Tamil Nadu government identifies three sites for the new Assembly-Secretariat complex in Chennai
The TVK-led government is to finalise a site by mid-September. In the past, two of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s predecessors, Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi, had attempted to shift the Secretariat from the existing Fort St. George.
The Tamil Nadu government has identified three potential sites for the new Assembly-Secretariat complex in Chennai, with a final decision expected by mid-month. The proposed locations include the Highways Research Station in Guindy, the Foreshore Estate residential colony, and the former IDPL plot in Nandambakkam. Each site presents its own advantages and disadvantages.
The HRS site, situated opposite the Lok Bhavan, offers easy access through Sardar Patel Road, similar to an earlier AIADMK plan in 2003 where the foundation stone was laid for a 43-acre complex. The proximity to Anna University adds significance to the location. Meanwhile, Foreshore Estate and Nandambakkam, despite not being on extensive roads, are strategically placed near major Chennai areas, including Nandambakkam's proximity to Chennai Metro Rail services, and Foreshore Estate's closeness to Adyar and Mylapore.
However, Foreshore Estate faces challenges due to its critical yet problematic location for commuters. Previous CMs, both Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi, attempted to relocate the Secretariat from Fort St. George, with Jayalalithaa's attempts unsuccessful and Karunanidhi's subsequent construction of a new Secretariat building at Omandurar Government Estate, which was later converted into a multi-speciality hospital by Jayalalithaa upon returning to power in 2011.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
