In a landmark decision set to reshape urban governance in Tamil Nadu, the Chennai and Tambaram Corporations are poised for significant territorial expansions. The Chennai Corporation will see its area increase from 1,189 square kilometers to a massive 5,904 square kilometers, more than quadrupling its current size. This expansion, driven by population-based ward delineations, is expected to bring in additional central government funds and increased financial assistance from the World Bank, alongside a rise in tax revenue.This expansion follows a similar move in 2011 when the incorporation of 9 municipalities, 8 borough councils, and 25 panchayats added 424 square kilometers to Chennai, classifying it as a metropolitan area. The latest plan will incorporate 50 panchayats from 8 assembly constituencies and 1,225 villages from Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Ranipet into the Chennai Corporation. This will result in the creation of 250 new wards. Areas such as Moovarasampettai, Ayyappan Thangal, and Kolappakkam in the Alandur constituency will be included in this expansion.
The Tambaram Corporation will also undergo a significant expansion by merging panchayats from the Maduravayal constituency, including Vanagaram, Ayappakkam, and Poonamallee. Additional areas from the Thiruporur block, such as Navalur, Thazhambur, Siruseri, and Kovalam, and from the Ponneri block, including Vichoor and Vellivoyalchavadi, will join the Tambaram Corporation. Fifteen panchayats, including Trisulam and Pozhichalur, will also be integrated into Tambaram Corporation.
An official notification detailing these expansions is expected soon.