Chennai
Chennai makes cars, electronics and wind turbine parts, and has a large IT industry along its coastal road. Many European manufacturers are here.
The economy
- Automotive: vehicle plants and suppliers, including European carmakers
- Electronics manufacturing: a growing cluster around Sriperumbudur
- Wind energy equipment: blade and turbine manufacturing for India and export
- IT and capability centres: along the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR)
- Port and logistics
Where people live
- Adyar, Besant Nagar and Alwarpet: established, central, near the coast
- OMR and ECR corridors: newer, close to IT parks and some international schools
- Anna Nagar: a well-planned residential area in the west
Climate
Hot and humid most of the year. The main rains come with the northeast monsoon from October to December.
Lifestyle
Chennai is known for its classical music and dance traditions, temples and beaches, and a more traditional pace than Bengaluru or Mumbai. Tamil is the local language; learning some is warmly received. English is used in business.
Read next
- Renewable energy jobs in IndiaWind, solar and hydrogen projects need people who have built them in Europe.
- Engineering and manufacturingIndian engineers in European plants, and European engineers launching new plants in India.
- Cost of living in IndiaDaily life is cheap. Rent in a good area, school fees and healthcare are not.