Sholinganallur Road, part of Chennai’s Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) IT Corridor, has rapidly become one of the city’s most sought‑after residential and rental addresses. Home to major global tech parks, multinational corporations, and a growing ecosystem of support services, this stretch offers IT professionals the convenience of short commutes, modern homes, and a vibrant community.
Read on to discover why Sholinganallur Road is the go‑to destination for tech talent in Chennai—and whether it’s right for your next move.
1. What Makes Sholinganallur Road Special
OMR, dubbed Chennai’s “IT Corridor,” stretches from Madhya Kailash in Adyar down to Siruseri SIPCOT. Within this 45‑km spine, Sholinganallur Road (roughly between Perungudi and Siruseri) stands out thanks to:
- Concentration of Tech Campuses: Infosys, Cognizant, Wipro, and Tata Consultancy Services all have large offices here, drawing tens of thousands of employees daily .
- Purpose‑Built Infrastructure: Wide carriageways, dedicated service roads, and kilometer‑marker signage make navigation and traffic flow smoother than in many older Chennai suburbs .
- Ecosystem of Services: From corporate cafeterias and quick‑service restaurants to coworking spaces and training centers, everything an IT professional needs is just off the highway.
These factors combine to create a self‑sustaining micro‑city, where work, housing, and leisure co‑exist seamlessly.
2. Connectivity & Commute Advantages
2.1 Road Network
Sholinganallur Road enjoys direct access to the East Coast Road via Siruseri and to GST Road (NH‑45) via Karapakkam Junction, enabling easy travel to the airport and industrial belts.
2.2 Mass Transit
- MRTS Feeder: While the MRTS line ends at Velachery, Chennai Metro Phase II plans include feeder services linking Sholinganallur to the Velachery and Thirumailai stations by 2027 .
- Bus Services: Over 25 MTC routes ply the OMR corridor, including air‑conditioned Volvos with Wi‑Fi for peak‑hour commuters.
2.3 Last‑Mile Solutions
App‑based autos, app‑based bike‑taxis, and e‑rickshaws fill gaps, ensuring that the final 1–2 km from your home or office is never a hassle.
Commute Times: Most employees report 15–25 minutes door‑to‑door commutes to major campuses from residential clusters like Kandanchavadi, Siruseri, or Karapakkam.
3. IT Parks & Employment Hubs
The driving force behind Sholinganallur’s growth is the sheer scale of its tech ecosystem:
| IT Park / Company | Location | Key Stats |
| TCS Siruseri Campus | Siruseri | 2.2 L sq.ft. campus; 20,000+ seats |
| Cognizant SEZ | Karapakkam | 1.5 L sq.ft.; 12,000 seats |
| Infosys TIDEL Park | Sholinganallur | 9 L sq.ft.; 25,000 seats |
| Wipro Campus | Sholinganallur | 3 L sq.ft.; 15,000 seats |
Every day, tens of thousands of professionals commute along this stretch, creating a stable base of rental demand and vibrant daytime footfall.
4. Residential Options & Rental Market
4.1 Apartment Complexes & Gated Communities
Modern projects—TVS Emerald, Casagrand, Akshaya—offer 1–4 BHK flats with amenities like gyms, pools, and clubhouses. Sizes range from 550 sq.ft. (1 BHK) to 1,600 sq.ft. (4 BHK).
4.2 Independent Homes & Villa Plots
For those seeking more space, villa complexes in Siruseri and Navalur provide standalone homes and plotted layouts, though at higher entry costs.
4.3 Rental Rates (Mid‑2025)
- 1 BHK (550–650 sq.ft.): ₹15,000–₹22,000/month
- 2 BHK (900–1,100 sq.ft.): ₹25,000–₹32,000/month
- 3 BHK (1,300–1,500 sq.ft.): ₹35,000–₹45,000/month
Average Yield: Around 5% on furnished 2 BHKs, making it a reliable income stream for investors .
5. Social Infrastructure & Lifestyle Amenities
5.1 Education
- Schools: PSBB Millennium (Oyster Pond), HDFC School (Navalur), VELS International
- Colleges: INFYTICS, local coaching centers, and nearby IIT Madras Institute extension programs
5.2 Healthcare
- Hospitals: MIOT, Lifeline Multispecialty, KCG Hospitals
- Clinics & Labs: Numerous diagnostic centers along OMR, many offering 24×7 services
5.3 Retail & Entertainment
- Malls: Phoenix Marketcity (Velachery), Grand Square (Panayur)
- Food Hubs: Hardy’s, Dialogues, and a host of international QSRs on the main road
- Recreation: OMR skate park, Ashtalakshmi temple, weekend food festivals in gated communities
These facilities cater directly to young families and single professionals looking for convenience equals leisure.
6. Investment Outlook & Appreciation
6.1 Price Appreciation
Sholinganallur’s average sale price stands at ₹6,200 per sq.ft., up 4.5% year‑on‑year as of early 2025 . Longer term, the micro‑market has delivered 7–9% annual gains over the past five years.
6.2 Rental Demand
With Chennai recording the highest rental growth among Indian metros in Q3 2024 at 22.2%, Sholinganallur Road remains one of the strongest pockets, thanks to uninterrupted inflow of IT and GCC professionals .
6.3 Future Catalysts
- Metro Phase II Feeder Services (2027): Expected to connect Sholinganallur directly to the Metro network, shaving off 10–15 minutes of commute.
- New IT Campuses: Further planned expansions by HCL and Infosys in the Navalur‑Siruseri stretch.
- Integrated Townships: One‑stop communities combining residential, retail, and office space within gated complexes.
7. Pros & Cons for IT Professionals
| Pros | Cons |
| Short Commutes: 15–25 min to most campuses | Traffic Jams: Peak‑hour congestion on OMR |
| Modern Homes: New projects with full amenities | Costly Entry: ₹6,000–₹7,500/sq.ft. |
| Community Vibe: Peer network of tech professionals | Limited Heritage: Lacks old‑city charm |
| Robust Services: 24×7 water, power backup | Pollution: Higher dust levels from road traffic |
| High Rental Yields: ~5% | Distance: 20–25 km from central Chennai |
8. Tips for Renters and Buyers
- Timing Your Visit: Inspect during peak traffic to gauge commute realisticity.
- Lease Negotiation: Ask for a 6‑month lock‑in with 5% annual escalation.
- Builder Reputation: Prioritize RERA‑registered, on‑schedule developers.
- Resale Considerations: Ground‑floor units see slower appreciation; opt for 3rd floor and above.
- Shared Living: Co‑living spaces on OMR can cut rents by 25–30% while offering community events.
Conclusion
Sholinganallur Road’s blend of short commutes, modern housing, and steady rental demand makes it a clear winner for IT professionals in Chennai. Backed by strong infrastructure, upcoming metro links, and continuous corporate expansions, this micro‑market is poised to remain a top choice for both end‑users and investors. Whether you’re looking to rent a furnished 2 BHK at ₹30,000/month or buy a 1,200 sq.ft. flat at ₹7.5 Cr, the Sholinganallur corridor delivers unmatched convenience and long‑term growth.
Source : Fulinspace.com