TIDCO Invites Consultants for Master Planning of 2,000-Acre Global City near Chennai

Introduction

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), a key public sector undertaking under the State’s Department of Industries, has floated a tender to appoint a qualified consultant for preparing the master plan of a proposed ‘Global City’ at Madurantakam Taluk in Chengalpattu district, located near Chennai.

It was set up in 1965, and TIDCO has been at the forefront of encouraging industrial development, infrastructure growth, and strategic investment alliances in Tamil Nadu ever since. The Global City project, unveiled in the State Budget 2025–26 by Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, is perhaps one of its biggest so far. The project, which spreads over 2000 acres, has received the final clearance from the State Government, and work for Phase I are to be started shortly. 

Envisaged as an international world-class centre, the new city will target high-end investments, create knowledge industries, and place urbanisation in concert with Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) values. The combination of state-of-the-art infrastructure with socially inclusive community planning aims to position Tamil Nadu as the first choice for world-oriented urban development of the future. 

The Global City is envisaged as an integrated mixed-use urban hub with commercial and financial districts, innovation corridors, and research and development parks. Also, convention exhibition centres for international business interactions, residential neighbourhoods, schools and universities, along with health care campuses. Hospitality areas, entertainment zones, and cultural complexes shall keep the urban alive, while parks and green spaces promote livability and community health.

These proposals will be supported by next-generation infrastructure, such as AI-based city management systems, urban simulations based on digital twins, smart mobility platforms, and climate-resilient green and blue infrastructure. Concurrently, the development will focus on integrating renewable energy, low-carbon utilities, and circular water systems for long-term sustainability.

The project is also being seen as a test case for Tamil Nadu’s new drive to build satellite townships near Chennai. Previous attempts, including Maraimalai Nagar in the 1970s and Manali New Town in the 1990s, got bogged down because of land acquisition hassles. Now, the State is looking at land-pooling options to accelerate growth along the lines of Thirumazhisai, Minjur, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Mamallapuram, and Kancheepuram.

Who Can Apply?

• The tender is available to consultancy companies with proven skills in urban planning, infrastructure planning, and master plan preparation. The applicants should:
• Be registered companies in India or overseas with a good history of executing large-scale urban or industrial master plans.
• Possess experience in smart city planning, ESG-approved infrastructure, digital twin modelling, and sustainable design.
• Have experience with the completion of one similar project of comparable size within the last ten years.
• Nominate a lead consultant with qualifications in urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, or adjacent fields, with a supporting multidisciplinary team.
• Submit either solely or as part of a joint venture/consortium with a binding partnership agreement.
• Where possible, evidence established experience with government departments, development authorities, or international organisations.

How to Apply?

Interested bidders are to file proposals on the Tamil Nadu Government’s eProcurement portal in Tender Reference No. TIDCO/Projects/GLOBAL CITY/2025. The process is in Request for Proposal (RFP) format and involves:

Download the RFP: Get full details regarding scope, eligibility, evaluation, and submission.

Prepare Proposals: File a two-envelope bid—

Technical Proposal: Methodology, team structure, relevant experience, and project understanding.

Financial Proposal: Consultancy fees and deliverable-based milestones.

Upload Online: Submit all documents by 24 October 2025, 15:00 IST. Opening of bids will be on the same day at 17:00 IST.

Bid Security: Submit a Bid Security Declaration or EMD as defined. MSEs are allowed to claim exemption subject to valid certification.

Clarifications: Questions should be submitted during the specified time period. TIDCO may provide official answers and, if necessary, hold a pre-bid meeting.

Consultant’s Role

The selected consultant shall develop the Detailed Master Plan for the Global City, encompassing feasibility studies, zoning proposals, and phased development strategies. The work shall also entail minutes assessing economic viability, ESG compliance, and smart system integration for energy, water, and mobility. The consultant shall also develop inclusive community models and resilient urban utilities closely coordinated with TIDCO and relevant government departments to help integrate global best practices aligned with local priorities. 

Conclusion

The Global City project is a visionary and ambitious plan for the urban future of Tamil Nadu. The project aims to establish an exemplary smart city for the Indian sub-continent through a blend of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The master planning tender is a key initial step that will encourage professional engagement to design a city, not just from a global perspective but also relevant to its local context. Interested parties are urged to visit TIDCO’s official website to read the complete tender document and submit their proposals in accordance with the guidelines and deadline specified.

FAQs

1. Why has the Tamil Nadu Government initiated the Global City project?

Global City is a flagship urban development project of the Tamil Nadu Government, spearheaded by TIDCO, that aims to establish an international-class business, innovation, and green living hub. Spread over 2,000 acres at Madurantakam Taluk, Chengalpattu, the project aims to cultivate high-value investments and foster ESG-compliant urban growth.

2. Who has floated the Global City master plan tender?

The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), a State government undertaking, has floated the tender. TIDCO is tasked with developing industrial infrastructure and strategic investment alliances for Tamil Nadu.

3. What is the scope of work for the selected consultant?

The appointed consultant shall undertake the preparation of the Detailed Master Plan, undertake feasibility studies, suggest zoning and phasing strategies, and incorporate smart infrastructure systems. The scope also involves economic viability assessments, ESG compliance, and suggesting models for inclusive urban community development and resilient urban utilities.

4. Who is eligible to apply for this tender?

Eligible bidders are consultancy firms with:

A track record in large-scale urban or industrial master planning

Smart city design, ESG infrastructure, and digital twin modelling experience

At least one similar project delivered in the last decade

An experienced lead consultant in urban planning, architecture, or engineering

A multidisciplinary team and, if so, a consortium agreement binding under law

Previous experience working with government agencies or international development agencies is desirable

5. Is it possible for international companies to take part in the tender?

Yes. The tender is available to Indian or international registered entities, as long as they are eligible and follow the submission guidelines set forth in the Request for Proposal (RFP).

6. What is the process for interested bidders to apply?

Proposals must be submitted through the Tamil Nadu Government’s eProcurement portal under Tender Reference No. TIDCO/Projects/GLOBAL CITY/2025. The submission consists of:

A Technical Proposal covering methodology, team organisation, and relevant experience

A Financial Proposal detailing consultancy charges and deliverables based on milestones

All documents should be uploaded by 24 October 2025, 15:00 IST

Opening of bids on the same date at 17:00 IST

7. Is there a requirement for bid security?

Yes. Bidders are required to submit either a Bid Security Declaration or an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) as indicated in the tender document. Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) can claim exemptions by submitting a valid certification.

8. Is there to be a pre-bid meeting?

TIDCO could arrange a pre-bid meeting to settle questions and concerns on the tender requirements. The query should be forwarded by interested bidders within the given time frame. Official answers shall be posted on the eProcurement portal.

9. What type of infrastructure is the Global City to have?

The proposed Global City will feature a well-integrated mix of commercial and financial precincts, innovation clusters, and research and development facilities. It will include convention and exhibition centres to support international business engagement, alongside residential, educational, and healthcare zones that promote inclusive urban living. Hospitality, entertainment, and cultural spaces will contribute to a vibrant cityscape, while AI-powered management systems, intelligent mobility platforms, and climate-resilient infrastructure will ensure operational efficiency. The development will also prioritise sustainability through renewable energy integration, circular water systems, and expansive green open areas.