CHENNAI: Moving fast on the road to setting up the proposed Smart City at Ponneri, the Japan International Cooperation Agency has prepared a master plan that envisages development of the urban, manufacturing node near Chennai spread across 22,000 acres of land at a total cost of Rs 32,713 crore.
The proposed city is expected to have a population of four lakh and a working population of 8.88 lakh by 2025, as per the master plan document. It would be developed in three phases.The first phase will involve 4,448 acres of land available with government agencies while the second phase would involve 2,718 acres of existing port area.The third phase will involve 5,667 acres of land with existing development around coastal regulation zone. Of the total planned area, 9,133 acres of land are yet to be acquired.
The idea of developing Ponneri, an engineering hub for automobile and machinery units, is to realise the vision of Chennai Bangalore Industrial Corridor (CBIC) to attain a growth of 15 per cent per annum in manufacturing to meet the National Manufacturing Plan target, says the master plan.
Ponneri has been shortlisted among the eight prospective areas which come under CBIC, as it is ideally located near Katpulli and Kamarajar Ports to serve both domestic and international markets.
While the traditional strength of Ponneri has been identified as automobiles and auto components, chemicals and petrochemical machinery besides computers, electronic and optical components, the master plan has identified metallurgy, electrical machinery, textiles and apparels, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment as potential areas of growth.
Beyond the manufacturing and industrial units, the master plan proposes quality and sustainable infrastructure for the residents to ensure quality of life. This includes responsive governance, civic services, affordable housing, public facilities, parks and recreation.
The master plan states that the focus will be on economic and environmental sustainability, waste management, recycled water, renewable energy, skill development and organic growth. The city will have industrial parks, residential area besides commercial space.