Old Mahabalipuram Road — OMR, the "IT Expressway" — transformed south Chennai. For both end-users and investors, it offers a distinct proposition.
Why OMR grew
OMR is lined with IT parks and SEZs employing lakhs of professionals. That employment base created enormous demand for homes, rentals, retail and services along the stretch, turning farmland into one of the city's most active real estate corridors.
Living on OMR
The corridor offers everything from affordable apartments to premium gated communities, with newer projects offering modern amenities. The trade-offs are familiar: the closer you are to your office along the road, the shorter your commute, but peak-hour traffic on the main road can be heavy. Pockets further down OMR offer more space and value at the cost of distance from the city.
Investment angle
- Rental demand is consistently strong because of the IT workforce — good for buy-to-let investors.
- Plots and apartments further along the corridor have historically appreciated as infrastructure extended.
- Infrastructure upgrades and connectivity projects continue to support long-term growth.
What to check before buying
Water supply has historically been a concern in parts of OMR, so confirm the source and reliability. Check the exact commute to your workplace at peak hours, the project's approvals and (for under-construction) its RERA status, and how far amenities like schools and hospitals are from the specific project.
Who should buy here?
OMR suits IT professionals who want to live near work, investors chasing rental yield, and long-term buyers betting on continued corridor growth. Match your budget to the right segment of the road, and OMR can be both a comfortable home and a sound investment.