In what can be called as a major boost to the robust automobile industry in Chennai, the recent railway Budget announced a further shot in the arm that will not only solidify Chennai’s position as a premier auto hub but even go on to ensure that areas such as Oragadam, Sriperumbudur and Singaperumal Kovil will see an even more refreshed, more invigorated demand for land in these areas. Moreover, the hub will greatly augment the efficiency of the industry as well as create more employment opportunities for rail/ auto and allied sectors.

India’s first ‘rail-auto hub’

Not an ordinary feat by any standard, the hub will be India’s first rail-auto hub that is aimed to support the delivery and transport efficiency of the automobile manufacturers based in Oragadam, Sriperumbudur and Singaperumal Kovil. As is already known, Oragadam is one of the key locations of Chennai that has come to be known by precious epithets such as ‘Chennai’s industrial growth corridor’ and the ‘biggest automobile hub of South Asia’.

Renowned automobile manufacturing companies such as Renault Nissan, Hyundai, Ford, Daimler, Royal Enfield, Ashok Leyland, Apollo Tyres, TVS Group of Companies among other large corporations are already located here. With the upcoming rail-auto hub, there is an expectation of witnessing a massive boost to distribution and supply of automobiles thus manufactured to other locations in India.

However, besides boasting of strong base of automobile and ancillary industries, Oragadam also hosts many SEZ’s, telecom, IT and electronic manufacturing conglomerates that are located here. Moreover, there are plans afoot for a Greenfield airport, a Financial City, an upcoming 300-crore Oragadam Industrial Corridor Road and a massive aerospace park in this area.

So how does this development augur for Oragadam, Sriperumbudur and Singaperumal Kovil areas and what does this growth mean?

Quite simply put, the availability of reasonable land parcels and the fact that corporations have recognised the value proposition behind investments in these areas, go on to make commercial and residential investments in Oragadam and Sriperumbudur a sensible proposition.

Recent trends have shown that many professionals prefer Oragadam as the area is already ready with a solid infrastructure in terms of schools, colleges, religious places of worship, healthcare facilities and transportation facilities. Besides, commuting to commercial zones is a breeze on account of the many highways and key arterial roads that connect Oragadam to the rest of Chennai, as they do to the international airport, the harbour, Chennai Central and chief bus transportations.

The rail auto hub

Upcoming in Walajabad area in the Kancheepuram district near Chennai, the rail auto hub will serve as an important chain for the transport of cars via road and from road to rail. As is common knowledge, the automobile industry set within the areas of Oragadam, Sriperumbudur and Singaperumal Kovil produce over one million four-wheelers every year. Not only will the rail auto hub aid the automobile manufacturers for easier transportation but it will also enhance the distribution capabilities for the South India market with regards to the auto/ ancillary manufacturers located across India.

While it is planned that the first phase of the hub will have to be capable of holding over 300 four-wheelers, the first automobile-carrying train was expected to be rolled out by March ’16 itself, according to sources. Besides which it is further planned that in order to increase speed and efficiency the hub will have secured, fenced and well-lit four to six- lane road connectivity directly to the auto hub belts.