PERAMBUR

Perambur constituency in North Chennai has experienced mixed progress between 2021 and 2026 under DMK's R.D. Sekar, who won comfortably in 2021 with a 27% margin over AIADMK. The period saw significant infrastructure investments, including a ₹170 million upgrade of Perambur Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Scheme with new platforms, modern amenities, and a subway; construction of the Ganesapuram Flyover to ease traffic congestion; and ongoing bio-mining remediation at the long-troubled Kodungaiyur dump yard. Proposals for Metro connectivity and indoor stadiums were also announced. However, persistent civic issues continue to plague residents. Water supply remains erratic and contaminated, with sewage frequently mixing with drinking water in areas like Kodungaiyur. The Kodungaiyur dump yard continues causing air pollution despite remediation efforts, and residents strongly oppose proposed waste-to-energy plants. Infrastructure challenges include narrow, congested roads that make movement difficult even for ambulances, inoperative pumps causing sewage flooding on Perambur High Road during rains, and poor bus connectivity to other parts of Chennai. Social issues like substance abuse in TNUHDB apartments and early child marriages persist. The 2026 election has brought renewed attention as actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay (TVK) entered the race, challenging DMK's stronghold. Voters should weigh the railway modernization and flyover construction against unfulfilled promises on water quality, waste management relocation, and basic infrastructure improvements that have been demanded for years. The constituency's working-class residents, comprising significant backward classes, scheduled communities, and minorities, face daily struggles with civic amenities despite being part of a metropolitan area.