Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has said a modern Assembly and Secretariat complex will be built in Chennai, spanning about 20 lakh sq ft at an estimated cost of Rs 1,200 crore.
An initial government order proposed a site near the Chief Minister’s residence in Pattinapakkam. However, fishermen staged protests opposing construction at that location, prompting the state to reconsider the plan.
Officials said Pallavan Illam is among the locations being examined for the new complex, though a final decision has not yet been taken. They indicated an announcement is expected within a week, noting that the site is well-connected by buses, suburban rail and the Metro.
The Pallavan Illam campus spans about 13.22 acres and currently houses the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) facilities. Since the land belongs to the government and has adequate space, officials believe it could avoid the need for additional acquisition and reduce public opposition.
If the Secretariat is set up there, the MTC operations at the site may have to be shifted elsewhere. Officials said the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) is among the alternatives under consideration.
