Tamil Nadu government scraps Kancheepuram New Town plan

The TVK-led Tamil Nadu government has scrapped the proposed Kancheepuram New Town development plan and the associated heritage revitalization plan for the 2025-2045 period. This decision rescinds a February 2023 notification originally initiated by the previous DMK administration.

The original proposal aimed to manage rapid urban expansion, mitigate traffic congestion, and protect the heritage character of the historic temple town by guiding development across approximately 62.78 square kilometers. To avoid duplication of efforts, the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) is now preparing a new master plan for the Kancheepuram Local Planning Area, a task involving Anna University that is expected to be completed by August 2027.

This reversal follows other recent cancellations of major projects by the current administration, including the Namakkal SIPCOT project, the Parandur greenfield airport, and the Global Sports City at Semmencheri. There is growing uncertainty regarding other urban development proposals for regions such as Thirumazhisai, Tiruvallur, and Chengalpattu, as they were notably absent from the Housing and Urban Development Department’s recent policy note.