As a part of the initiatives taken up to strengthen and improve the capacity building at CMDA, an Urban Planning Advisory (Research & Strategy) Team was set up in CMDA in 2021. Over the past 3 years, ICCfG has deputed 10 (in total) such skilled and experienced advisors who play a crucial role in providing invaluable support across a spectrum of endeavours. The team is pivotal in shaping Chennai’s urban landscape, providing strategic guidance, technical expertise, and innovative solutions. It supports evidence-based studies and need-based projects through data analysis, policy recommendations, identifying emerging trends, collaboration with diverse stakeholders, implementing best practices, and significantly advancing research and policy frameworks. The team’s expertise in urban research, design innovation, and project implementation, coupled with a focus on public policy formulation, urban planning, urban governance, advocacy for administrative reforms, and training and capacity-building programs, makes them valuable. 

Master Planning and Policy Initiatives

Currently, CMDA is spearheading a major urban planning initiative, including developing a comprehensive Third Master Plan (TMP) for which 26 sectoral studies are underway. The team is actively contributing to the conceptualisation of the studies, formulation of the Terms of Reference (TOR) Frameworks, and Review of the progress and deliverables. In addition to the TMP, 6 New Town Development Plans (NTDPs) for various growth centres in and around the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) have been announced, and 3 more are in the concept stage. To foster sustainable development, the team is further assisting in the application of innovative planning tools such as Transit Oriented Development (TOD), Transferable Development Rights (TDRs), Land Pooling Area Development Scheme (LPADS) at Madambakkam and Thirumazhisai currently, and soon-to-be implemented at all the new towns. Plans at other spatial scales such as the Detailed Development Plan (DDP) for the 62km stretch of Outer Ring Road from Vandalur to Minjur and Local Area Plans (LAP) for George Town Area are under progress. Further, integral contributions have been made to the policy-level initiatives including the Urban Design Guidelines and Universal Accessibility Guidelines.

Projects and Initiatives

Besides the master planning and policy-level interventions, the team is actively supporting the implementation of several large-scale urban development projects. From being crucial to the formulation of the Comprehensive Shoreline Development Plan (CSDP) and the Chennai Shoreline Renourishment & Revitalisation Projects Ltd. (CSRRPL) covering 52 km between Ennore and Kovalam to assisting in the development of lakefronts for 12 lakes across the city, including Perumbakkam, Retteri, and Mudichur, the team has contributed to the idea of integration and optimisation of waterfronts to the urban fabric. Additionally, the team is contributing to the Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam (VCVT), a multi-departmental initiative to improve urban infrastructure and amenities in North Chennai. Other significant projects being supported by the research advisory team include the annual announcements of development of bus termini, playgrounds, sponge parks, island grounds, Kaivannam Sadhukkam, and a heritage corridor along Marina Beach. The team is also involved in the planning and development of the Global Sports City in Semmancheri and the redevelopment of the Koyambedu market.

Internship and Collaborations

The research advisory plays an integral role in fostering strategic collaborations with renowned institutions like Cornell University, Princeton University, Anna University, CEPT University, and PSG Institute of Architecture and Planning. The team has also been instrumental in initiating the B-Plan program at Anna University, updating syllabi and curricula, and conducting induction programs. By actively engaging with CHS and collaborating with ITDP, TNGCC, and Artha Global, the research advisory team has contributed to a rich research ecosystem. These partnerships, formalized through MOUs, have significantly enhanced CMDA’s research capabilities and informed evidence-based decision-making. The team’s commitment to conducting impactful research has provided valuable insights for the master plan and other urban development initiatives. Additionally, the team’s oversight of the internship program and social media content has facilitated knowledge dissemination and public engagement.

In conclusion, the Urban Planning Advisory (Research & Strategy) Team at CMDA, established in 2021, has played a transformative role in shaping Chennai’s urban development through evidence-based research, strategic planning, and innovative project implementation. With their contributions to master planning, policy formulation, and large-scale development projects, the team has strengthened the foundation for sustainable urban growth. Their collaborations with leading academic institutions and organizations, as well as initiatives in capacity building and public engagement, underscore their commitment to informed urban decision-making. As CMDA advances towards realizing its vision for Chennai, this research-based approach continues to be an invaluable asset, driving progress and fostering a resilient urban future.