Realty prospects of Satellite Cities in Chennai
Development of Satellite Cities is an urban concept that has engulfed most major cities in India. It provides a feasible solution to counter the host of issues faced in metro cities as well as other important cities due to population explosion. There are many ill-effects that major cities in India have to face due to rise in their population. They include traffic congestions due to narrow roads and increase in the number of vehicular population, congested or dense living, water and power shortage issues, pollution, waste management, illegal constructions, increase in slums, among others. Chennai is one of the metro cities which has been able to counter these issues to a large extend due to the development of various Satellite cities in and around the city.
Arakkonam
Arakkonam is located in Vellore district, about 75 km west of the heart of Chennai. Strategically located in the proximity of Chennai, it has been developed as a Satellite city so as to decongest the city as well as to enhance the scope of Vellore as a realty destination. It is a medium-sized town in Vellore with a population of about 101,626 persons as per the 2011 census. Arakkonam junction railway station is the third largest railway station in Vellore district and is strategically located in the intersection of the Bangalore-Chennai line. Besides, it also has the second largest Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown in Tamil Nadu. The INS Rajali runway at Arakkonam is 4,500 m in length, being the second longest airforce runway in South Asia. It is also the second largest Naval Training Center in Asia. Some of the important industries here are MRF, Ultratech Cements and Ramco Industries, among others.
Realty impact
The area has developed tremendously in realty terms with many large land parcels available for being developed into residential projects. However, it is yet to witness any major residential development in terms of residential apartments and villa projects. However, the ‘Satellite city‘ status that Arakkonam has been bestowed with is expected to enhance its reputation as a residential destination in future. For this infrastructure facilities should get a fillip with the development of reputed educational institutions and industrial hubs, thereby increasing employment opportunities. An important completed residential project here as per CommonFloor listing data which includes apartments and residential plots called Vasantham City Extn I developed by Vasantham City Makers. Besides, there is also an upcoming mega residential project called Richindia Knowledge City being developed by Rich India Groups. They are coming up with apartments, villas and residential plots. Prices of plots here ranges between Rs 250-350 per sq. ft.
Chengalpattu
Chengalpattu is located about 60 km south-west of the heart of Chennai, along NH-45 and is taluk in Kanchipuram district with considerable historic importance. It is a prominent railway station as well as a commercial hub with a medical college as well as many other colleges affiliated to the Madras University. Chengalpattu town has a population of about 62,579 as per the 2011 census. It is well connected by road and rail with the Chennai International airport being just about 40 km from the area. It is a major tourism destination with many renowned tourist spots like Mahabalipuram, Muttukada, Thirukazhukundram located in its vicinity. The Kolavai lake which is the second largest lake in Kanchipuram is located here. Besides, there are many famous temples and industries here.
Realty impact
The prospect of Chengalpattu developing into an important realty destination is bright given its proximity to Chennai. Besides, the infrastructure that exists in the area is substantial and presents it with the prospects of developing further in realty terms due to potential that the city possesses. The various advantages the area possesses has boosted its realty appeal with the tag of being a satellite city further enhancing its reputation as a residential destination. Some of the prominent completed apartment projects in Chengalpattu are Hallmark Sapphire by Hallmark Infrastructure, Malainur Kudil by Malainur Properties and Royce Ebony by Royce Infrastructure, among others. Important upcoming projects include DRA Ranka Pristine Pavilion by DRA Projects, Bristol Courts by Copper Castle Constructions and Mountain Stream Square by Green Peace Constructions, among others. Prices of apartments here ranges between Rs 3500-3700 per sq. ft., while plot prices range between Rs 1200-1500 per sq. ft.
Gummidipoondi
Gummidipoondi is an industrial town in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, and is located about 56 lm north-west of Chennai. It is strategically located along the NH-5 between Chennai and Kolkata, which is part of the Golden Quadrilateral project launched by the Central government. Besides housing industrial parks like SIPCOT and SIDCO, it also houses two important factories, namely Dupont Fibers and Hitech carbon. There are also many steel plants in the area. Surrounded by many villages, Gummidipoondi is renowned for its abundance of fresh water sources. Gummidipoondi has developed considerably into an industrial town from the days when its economy was primarily an-agriculture and fishing based one. The development of industrial parks has resulted in the creation of many jobs due to which people have migrated to Gummidipoondi from neighbouring areas as well. As per the 2011 census, the population of the area is about 32,665, which the numbers set to increase remarkably in future due to the ‘Satellite city’ status being awarded to it.
It is well connected through some important highways that pass through the area like Guntur-Chennai highway (NH-5) and Sathyavedu Road (SH-52). Road transport is facilitated by MTC and APSRTC buses plying through the area. It is also connected through railways with many suburban trains passing through the area. It is also a renowned educational hub in the region, with many prestigious schools and colleges located here. There are many reputed colleges located here like RMK Engineering College, RMD Engineering College and TJS Engineering College, among others. The immediate future could also see Gummidipoondi develop as a hub for medical tourism with the development of the ‘frontier medical village” proposed to be developed by Dr Cherian Frontier Life Line in the surrounding village, Elavur. Gummidipoondi is also known for being the first venue for the launch of the Tamil Nadu government’s “Amma Kudineer” project.
Realty Prospects
Gummidipoondi has improved considerably since its erstwhile days with many important residential pockets being scattered across. They include Theruali, Kottai Karai, Pappankuppam, Karumbukuppam, Pudugummidipundi, Periyar Nagar, Thabal Theru, Munuswamy Nagar and Prithvi Nagar, among others. Even though no major residential projects have come up in the area as yet, there is immense potential for the development of many apartment projects due to the potential that the area has an a satellite city. However, for this to happen the infrastructure of the area requires a major facelift in terms of better facilities to improve the liveability quotient of the area. Prices of plots here ranges between Rs 500-1000 per sq. ft.
Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is located about 78 km south-west of Chennai, along the NH-4 and is the headquarters of Kanchipuram district. Strategically located on the banks of the Vegavathy River, it has tremendous historical significance having being ruled formerly by rulers of various dynasties as well as the British. IT is also renowned as the Holy City of Kanchi, with many historical as well as religious monuments like the Kailasanathar temple and the Vaikunta Perumal temple being housed here. According to Hindu theology, Kanchipuram is one of the seven cities to reach final attainment. Kanchipuram is also renowned for housing 14 of the 108 temples of Vishnu. Kanchipuram is also renowned for its hand-woven silk sarees, which are sold across the country as well as outside.
Kanchipuram is well connected through a well-knit road and rail network. Tamil Nadu State Road Trasport Corporation (TNSRTC) buses ply through the area connecting it to other important destinations. Road connectivity to Chennai is through two roads, namely via Guindy and via Tambaram. IT is also well connected through rail with the Kanchipuram railway station being located along the Chengalpet-Arakonnam line. The nearest domestic as well as international airport is the Chennai International Airport located about 62 km north-east of the area. Many prestigious educational institutions are located here that include Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahavidyalaya, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE) besides one of the four Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIIT) in the country.
Realty Prospects
Kanchipuram also has many prominent residential pockets that include Pillaiyarpalayam, Shanmuga Nagar, Min Nagar, Ennaikaran, Raghavendra Nagar, Gem Nagar, Thrivulluvar Nagar, Thenambakkam, Sadavaram, Teachers Nagar, Arappanacheri and Thandavaraya Nagar, among others. Even though major residential projects are yet to be developed in Kanchipuram, the area has immense potential due to its infrastructure development as well as the availability of large parcels of developable land. However, it is imperative that the infrastructure development initiatives are carried forward with vigour that would see the area do justice to its tag of being a ‘Satellite city’. Some of the prominent completed apartment projects in Kanchipuram are Mudhra Aishwaryam by Mudhra Homes, KGS Gardenia by KGS Developers Ltd and Royal Dream City by Jameen Builders & Realtors, among others. Important upcoming apartment projects here include Inno Geocity by Inno Group, Nandhavanam by concept Homes India Private Ltd and Hiranandana Urbania by House of Hiranandani, among others. Prices of apartments in Kanchipuram ranges between Rs 3,000-3,500 per sq. ft., while plot prices range between Rs 350-800 per sq. ft.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram is located about 60 km south of Chennai, in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu. It has tremendous historic significance with many monuments belonging to the Pallava dynasty standing testimony to this day. Consequently, it has been named as a UNESCO heritage site with many sculptures of Shiva present here. Mahabalipuram was also formerly a prominent seaport for Indian traders who travelled to countries in South East Asia. Some of the important historic structures here include Thirukadalmallai, Descent of the Ganges, Varaha Cave temple, Shore temple, Pancha Rathas, Tiger Cave, Krishna’s Butter Ball among others. Besides, the Mahabalipuram beach in the backdrop of these various structures presents a panoramic view with people from far and wide flocking to this tourist destination. The Great Salt Lake is which is seen on its inner fringe adds value to its reputation as a tourist destination. MTC and TNSRTC buses frequently ply to Mahabalipuram from Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram and various other destinations.
Realty Prospects
The realty prospects of Mahabalipuram as a ‘Satellite city’ of Chennai are immense considering its attraction as a tourist destination as well as its proximity to Chennai. However, much needs to be done to improve the infrastructure facilities in the area which could create a major impact in terms of enhancing its reputation as a realty destination. Connectivity being excellent to and from Mahabalipuram, the necessary infrastructure needs to be developed which could see the area develop tremendously in realty terms. The vast expanses of vacant developable land can be tapped into by investors and developers with the expectation of healthy returns in future. Realising its prospect many residential developers have already embarked on prestigious residential projects. Some of the completed apartment projects in Mahabalipuram are Compact Homes Behag II by Arun Excello Group of Companies, Bhoomi Luxor by Bhoomi & Buildings and Sunrise Beach Resorts by Mehta Havens Limited, among others. An upcoming apartment project here is Rucons Mahabala by Ru Cons. Prices of apartments in Mahabalipuram ranges between Rs 3,000-3,800 per sq. ft., while plot prices ranges between Rs 500-1000 per sq. ft.
Ponneri
Ponneri is located about 40 km north of the heart of Chennai, in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. It is renowned as an educational hub with many schools and colleges located here. Some of the well-known schools here are Velammal International Residential School, St John’s Matriculation School and Modern Matriculation School, among others. Important colleges in Ponneri are LNG College of Arts & Science and Sri Devi College of Arts and Science, among others. Besides, the Tamil Nadu Open University is also located here. An important proposed industrial project in Ponneri is the NCTPS power plant project. It is well connected to Chennai and other destinations through NH-5. It is also well connected through rail with local areas being connected through the Ponneri railway station. Besides, the Chennai Suburban Railway Network also passes through Ponneri.
Realty Prospects
Ponneri has immense realty prospects considering its proximity to Chennai. Connectivity through road and rail also gives it a thrust in terms of boosting its realty prospects. Being an educational hub will further bolster its prospects of developing into a prominent residential destination. Given its reputation as an educational hub, many more prestigious educational institutions are expected to be developed here in future. Besides, the proposed development of NCTPS power plant will result in the creation of job opportunities, thereby leading to its growth as a residential area. Vast expanses of vacant developable land present a lucrative prospect for investors and developers looking to invest in residential property here. The tag of being a ‘Satellite city’ is expected to result in large scale investments in future, both in the residential as well as commercial space. However, much of this will depend on the development in infrastructure in Ponneri and its surrounding areas. As of now, no major residential projects have been developed in the area. However, in course of time it is expected that Ponneri will develop tremendously in realty terms. Prices of plots in Ponneri range between Rs 300-400 per sq. ft.
Sriperumbudur
Sriperumbudur is located about 42 km south-west of the heart of Chennai, along AH-45. It is renowned for being the birth place of the Hindu saint Ramanuja. Besides, it gained notoriety as being the place where the former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991. The spot where he was assassinated was later converted into the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial which attracts large crowds. However, the city gained in prominence since 2000 due to the rapid rate of industrialism. By 2008, Sriperumbudur became a Special Economic Zone, primarily with focus on the automobile and electronic sectors. Many reputed companies in these sectors started operations here subsequently. These include prominent automobile companies like BMW, Mitsubishi, Ford, Nissan and Hindustan Motors, as well as electronic companies like Nokia, Samsung, Dell, Flextronics, among others. Besides, the establishment of software technology parks has also enhance the investment inflow to Sriperumbudur. Special emphasis has also been placed on infrastructure development. Connectivity has also enhanced the reputation of Sriperumbudur, besides being strategically located along the Bangalore-Chennai highway and in the proximity to the Chennai port. Plans are also in place for developing a greenfield Chennai airport at Sriperumbudur.
Realty Prospects
Sriperumbudur has immense prospects of developing into a prominent residential destination due to the rapid strides that it has made in terms of overall development since 2000. Industrial growth as well as the development of IT parks has contributed tremendously to the growth in realty in the city. With the tag of ‘Satellite city’, the city is expected to develop further as a realty destination in the immediate future. Large parcels of developable land are available here which is expected to provide healthy returns to investors and developers. There are many prominent residential projects that have come up here in the recent past. Some of the major completed apartment projects here are TVH Svaya by True Value Homes India Private Limited, Prince Residenzia by Prince Foundations and Annamalai Residency by Annamalai Builders, among others. Important upcoming apartment projects in Sriperumbudur include Natwest Aspire by Natwest Estates, Lancors Townsville by Lancor Holdings and Propaids Bliss by Propaids Builders and Developers, among others. Prices of apartments in Sriperumbudur ranges between Rs 3,500-4,000 per sq. ft., while plot prices ranges between Rs 300-800 per sq. ft.
Thiruvallur
Thiruvallur is located about 42 km north-west of the heart of Chennai, via NH-5 and SH-114. It is renowned as a temple town in Thiruvallur district and is sand-witched between two important rivers namely Kusasthalai River and Arani River. As per the 2011 census, Thiruvallur has a population of about 56,074 people. There are many temples scattered across Thiruvallur, with Veera Raghavar temple being well-known as one of the 108 sacred shrines of Vaishnavites. The Poondi reservoir, a major source of drinking water to Chennai, is located about 9 km from Thiruvallur. Connectivity in Thiruvallur is good both through road and rail. Tamil Nadu Metropolitan Transport Corporation (TNMTC) runs frequent bus services from Thiruvallur across Chennai as well as the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA). Rail connectivity is also facilitated through the Thiruvallur railway station as well as the Chennai Suburban Railway Network. Thiruvallur has achieved tremendous industrial growth due to housing companies of various industrial sectors. There are various industrial plants in Thiruvallur like Hindustan Motors’ Lancer car plant, Caterpillar Earth Moving Equipment plant and Kingfisher’s brewery division, among others. Besides, Mitsubishi also has a manufacturing facility in Thiruvallur in collaboration with Hindustan Motors. Thiruvallur also houses many MNCs across various sectors like software, electronic, electrical and automobile. There are also many prestigious educational institutions here. Some of them include Sri Ram Engineering College, Indira Institute of Management and Research, and John Bosco College of Engineering and Technology, among others. With the aim to develop Thiruvallur as a ‘Satellite city’, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has drafted a second Master Plan. Accordingly, emphasis would be placed in developing infrastructure facilities as well as making provision for residential development.
Realty Prospects
Thiruvallur is another ‘Satellite City’ in the making with strong emphasis being placed on realty development. There are various factors that would work to its advantage in furthering its realty prospects. They include its proximity to Chennai city, industrial growth across different sectors, abundance of water resources, good connectivity, tourist attraction due to the presence of many temples as well the presence of many reputed educational institutions. However, much will depend on whether the pace of infrastructure growth is maintained. It is expected that realty development will take place side-by-side. There are large parcels of developable land across Thiruvallur with the CMDA expected to allot land both for infrastructure as well as realty development. Plot prices along Thiruvallur Road ranges between Rs 300-800 per sq. ft.
