Aerial view of OMR Sports City in Semmancheri, Chennai showing a football field, BMX track, water sports channel, greenery, and high-rise apartments in the background.

It has been a few years since the idea of building a large sports-focused development on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) was introduced. The plan aimed to blend athletic infrastructure with flood-mitigation efforts through waterbody restoration. Now, that proposal is being implemented on the ground.

The Project Area and the Current Focus

The project is located in Semmancheri, a fast-developing stretch on OMR. The total area under development spans 127.44 acres, of which 76.44 acres are being developed in Phase 1. The current budget stands at ₹240.5 crore.

Work has started on creating dedicated zones for football, archery, rowing, shooting, and multiple indoor and outdoor games. Along with this, major civil work is being undertaken to restore six tanks, expand water-carrying capacity, and channel excess rainwater to the Pallikaranai marsh.

For a detailed introduction to the original plan, read Global Sports City in Semmancheri, OMR by CMDA, which outlines the vision and future expectations for this location.

What’s Included in Phase 1

The facilities coming up in this phase include:

  •  Archery range with 30 targets
  •  Football field
  •  Shooting ranges (10m, 25m, and 50m)
  •  Rowing, kayaking, and canoeing channel
  •  Jogging track
  •  Skateboarding and roller skating tracks
  •  Pickleball and padel courts
  •  BMX cycling path
  •  Pavilion building and multipurpose indoor arena
  •  Athlete accommodation and supporting infrastructure

A 1-kilometre water channel is central to the layout. Designed for competitive rowing and sprint events, it also functions as a drain to carry excess water during monsoons. This dual-purpose design is unique to the development.

If you're exploring nearby residential projects, see New Residential Projects Near Sports City in Chennai Semmancheri. The presence of civic infrastructure like this often influences growth, demand, and real estate appreciation.

Infographic listing sports facilities in Phase 1 of OMR Sports City, including archery range, football field, shooting ranges, water channel, jogging track, skating tracks, racket courts, BMX path, indoor arena, and athlete accommodation.

Waterbody Restoration and Drainage Planning

Six key tanks in the region — including Thalambur, Karana, and Semmenchery Rettai Kuttai Thangal — are being revived. Their combined water storage capacity will increase from 16.23 million cubic feet to 96.38 million cubic feet. This is expected to significantly reduce waterlogging during rains.

The soil excavated during desilting is being reused within the site, helping to reduce costs and avoid unnecessary transport.

Supporting Infrastructure

  •  4.1 km network of peripheral earthen drains
  •  Concrete cut-and-cover drainage channel
  •  Internal stormwater drains
  •  Landscaped open spaces that assist with surface runoff

All excess water from the site will be directed to the Pallikaranai marsh, restoring natural flow and reducing flood risk during monsoons.

Roads and Metro Access

To ensure ease of access, new grid roads are being developed in and around the project site. A last-mile metro connectivity plan is also being discussed in coordination with Chennai Metro Rail. This will make it easier for people to reach the complex and improve the overall accessibility of Semmancheri and surrounding areas.

Buyers looking at homes in this region may consider Flats in OMR for Sale, especially with the steady addition of supporting infrastructure.

Real Estate Impact – What Home Buyers Should Know

With the Sports City finally moving ahead, interest in this stretch of OMR is expected to grow. Whether you're planning to live nearby or looking for long-term appreciation, being aware of these developments can guide better decisions.

Chennai has always been a steady market for home buyers. If you're evaluating your options, our article on Top Reasons to Buy a Home in Chennai covers practical points such as location growth, safety, climate, and quality of life.

Those considering investments from abroad may find relevant insights in NRI Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Chennai, India, which explains the process, legal aspects, and areas of potential.

If you are looking for a broader overview of properties, you can explore our updated listing of Properties in Chennai for Sale.

Get ready for the games

The OMR Sports City was first spoken about as a promising idea. Now, it is becoming a visible reality. With planned sports zones, ecological interventions, and civic improvements all moving ahead together, the area is expected to evolve steadily over the coming years.

We will continue to track updates and bring you more information as the project advances.


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