Chennai Corporation to redevelop Nageswara Rao park with new amenities

The Greater Chennai Corporation will redevelop Mylapore’s Nageswara Rao Park under the Namakku Naame scheme with Rs 12.22 crore, adding modern amenities while preserving its cultural role. Completion is targeted by February 2026.

Chennai: Chennai’s iconic Nageswara Rao Park in Mylapore is set for a major facelift, with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) announcing a redevelopment project worth Rs 12.22 crore under the Namakku Naame scheme.

The project aims to modernise one of the city’s most frequented green spaces while preserving its cultural and community significance. The plan includes dedicated reading spaces, refurbished gazebos, and fully furnished badminton courts.

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Long-standing issues such as uneven walking trails, defunct lighting, and deteriorating boundary walls will be addressed in the first phase. Once these basic upgrades are complete, new features like fountains, shaded seating areas, and a redesigned entrance arch will be added.

To enhance visitor experience and ensure safety, the park will be fitted with CCTV surveillance, RO water facilities, and a modern sprinkler system for maintaining greenery. The design emphasises inclusivity, with amenities catering to children, senior citizens, and daily walkers.

The blueprint was finalised after a geotechnical survey and incorporated feedback from local stakeholders. Suggestions such as better sanitation, upgraded toilets, and a stronger drainage system have been factored into the plan.

Nageswara Rao Park holds a special place in the cultural fabric of Mylapore, historically serving as a hub for art and music during the Margazhi season. With the proposed upgrades, GCC intends to revive this role while simultaneously positioning the park as a modern recreational space for the city’s growing population.

Officials said the project is expected to be completed by February 2026, ahead of the state Assembly elections. The park will face intermittent closures during the construction phase, especially when trail and civil works are underway, but authorities said efforts would be made to minimise disruptions.

Once complete, the redeveloped park will combine tradition and modernity, offering both a cultural venue and a recreational retreat. For Mylapore residents and the wider Chennai community, the project represents not just upgraded infrastructure but the renewal of a beloved landmark.