Tamil Nadu Plans Rs 1,200 Crore New Assembly Secretariat Complex

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced on Thursday that the state government will construct a new integrated complex to house the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat in Chennai at an estimated cost of Rs 1,200 crore. The project, which aims to relocate the state's administrative headquarters from the historic Fort St. George campus, was unveiled during a session of the Assembly. Vijay stated the new facility will be built on a 20 lakh square foot area and will integrate all government departments into a single, modern campus. He cited severe space constraints at the existing Fort St. George location as a primary driver for the move. "The government has control only over a small portion, approximately 4 acres of the 107-acre Fort St. George campus, as the rest is managed by the Defence and the Archaeological Survey of India," the Chief Minister said. The proposed complex will feature modern administrative and legislative amenities, including fire-safety systems, facilities for persons with disabilities, and green-building standards. It will also include adequate parking, conference halls, public service centers, and improved facilities for government employees.