Pattinapakkam secretariat plan draws criticism over congestion, site size

The Tamil Nadu government's decision to build a new Assembly and Secretariat complex in Pattinapakkam has come under fire from opposition leaders, who argue the location is ill-suited for such a large administrative hub.

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss said on Wednesday that the choice of site lacked foresight, given the area's existing traffic woes. While acknowledging the need for a new complex, he contended that the disadvantages of the Pattinapakkam location would outweigh any benefits.

Ramadoss pointed to severe congestion on Santhome Road and Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Salai, which he said had already necessitated the construction of a loop road. He also noted that the neighbourhood houses several major establishments, including Santhome Church, prominent schools and the office of the Inspector General of Registration, all of which draw significant footfall.

Beyond traffic, Ramadoss raised concerns about the size of the identified land parcel. He argued that a fully functional secretariat would require supporting infrastructure such as a fire station, emergency medical services, restaurants, parking and public transport links. Without adequate space for these facilities, he warned, the new complex would quickly face the same space constraints as the existing one.

Separately, AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to explore alternative sites. In a social media post, he cited the potential adverse impact on the livelihoods of fishermen residing near the proposed location. He also called for a public hearing to be conducted before finalising the site, arguing that stakeholders should have been consulted earlier.