Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces plan for new integrated Secretariat complex in Chennai - thehindu.com

**Tamil Nadu to Build New Integrated Secretariat‑Assembly Complex in Chennai**

Chennai – Chief Minister M. K. Stalin (referred to as “Vijay” in the announcement) unveiled plans to construct a sprawling, Rs 1,200 crore integrated Secretariat and Legislative Assembly complex on a 30‑acre site in the city’s Kotturpuram neighbourhood. The state government says the modern, green‑certified edifice will house the chief minister’s office, 21 departments, the legislative assembly hall and ancillary facilities such as a conference centre, staff quarters and a public park. Designed to replace the over‑century‑old Fort St. George building, the new complex is projected to be ready for occupancy by 2029, with construction slated to begin early next year after the final site clearance.

Pre‑construction inspections carried out by the Public Works Department and the Directorate of Architecture have concluded, confirming that the chosen plot can accommodate the proposed high‑rise towers and underground parking while complying with the city’s zoning and environmental norms. The government has pledged to preserve the historic Fort St. George as a heritage museum, citing a “dual‑heritage” approach that balances modern administrative needs with cultural conservation. Funding will be sourced through a mix of state capital allocations, a dedicated infrastructure bond and a modest contribution from the central government’s Smart Cities Mission.

The proposal has drawn mixed reactions. While business chambers and many legislators welcomed the move as a boost to administrative efficiency and a catalyst for urban development, heritage activists warned that relocating the secretariat could undermine the symbolic value of Fort St. George. The opposition parties have called for a transparent tendering process and an independent audit of the projected cost. The chief minister’s office said the project will undergo a public‑consultation phase before the final approval is given in the upcoming cabinet meeting.

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