Mudhalvar Padaippagam, India’s first government-run coworking space in Chennai, offers modern amenities at ultra-low rates, starting at just Rs 50. It is designed for startups and students and includes workstations, a library, and study zones. Its success has prompted plans to expand across North Chennai and potentially statewide.
In a bold move to redefine access to workspace in India, the Tamil Nadu government has quietly launched what could be the country’s first government-run coworking space—Mudhalvar Padaippagam—right in the heart of Chennai’s Kolathur. With desks priced as low as Rs 50 for six hours, the facility is already creating waves among entrepreneurs, freelancers, and students, many of whom are flocking from across the city to make the most of this budget-friendly innovation.
Nestled in Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s constituency, the sleek three-story building houses a 28-seat coworking space on the ground floor, complete with high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and three conference rooms. “Our focus is to provide a swanky space for people who cannot afford private spaces,” said Helen Anita, the activist overseeing operations. “We designed it primarily for working professionals from Kolathur, but we have people from across the city using the coworking space.”
Run by the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, the facility is more than just affordable. It’s a fully functional, modern workspace, mirroring the infrastructure found in private coworking chains, without the steep price tags. Monthly packages start at just Rs 2,500 per person. “This facility is like any other coworking space,” said R.J. Mathan, founder of Mavdero Tech Services. “It feels like an office, and it is tough to get distracted here since everyone is glued to their screens.”
Above the coworking zone, the first floor is dedicated to a study centre with a 1,000-book library. Students pay just Rs 5 per three-and-a-half-hour shift, with access to a quiet, focused environment. Rahul, a Railway Exam aspirant from nearby Perambur, highlighted its impact: “Libraries that provide comfort for aspirants like me are far away. But this place has changed everything. My concentration has improved.”
With bookings filled until July and a strict online-only reservation model, the demand speaks volumes. The centre also features a subsidised cafeteria and a lobby space for short breaks, keeping functionality and user comfort in mind.
Helen Anita emphasised their selective approach: encouraging small startups and women entrepreneurs while discouraging large companies from block-booking. “The aim is not to generate money but to support entrepreneurs and students,” she said.
The pilot project’s overwhelming success has inspired the government to replicate it. Plans are underway to roll out similar centres in at least 10 other locations across North Chennai. A broader state-wide expansion under a hybrid model is also being considered.
By offering inclusive, accessible work and study environments, Mudhalvar Padaippagam is more than just a public facility—it’s a powerful statement on what equitable innovation can look like in the coworking and flexible office space sector.
