New secretariat at Pattinapakkam will result in severe traffic congestion: Anbumani

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Wednesday criticised the Tamil Nadu government’s decision to locate a new Assembly and secretariat complex in Pattinapakkam, describing the move as lacking foresight given the area’s current congestion. He acknowledged the need for a new secretariat but argued that the disadvantages of the chosen site outweigh any benefits.

Anbumani highlighted that Santhome Road and Pasumpon Muthuramalingam Salai already experience severe traffic jams, prompting the construction of a loop road to alleviate pressure. He also noted that the parcel of land earmarked for the project is insufficient to accommodate essential facilities such as a fire station, emergency medical services, restaurants, parking and public transport links. AMMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran echoed these concerns on social media, asking Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to explore other locations and warning of adverse effects on nearby fishermen’s livelihoods.

The proposed site sits amid several key institutions, including Santhome Church, prominent schools and the office of the Inspector General of Registration, all of which attract high footfall. Critics argue that without a prior public hearing, the project risks replicating the space constraints seen at the existing secretariat, while also disrupting daily commutes and local economic activities.