Sites in Pulhal and in Maraimalai Nagar were initially considered, and the final decision to construct at Pulhal was made due to the availability of large parcel of government-owned land.

[2] It was constructed by Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation (TNPHC) for a cost of ₹ 1,770 million in less than 3 years.

It was inaugurated by then chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M. Karunanidhi, on 26 November 2006.

It has a quarantine to segregate new entrants till medical examination is completed.

The facilities include cells and dormitories with windows, lavatories with doors, meditation hall, library, amphitheatre, auditorium, jail court with video-conferencing facility, mechanised kitchens, high-security blocks with exclusive kitchen and hospital, gym, canteen, public music system, rehabilitation block and separate gallows for men and women prisoners.