Mahabalipuram, an artistic, historical, and tourist site near Chennai, is set to be developed as the sixth new town (satellite town) in the region. The State Housing and Urban Development department has notified a list of 25 revenue villages that will be encompassed within the new town.

Governor RN Ravi made the announcement during a controversial speech in the state Assembly, where he mentioned the creation of a satellite town near Mahabalipuram along the East Coast Road (ECR). The revenue villages identified for inclusion in the new town are Valavanthangal, Santhanampattu, Nemmeli, Krishnankaranai, Tirupporur, Saluvankuppam, Pattipulam, Thandalam, Vengaleri, Alathur, Karungulipallam, Paiyanur, Sirudavur, Adigamanallur, Karanai, Kunnappattu, Panjanthiruthi, Dakshinavarthi, Amur, Porundavakkam, Kokkilimedu, Mahabalipuram, Poonjeri, Kadambadi, and Perumaleri-Vadakadambadi-Nallanpillaipettral.

The department has invited objections and suggestions from residents, local authorities, and institutions within these areas. They have been given a two-month period to submit their objections or suggestions in writing to the government.

The main objective of developing Mahabalipuram as a new town is to promote tourism while preserving its ancient architectural heritage. A new town development plan specifically for Mahabalipuram will be prepared as part of this proposal.

In addition to Mahabalipuram, the government has also taken measures to create new towns in Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Tirumazhisai, and Minjur. Each new town will cover a specific number of revenue villages, ranging from 11 to 60.

The new town development plans for these areas will address various aspects such as transit-oriented development, tourism and waterfront development, water resource augmentation, solid waste management, heritage conservation, and accessibility to urban services.