MEPZ Tambaram to Receive ₹500 Crore Infrastructure Upgrade.

The Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) Tambaram is set to receive a significant infrastructure boost with ₹500 crore earmarked for development over the next two years. The upgrade will focus on enhancing core facilities and sustainability initiatives, according to Alex Paul Menon, IAS, Development Commissioner of MEPZ Special Economic Zone.

The planned investment includes laying a 17-km underground duct system around the campus to segregate effluent, sewage, drinking water, industrial water, optical fiber cables (OFC), and gas lines. "A tender for the project will be issued soon," Menon stated.

In addition to infrastructure, efforts are underway to install surveillance cameras across the campus by March, with penalties for parking violations and non-compliance with safety rules such as helmet use.

A major highlight of the development is the introduction of solar power. “We plan to install solar panels on all rooftops, targeting a generation of 20–24 megawatts. MEPZ aims to be a zero-carbon campus by 2030, supported by Power Purchase Agreements to supply solar power across all units,” Menon explained.

The zone’s focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance is critical, especially with stringent global regulations. “European clients demand strict adherence to ESG norms, and we are committed to meeting these standards collectively as an industrial park,” Menon said. This includes ensuring air and water quality, promoting sustainable practices in new and existing buildings, and addressing solid waste and sewage treatment.

MEPZ Tambaram has also developed a comprehensive vision document to transform the campus into a "clean, green, safe, and growth-oriented" zone by 2030.

The zone remains a key driver of industrial growth and exports, with 106 active business units. During the first nine months of FY25, MEPZ recorded export revenues of ₹3,529 crore, generated ₹3,278 crore in foreign exchange earnings, and provided employment to over 35,000 people across various sectors.

In the last five years, MEPZ has attracted cumulative investments of ₹3,667 crore and houses major industry players such as Cognizant, Syrma SGS Technologies, HTC Global, Igarashi Motors, and Godrej & Boyce. The zone’s diverse output ranges from software and hardware to apparel, chemicals, guitars, and precision engineering products.

“The idea is to create an Island of Excellence at MEPZ Tambaram that caters to both blue-collar and white-collar jobs, making it a self-sustaining ecosystem,” Menon concluded.

HBL