Tamil Nadu is steadily carving out a new growth story as it marches toward its ambitious goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy by 2030. The state’s unique mix of a strong industrial base and an expanding services sector is attracting both domestic and global investments, reshaping its economic landscape.
A key highlight is Tamil Nadu’s rise as a preferred destination for Global Capability Centers (GCCs). According to the FICCI-ANAROCK report ‘Real Estate & Infrastructure Driving Growth in Tamil Nadu’, the state now hosts over 250 GCCs, with Chennai alone accounting for 10% of India’s total GCC stock. Coimbatore has emerged as a top tier-II city for GCC setups, following closely behind Chennai in this new wave of corporate investment.
The state is also witnessing a surge in data centre activity. Chennai, along with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, continues to be a hotspot, jointly contributing over 70% of India’s total data centre stock. New hubs are also emerging in Coimbatore and Madurai, signalling the state’s intent to expand its technological infrastructure beyond its capital city.
Industrial infrastructure in Tamil Nadu is another major draw for investors. With 54 operational Special Economic Zones (SEZs) – the highest in India – and around 30 SIPCOT industrial parks, the state offers ready-made facilities and a supportive environment for businesses. “Expanding airports, seaports, industrial corridors, logistics parks, expressways, and metro networks are strengthening connectivity within and beyond the state,” says Bhupesh Nagarajan, Co-chairman of FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council. He adds that projects like the Parandur greenfield airport and Chennai Metro Phase II will further enhance the state’s role as a key economic gateway.
Real estate in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai, is keeping pace with this economic momentum. Between 2021 and the first nine months of 2025, Chennai saw over 83,100 new residential units launched, with approximately 85,200 units sold. “This near alignment between supply and absorption highlights a balanced housing market that comfortably absorbs new inventory,” says Sanjay Chugh, Director & City Head – Chennai, ANAROCK Group. Mid-segment projects priced between INR 40 and 80 lakh account for the largest share of new supply, reflecting strong demand from aspirational homebuyers.
The commercial real estate sector is equally promising. Chennai’s office spaces, industrial units, and warehousing facilities continue to attract interest from technology firms, GCCs, and emerging enterprises. Healthy absorption rates and strong fundamentals underline the confidence of developers and investors alike.
Beyond Chennai, tier-II cities such as Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, and Salem are beginning to shine as emerging centres of growth. “These cities are evolving into meaningful economic hubs, reflecting a more distributed pattern of growth across Tamil Nadu,” notes Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group. This spread of development ensures that economic benefits are not concentrated solely in the capital but reach other regions of the state as well.
Tamil Nadu’s holistic approach to growth combines industrial diversification, infrastructure expansion, and human capital development. With a competitive landscape for electronic R&D activities – housing over 750 R&D institutes – the state is not just attracting investments but also fostering innovation. This balance between industry, services, and technology positions Tamil Nadu as a state ready for long-term, sustainable growth.
The FICCI-ANAROCK report highlights how the state’s infrastructure upgrades, from highways to metro networks, are reshaping business corridors and connecting remote areas to major economic centres. For investors, developers, and businesses, Tamil Nadu presents a compelling story: a thriving, balanced real estate market, robust industrial and technological infrastructure, and cities poised for growth beyond the traditional capital-centric model.
As the state continues to build on these strengths, Tamil Nadu is proving to be more than just an industrial powerhouse; it is rapidly becoming a magnet for global companies, tech innovation, and real estate investments, setting the stage for its role in India’s trillion-dollar economy vision.
