Industries in Chennai’s SIPCOT indicate infrastructure gaps

Vallam Vadagal Industrial Park Manufacturers Association calls for regular police patrols to improve security. | Photo credit: B. Velankanni Raj

Companies operating in SIPCOT Vallam Vadagal and Irungattukottai are facing major infrastructure hurdles. Adding to their woes are industrial units here who claim that approaching the relevant officials to resolve these issues has become a challenge in itself.

“It is difficult to get meetings with key officials of the State Industrial Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT),” said representatives of companies based in the two parks. Frequent power outages are also a problem.

The Vallam Vadagal Industrial Park Manufacturers Association has highlighted several issues, including non-functional street lights along the main stretches of the park; an increase in roadside parking of trucks, leading to traffic congestion; and recurring water supply disruptions affecting industrial operations. The association also called for regular police patrols in the industrial park to improve security.

K. Baskaran, committee member of Vallam Vadagal Industrial Park Manufacturers Association, said, “It takes 45 minutes to reach my factory from the heavy traffic entrance, even for a stretch of more than half a kilometre. The street lights are not working and when we raise the issue, we are told that there are no funds to run them. We pay ₹2,500 to pay for basic infrastructure, but there is not even 1 meter of EB substation left.”

Speaking on behalf of the SIPCOT Irungattukottai Manufacturers Association, S. Thyagarajan said, “We are facing several infrastructural challenges such as power outages, poor condition of roads and inadequate maintenance of storm water drains. Although the drain cleaning contract has been canceled and given to a new contractor, the work remains unsatisfactory.”

He also said potholes needed to be properly filled and several sections of the road required complete resurfacing rather than temporary repairs.

The companies have urged the state government to address these issues without delay, stressing that good infrastructure is essential for sustainable industrial and economic growth.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 04:30 IST