and residence. Besides, the economic boom has resulted in an increased demand for urban space, leading to skyrocketing land prices.

Madurantakam: Kancheepuram district, well-known for its temples and silk Sarees is located on the north-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu. Spread over a total geographical area of 4,43,210 hectares and a coastline of 57 km, the district is divided – for administration purposes – into 3 revenue divisions comprising of 8 taluks with 1214 revenue villages. To facilitate development, it is divided into 13 development blocks with 648 village Panchayats. Madurantakam is one of the taluks of Kancheepuram and is located towards the southwestern part of the district. According to 2001 census figures, Madurantakam taluk had a total population of 254,845, about 9% of the total district population. In terms of its prospects for future development, Madurantakam has been identified as one of the potential urban nodes, thanks to its connectivity by road and rail with various districts in Tamil Nadu and Puduchery Union Territory.

Sriperumbudur: Another taluk in Kancheepuram district with a total population of 316,918, Sriperumbudur has already seen a number of big-ticket investments both from the State and Central governments, as well as multinational companies. Towards strengthening various sectors such as housing and health among others, more investment is required in this urban node. Additionally, the State government is also focusing its attention on improving the road sector in the region.

Tindivanam: A municipality town in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, Tindivanam taluk had a total population of 413141, according to the 2001 census. This has also been identified as one of the potential urban nodes for development, being strategically connected by road and rail with several districts across Tamil Nadu and Puduchery Union Territory.

Arakonam: One of the taluks in Vellore district, the 2001 census pitches Arakonam total population at 459,643 persons. Agriculture is the predominant occupation; however a superior road and rail network connecting the taluk with districts in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh has encouraged heavy industries to set up base in and around Arakonam.

– Ponneri: Part of Tiruvallur district, Ponneri taluk has a total population of 331,406 (2001 census figures), about 12% of the district’s total population. Ponneri is situated close to the Ennore port, and the backwaters around it can be developed from a tourism perspective. Besides, the State government has focused its efforts into improving the infrastructure in the area

Implementation of projects in various sectors such as housing, water supply, roads and solid waste management among others, is estimated to cost about Rs. 303,549 crore (US$ 56 billion). Population figures in the five Urban Nodes of Greater Chennai are projected at 10 million by 2026.

The land area required for housing the estimated population amounts to approximately 31,932 ha, with a built-up area of about 1,149 million sq.ft.

A well-planned road network within and between all the five urban nodes is an important facet of development. This will ensure better integration and interaction among the nodes. All the State highways and major district roads within these five urban nodes have been identified for conversion into 4-lane systems to accommodate the traffic volume generated by various industries in this corridor. The estimated cost for improving the road sector is about Rs. 1525 crore.

Education, healthcare and other socio-cultural facilities will need to be established for the benefit of the projected 10-million population. The land requirement to accomplish this is estimated at around 10,500 hectares, with built-up area on about 1750 hectares.

Essential services like petrol pumps, LPG agencies and milk vending booths will be located at about 2200 locations in the five urban nodes. Facilities like bus and truck terminals will be provided in all the urban nodes, ideally located at rail and road corridor intersections. The freight complex holding the wholesale markets, warehouses, booking agencies, commercial, public and semi-public offices, utilities and services will be provided in an extent of about 10 acres in all the urban nodes. Protected water supply will be ensured for all the five urban nodes. The estimated cost of providing clean water to all the identified nodes is about Rs. 315 crore, while projects for disposal of solid Waste will require an investment of Rs. 106 crores for implementation.

A well-planned road network within and between all the five urban nodes is an important facet of development. This will ensure better integration and interaction among the nodes. All the State highways and major district roads within these five urban nodes have been identified for conversion into 4-lane systems to accommodate the traffic volume generated by various industries in this corridor. The estimated cost for improving the road sector is about Rs. 1525 crore.

A well-planned road network within and between all the five urban nodes is an important facet of development. This will ensure better integration and interaction among the nodes. All the State highways and major district roads within these five urban nodes have been identified for conversion into 4-lane systems to accommodate the traffic volume generated by various industries in this corridor. The estimated cost for improving the road sector is about Rs. 1525 crore.

Implementation of projects in various sectors such as housing, water supply, roads and solid waste management among others, is estimated to cost about Rs. 303,549 crore (US$ 56 billion). Population figures in the five Urban Nodes of Greater Chennai are projected at 10 million by 2026.

The welfare, health and happiness of society are important benchmarks for the development of these urban nodes. This will ensure a harmonious balance in society from the socio-economic perspective. All the urban nodes are centres of rich rural culture and food habits. These facets will be preserved in the course of development. Rivers, tanks and other water bodies will be improved upon to store rain water for drinking water supply as well as irrigation, safeguarding the interests of farmers. All the urban nodes are well connected by national highways, most of them also having a good rail network. The State highways and districtmaintained roads will be upgraded to absorb the expected traffic volume. Industrial development and all commercial activities will have a proactive role in ensuring labour rights through legitimate and transparent transactions. Effective measures for the conservation of environment will be prioritized in the interests of the society and for future generations. Local and sustainable materials will be utilized along with indigenous know-how for housing development. Tamil Nadu is passionate about its culture and heritage. To preserve its rich legacy, modern technology will work hand-in-hand with the local eco-system without jeopardizing the foundation. Most of the structures in rural Tamil Nadu satisfy the norms of green building concepts. This knowledge will be tapped to integrate the old construction technology into modern building techniques and conserve power, thereby earning carbon credits. Every earning in carbon credits will generate income in dollars for the local administration. Disposal of municipal waste is one of the challenges for administrators in any metropolitan city in the world. There are a number of non-conventional energy options available that will be implemented to generate power from municipal waste. With an aim towards achieving sustainable, inclusive rural and urban development using a holistic approach, a task force consisting of a strong and diverse team of experts will be in place to ensure the objectives of the plan. This task force will be responsible for establishing a pragmatic system to accomplish the target on time, applying the latest technology and identifying fund sources for the projects.