CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is considering raising the floor space index (FSI) for properties near the MRTS and Chennai Metro Rail routes to 6.5 for the first time in Tamil Nadu. The state’s previous highest allowable FSI level was 4.87.
According to sources, the action aims to increase commercial development along transit lines, improve employment accessibility and mobility, and build cheap housing in areas designated for such development.
Development zones along railway lines have been split into three groups based on policies and procedures used in Mumbai, Gurugram, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad, according to a study conducted by the Gujarat-based Center for Urban Planning and Policy (CUPP), Centre for Research on Architecture and Urbanism (CAU), and CEPT Research and Development Foundation.
The categories are station area zones, which include plots within a 500-meter radius of rail station entrances and exits, transit-oriented development area zone 1 (TOD-1), which includes plots adjacent to other CMDA-designated corridors and plots along and above transit lines, and TOD-2, which includes plots within TOD zones but not included in TOD-1 or station area zones.
The FSI limit has been suggested to be raised to 6.5 (up from 4.87) for plot areas of 3,000 square metres and above with a right-of-way of 18 metres under station area and TOD-1 zones. The study’s recommendation for TOD-2 calls for an FSI of 5.7 for plots larger than or equal to 3,000 square metres. According to the study, plot size and right of way have an impact on FSI use, and plots smaller than 3,000 square metres will not be able to use FSI of more than 4.87.
In Indian cities, FSI regulations are in place to control the amount of construction allowed on a given plot size. For instance, an FSI of 1 permits the construction of either one story of 100 square feet or two levels of 50 square feet each on a parcel of land measuring 100 square feet. A FSI of 2 permits either four levels of 50 sq. ft. on the same plot or two floors of 100 sq. ft. each.
An FSI of 2.5 along metro routes and an FSI of 4 along the Outer Ring Road were suggested in the prior comprehensive mobility plan, which is currently being amended, to encourage development outside of municipalities.
