A preliminary survey is under way to identify a site for a new Tamil Nadu Secretariat in Pattinapakkam, Chennai, close to Chief Minister Vijay’s residence, according to Secretariat officials.
After the T.Ve.K.-led alliance formed the government, administrative changes have been initiated. As part of this, the Chief Minister’s office—traditionally located inside the Fort St. George complex—is being shifted to the 10th floor of the Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai.
Officials said the existing Secretariat setup faces constraints, with large portions of the Fort complex under military control and significant space limitations. They noted that previous chief ministers, including M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa, had also explored relocating the Secretariat at different times.
Earlier proposals included sites near the Pattinapakkam signal and other locations, but plans were dropped due to concerns about proximity to the sea and the risk of natural disasters such as tsunamis and cyclones. The current proposal focuses on a 17-acre government land parcel in Pattinapakkam, which the Chief Minister’s side considers suitable and within walking distance of his home.
Government engineers have completed an initial assessment at the site. Officials said further studies will be carried out, and if the location is found viable, the next stages of work could begin soon.
