Introduction
In recent years, Chennai’s Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) has transformed from a suburban stretch to the city’s leading construction corridor. Often referred to as Chennai’s “IT Corridor,” OMR stretches roughly 45 km from Madhya Kailash to the ECR junction, now hosting scores of tech giants, mixed-use developments, and residential hotspots (Wikipedia). In 2025, this corridor is witnessing unprecedented construction activity, making it the prime focus for developers, homebuyers, and investors.
This surge is driven by a confluence of factors: a booming IT‑ITES sector, major infrastructure projects including Chennai Metro Phase II and elevated flyovers, rising commercial hubs, and strong consumer demand. Chennai recently recorded a 57 % rise in office-space leasing during H1 2025—totaling 5.5 million sq ft, second only to Bengaluru (The Times of India). With new metro lines slated to connect neighborhoods like Sholinganallur and Siruseri by 2026‑28 (Namma Family Builder), and large-scale road projects underway, OMR is rapidly becoming the city’s most attractive zone for clean-slate development.
In this deep-dive article (~2 500 words), we explore why OMR stands out in South Chennai’s real estate landscape. We’ll analyze the ecosystem driving this boom, examine key micro-markets, assess risks and returns, and show how Narasimha Interiors can be your partner in turning corridor momentum into tangible project success.
1. IT-Ecosystem & Its Spillover
OMR stands out nationally as a premier IT corridor, home to TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro, Accenture, Capgemini, and global capability centres. These tech hubs are clustered in prominent SEZs like SIPCOT and MGR Film City—but it’s the rapid absorption of office space that is most striking. In H1 2025, Chennai leased 5.5 million sq ft—up 57 % YoY (TVS Emerald – TVS Emerald). OMR and its extensions, including the radial road stretching toward Pallavaram and Ambattur, led this surge, signaling strong employment-driven demand.
The ripple effect is clear: each new tech hire translates to over 4 auxiliary jobs in services, hospitality, and maintenance (The Times of India). As a result, residential demand in OMR’s adjacent zones (Sholinganallur, Medavakkam, Navalur) has seen astounding growth—with Q1 2025 registrations rising 88 %, equating to over 8 000 new units (prestigepallavagardens.live, mpdevelopers.com).
Housing prices along this corridor are climbing steadily—growing 5‑7 % YoY (Fulin Space). As of mid-2025, mid-income apartments fetch ₹4 500–₹6 000 per sq ft, with rental rates between ₹15 000 and ₹30 000 per month for quality 2 BHK units (https://www.roofandfloor.com/, The Times of India). This speaks to a resilient rent-buy market even during macro fluctuations.
Landmark residential developments such as TVH Ouranya Bay Towers, Bollineni Hillside, and numerous ongoing projects reflect both investor confidence and demand for integrated communities (Wikipedia). The availability of modern apartments with robust amenities has helped sustain a near 7 % CAGR in property values over the past year.
According to Sobha, well-connected corridors like OMR and ECR are seeing the greatest appreciation due to infrastructure-led urbanization (SOBHA Limited). As such, OMR is not just a tech hub; it’s a rapidly evolving real estate ecosystem.
2. Metro, Highways & Road Upgrades
Infrastructure is transforming OMR from an IT-led spine into a fully integrated urban corridor. Key projects fueling this shift include:
2.1 Chennai Metro Phase II
Metro corridor extensions are critical to OMR’s accessibility. Phase II plans include a 116 km expansion that links Perungudi through Taramani to Siruseri-SIPCOT (https://www.roofandfloor.com/, Namma Family Builder). Sholinganallur station, a major interchange, is expected to be operational by December 2026 (Wikipedia). Properties within 1 km of metro stations have witnessed 20‑30 % price hikes (livehomes.in).
2.2 Flyovers & Link Roads
To combat chronic congestion, the state is constructing two major flyovers: a 760‑m elevated stretch at SRP Tools junction and a 615‑m flyover near Perungudi, both designed to ease peak-hour traffic (Namma Family Builder). These projects are progressing alongside Metro Phase II construction and aim to keep traffic flowing even during infrastructure expansions.
An important connectivity initiative is the 1.4‑km link road between OMR and ECR. Originally delayed, construction resumed late 2024, involving land acquisition of nearly 90 properties (The Times of India). Once complete, this will cut travel time to the airport by connecting through Thoraipakkam and Pallavaram radial roads.
2.3 Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR)
The 132.87‑km Chennai Peripheral Ring Road, a 10‑lane expressway connecting Ennore Port to Mamallapuram, is under construction with an estimated completion by January 2026 (Namma Family Builder, MagicBricks). This expressway will increase traffic capacity and unlock new development zones along OMR and adjacent corridors.
2.4 OMR Widening
The Siruseri–Padur stretch is being widened to four lanes, including a ₹37‑crore upgrade on a 2.5‑km bottleneck near Siruseri SIPCOT (prestigepallavagardens.live, Namma Family Builder). Such improvements enhance connectivity and reduce travel times—a key factor for time-sensitive home-seekers.
Combined, these initiatives are transforming OMR into a corridor characterized by reliable mass transit, high-capacity roads, and future-ready urban design.
3. Residential Demand & Micro-Markets
Several sub-markets along OMR stand out due to construction momentum and investor interest.
3.1 Sholinganallur
An emerging hub due to its IT cluster and impending metro interchange station. The area offers mid-range apartments, gated communities, and improved social infrastructure including schools and hospitals. Q1 2025 saw an 88 % rise in new project registrations (prestigepallavagardens.live, mpdevelopers.com).
3.2 Medavakkam & Pallavaram Radial Corridor
This area acts as a feeder from OMR to GST Road and airport. It features a mix of affordable housing and mid-tier developments. It benefits from both metro access and planned flyovers.
3.3 Navalur & Padur
Close to large tech parks like SIPCOT, these neighborhoods have quick-rising apartment complexes and available land parcels. Projects like Bollineni Hillside cater to mass-market housing (Wikipedia).
3.4 Perungudi & Siruseri SIPCOT
These already well-developed tech pockets are upgrading further with world-class office space—such as World Trade Center Chennai (1.8 million sq ft of premium office) (Wikipedia). The widening at Siruseri and improved connectivity amplify these micro-markets’ appeal.
Rental yields remain high—2 BHKs are securing ₹15k–₹30k/month (https://www.roofandfloor.com/). Price growth of 5‑7 % YoY shows both transactional and investment strength (Fulin Space).
4. Commercial & Mixed-Use Growth
While residential demand gets the spotlight, OMR is seeing parallel growth in commercial, retail, and logistics segments.
4.1 Office Space Expansion
World Trade Center Chennai, a LEED-certified 1.8 million sq ft development in Perungudi, marks the trend of premium office spaces moving to OMR (Wikipedia, The Times of India). Large deals by Shell, Bank of America, AstraZeneca, and Mizuho set benchmarks for demand and rental growth (The Times of India).
4.2 Warehousing & Logistics
OMR’s proximity to ECR and the Chennai–Bangalore Industrial Corridor is drawing industrial and logistics investments. Developers are launching flex-space and warehousing units near Siruseri and Perungudi (TVS Emerald – TVS Emerald).
4.3 Retail & Hospitality
Retail hubs like Marina Mall in Egattur (550 000 sq ft, 120+ stores) highlight consumer infrastructure growth (Wikipedia). High-end hospitality is also emerging, e.g., the Rs 153‑crore revamp of the Asiana Hotel (The Times of India, Address Advisors).
4.4 Co-Working & Flex Spaces
Demand for flexible office formats is expanding. The new office space absorption is accompanied by increasing demand for retail and co-working formats (Urban Space Builders –).
The confluence of office, retail, residential, and logistics makes OMR a true mixed-use growth corridor.
5. Investment Outlook & Key Risks
OMR’s corridors are witnessing strong investor confidence, but key factors must be evaluated:
5.1 Price & Yield Metrics
Mid-segment apartments sell at ₹4 500–₹6 000 per sq ft with 4–7 % rental yields. Properties near metro stations deliver 20–30 % price appreciation (mpdevelopers.com, livehomes.in). Chennai’s overall price appreciation of 4–7 % annually reflects broader market strength (PropertyWala).
5.2 Infrastructure Momentum
Metro Phase II, flyovers, ring roads, and widening projects create a long-term growth engine. These lead to better commutes, higher property premiums, and improved quality of life.
5.3 Risk Areas
- Flooding risks remain in low-lying zones like Pallikaranai. The city is addressing this with an Okkiyam Maduvu drain project, but some risk persists.
- Roadworks during construction phases may temporarily impact traffic and access.
- Legal aspects: ensure CMDA approvals and RERA registration. Delays in permissions can affect timelines.
5.4 Comparative Outlook
A recent analysis ranked OMR as Chennai’s fastest developing area in 2025, ahead of Velachery and Mount Road (prestigepallavagardens.live). North Chennai is also growing, but OMR leads in integrated infrastructure and employment density (The Times of India).
In summary, OMR presents solid upside—but investment prudence requires property-specific due diligence on infrastructure adjacency, builder reputation, and legal compliance.
6. Why Narasimha Interiors Should Be Your Partner
Narasimha Interiors offers clients a complete package: site-level infrastructure insights, design & execution, and swift marketing through SEO-optimized content.
Key advantages:
- Infra-informed site selection
We track infrastructure pipelines and highlight metro-proximate and road-linked plots. - Interior-first design
From 3D space planning to finish selection, our homes meet both aesthetic and functional needs. - Faster sales through staged reveal
We helped a Sholinganallur project close 20% faster by showcasing ready sample flats and walkthrough videos. - SEO-powered visibility
Our value lies in site design and digital storytelling—blogs like this one boost Google organic traffic and lead generation, drawing qualified prospects. - Seamless delivery
End-to-end execution—from foundation engineering to property handover—including in-house project management ensures timelines are met.
Call to Action
- Free site audits on OMR-linked plots
- Custom layout planning and RERA/CMDA compliance checks
- “OMR Infrastructure Insights” handbook for buyers & developers
Partnering with Narasimha Interiors means combining corridor opportunity with execution excellence.
Conclusion & Reader Checklist
OMR has emerged as Chennai’s top construction corridor in 2025. Fueled by tech-sector expansion, swift infrastructure builds, and robust mixed-use development, it signals strong returns and rising living standards.
Buyer/Investor checklist:
- Ensure the property is within 1 km of metro station or near new flyovers
- Verify all approvals (RERA, CMDA) and infrastructure plans
- Check flood and drainage long-term risk
- Choose developers with delivery capability and interior integration
- Prioritize properties near upcoming ring roads and expressways
With the right approach, this corridor offers best-in-class liveability, strong returns, and strategic diversity. To explore customized opportunities or interior+infra packages, download our “OMR Investment & Interiors Guide” and schedule a free consultation with our team.
Suggested Image for the Blog
- OMR Construction Site 2025
Upload an image of active construction along OMR. Alt text: “Construction site on Old Mahabalipuram Road Chennai 2025 with cranes and high-rise frames.”
Embedded Questions
Q: When will the metro reach OMR?
A: Metro Phase II is scheduled in stages, with Sholinganallur station opening by Dec 2026 and full OMR coverage by 2028 (The Times of India, prestigepallavagardens.live, MagicBricks, SSMB, Wikipedia).
Q: What price growth has OMR seen recently?
A: Residential prices have grown 5–7 % year-over-year, and metro-adjacent properties up to 20–30 % (Fulin Space, livehomes.in).
Q: Are there flood risks?
A: Low-lying zones are vulnerable, but the Okkiyam Maduvu mega-drain and ring road projects work toward mitigation.
Q: How do rental yields stand?
A: Monthly rents for quality 2 BHK units range ₹15k–₹30k, translating to 4–7 % rental yields (https://www.roofandfloor.com/).