Kodambakkam

 

From being a part of the historical temple town of Vadapalani to emerging as one of the most sought-after residential localities in the metropolitan of Chennai, the well established and thriving area of Kodambakkam has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception.

 

The area is the centre of the booming film industry of Kollywood (the heart and seat of all Tamil cinema), with a number of film studios scattered across the area, including A. V. M. Studios, Vijaya Vauhini Studios, and the music maestro A. R. Rahman’s A. M. Studios and K. M. Music Conservatory. The neighbourhood is home to Chennai’s affluent and influential, housing some of the city’s biggest film and television stars, directors, producers, musicians, and composers.

 

The locality was developed by Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in the early ‘70s, and is locally governed by the Chennai Corporation civic agency. Not only is this locality one of the oldest in Chennai, but is also one of the most well developed. This area enjoys stable water supply from Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewage Board (CMWSSB). Electricity, on the other hand, is supplied by Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB).

 

Kodambakkam lies close to the posh area of Nungambakkam, the commercial hub of T. Nagar, and the transport corridor at Koyambedu, and has witnessed exponential growth with regard to social and civic infrastructure over the past couple of decades. The neighbourhood houses one of Chennai’s oldest flyovers, connecting it to the likes of K. K. Nagar, Vadapalani, and Ashok Nagar.

 

A myriad of eateries, departmental stores, banks, and ATMs can be seen lined up in this locality. There are a number of English medium schools dotting the area, such as Metro English Medium School, Chhatrapati Shivaji DAV School, and Fatima Matriculation Higher Secondary School. The locally reputed Meenakshi Sundaram Engineering College is located here as well. Best Hospital and J. V. Hospitals are two among the many multi-speciality hospitals in Kodambakkam.

 

The mushrooming of IT companies close by has especially spurred the demand for residential housing in this locality. Young working professionals in this area are typically on the hunt for 2-3 BHK housing units.

 

Connectivity and Transit Points

 

Centrally located, Kodambakkam enjoys easy accessibility to major areas in Chennai, including Nungambakkam, T. Nagar, Ashok Nagar, K. K. Nagar, West Mambalam, and Vadapalani. This neighbourhood is fuelled by a highly efficient public transport system, allowing for hassle-free commute.

 

The area is flanked by Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road, also known as National Highway 45. This road connects Kodambakkam to important towns and districts in Tamil Nadu, such as Dindigul, Theni, and Trichy. This road also leads to Chennai International Airport, which lies a mere 12 km away.

 

Local MTC buses ply from the Bharathiyar Nagar Bus Stop in Kodambakkam, taking commuters to most parts of the large, sprawling city. Auto-rickshaws can be found along the lanes of this locality, charging a minimum fare of Rs 25.

 

Chennai Central Railway Station is 9 km away from the locality. Kodambakkam houses its own train station, Kodambakkam Railway Station, which serves the residents of Kodambakkam, Ashok Nagar,  and Vadapalani.

Major Landmarks

 

●       Fathima Annal Alyam Temple

●       Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple

●       Perumal Temple

●       St. Joseph’s Church

●       Kamaraj Memorial House

●       Bajani Koil

 

Factors for Growth in the Past

 

Kodambakkam was developed by the CMDA in the early ‘70s, and has since become a highly sought-after residential hub. The planned construction of this locality was further propelled by its proximity to other major locales in Chennai.

 

The establishment of numerous film studios in Kodambakkam, combined with the growing number of celebrities moving towards the area, accelerated its development. Civic authorities began to expand the existing social and civic infrastructure, adding flyovers, schools, and colleges to the neighbourhood.

 

Residential and Commercial Market

 

Residential Market Trends

 

Kodambakkam, being an old and mature residential area, houses many bungalows, each of varying size. However, while there are many independent houses in Kodambakkam, multi-storey apartments are on the rise.

 

The current residential sales trends for multi-storey apartments in Kodambakkam range between Rs 8,350 to Rs 9,700 per sq ft. For a 2 BHK unit in the area, prices start at Rs 55 Lakh, and go up to Rs 1.35 crore. A 3 BHK unit may cost anywhere between Rs 90 lakh and Rs 2.5 crore. The price per sq. ft. depends on the size of the apartment, and the amenities provided by the builders. Spacious villas in the neighbourhood can cost up to Rs 7 crore.

 

Renting out a typical 2 BHK may cost a tenant up to Rs 30,000 per month, and a 3 BHK unit commands a rent of up to Rs 50,000 per month, at Rs 10 to Rs 21 per sq. ft.

 

Commercial Market Trends

 

Although Kodambakkam is primarily a residential area, there are a few plots available for commercial and office use. The market trends for commercial space toggles between Rs 34 to Rs 39 per sq. ft.

 

Major Challenges

 

The residents suffer from water-logged streets, especially after a bout of rain. Improper garbage disposal and choked, stagnant drains emit a foul stench which stinks up the whole neighbourhood. In spite of there being many public toilets in the area, public urination is common and frequent, further contributing to the questionable sanitation.

 

Factors for Growth in the Future

 

The CMDA has proposed the construction of the Chennai Monorail system, which is expected to ply from Parrys Corner to Nungambakkam, covering at least 34 localities in the city including Kodambakkam. This elevated monorail will help effectively cut short travel time and ease traffic congestion.

 

In terms of urban planning and infrastructural expansion, the government has approved plans regarding the construction of subways, foot-over-bridges, and wide pedestrian walkways, further contributing to its accelerating demand.

 

A number of investors and developers including Jain Housing and Constructions Ltd., Gokul Builders and Estates, Sterling Estate and Properties Ltd., and True Value Homes (TVH) India Private Ltd have set their sights on Kodambakkam, and many residential projects are slated for completion in the near future. This will boost real estate in the area, increasing the value of property here.