The Tamil Nadu government has given in-principle approval to initiate the construction of a new building complex housing the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat at Pattinapakkam (Foreshore Estate) in Chennai.
According to a government order sent to the State Public (Buildings) Department on Wednesday, the proposed complex will come up on 25.55 acres of land and will be equipped with modern facilities. The proposed site is also close to the residence of Chief Minister Vijay.
Government Approves New Assembly, Secretariat Complex
The new complex is proposed to bring the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat under one modern facility. The government order provides in-principle approval for initiating the construction process at the Pattinapakkam site.
The proposal comes with the stated aim of creating a modern complex capable of meeting the state’s administrative and legislative requirements.
Anbumani Urges Government To Drop Pattinapakkam Plan
The proposal has drawn opposition from PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, who urged the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider the location.
In a statement issued in response to media reports, Anbumani said Tamil Nadu does need a modern Secretariat, but argued that Pattinapakkam would create more problems than benefits because of existing traffic pressure and the high number of people visiting important establishments in the area.
Traffic Concerns Over Santhome, Greenways Road
Anbumani pointed to the already heavy traffic around Santhome High Road and Greenways Road, despite the construction of a loop road.
He also cited the presence of Santhome Church, renowned schools and the Inspector General of Registration office in the vicinity, arguing that a large government complex in an already densely populated area could further worsen traffic congestion.
PMK Questions Availability Of Space
Anbumani also questioned whether the proposed site would be large enough to accommodate all the requirements of a major government complex.
While the government order identifies 25.55 acres, Anbumani referred to the proposed site as 26.36 acres and said it would be too small after accounting for mandatory FSI compliance, green areas, fire stations, emergency medical facilities, parking and public transport connectivity.
He argued that developing the complex on a restricted plot could eventually recreate the space constraints faced by the existing facilities.
Anbumani Proposes 500-1,000 Acre Administrative City
Instead of developing the Secretariat and Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam, Anbumani called for an integrated administrative city spread across 500 to 1,000 acres outside Chennai.
He said such a greenfield administrative hub would be better suited to meet Tamil Nadu’s governance requirements over the next 100 years.
Proposed Administrative Hub To Include Key Facilities
Anbumani proposed that the larger administrative township include the Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, department headquarters and residences for the Chief Minister, ministers and civil servants.
He also suggested infrastructure such as Metro connectivity, helipads, schools, colleges, sports arenas and commercial complexes.
Calling the proposed Rs 1,200 crore Secretariat and Legislative Assembly complex a “shortsighted” move, Anbumani urged the government to abandon the Pattinapakkam proposal and instead plan a larger, self-contained administrative hub outside Chennai.
