CR Raju is new president of IIA

12 Feb 2021 CW Staff

CR Raju is the new President of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), the national body of architects in the country. He has taken charge along with a new team of office bearers for the term 2020-2022.

Raju brings over 40 years of professional expertise in executing projects ranging from residential bungalows, apartments, group housing, commercial, institutional, recreational, hospitality, healthcare, industrial and interiors. He has held various leadership positions with IIA and also was a Senate member of the Madurai Kamaraj University, the Chairman of Tamil Nadu Chapter of IIA from 2013-2015, convener for the prestigious IIA National Awards 2016, and convener of IIA NATCON Transcend 2020.

The Indian Institute of Architects was established in 1917 and has more than 20,000 members. It is known to have played an important role in bringing about The Architects Act 1972, which has facilitated the spread of architectural education and practice in India.

Raju said his mission will be to make IIA a “progressive and inclusive organisation reflecting the aspirations of the fraternity in its resolve to spread awareness amongst the society for its benefit”. He announced that the new team will initiate programmes that will deliberate on key issues that influence government policy and respond to “the needs of a safe and sustainable built environment”.

Infrastructure Transport

05 Feb 2026

MMRDA Installs 325-Tonne Steel Spans on Mumbai Metro Line 4

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has achieved a key construction milestone on Metro Line 4 with the successful installation of three large steel spans at Bhandup West during overnight operations.The spans, together weighing 325 metric tonnes, were launched using eight heavy-duty cranes and 12 multi-axle vehicles. The operation required precise engineering and meticulous planning to minimise disruption in the densely populated suburban area.Due to effective inter-agency coordination, the work—originally scheduled across four nights—was completed within just two n..

CMRL Targets March 2027 Opening for Vadapalani–Panagal Park

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is progressing as scheduled to open the Vadapalani–Panagal Park section of Phase II’s Corridor 4 by March 2027. The 3.5 km underground stretch is part of the 26.1 km Corridor 4 connecting Lighthouse with Poonamallee Bypass.Construction activities are advancing steadily, with tunnelling works between Vadapalani and Panagal Park already completed. Track-laying operations are expected to commence shortly. At Panagal Park station, structural works have reached the concourse and platform levels, while excavation continues at the lowest level.CMRL is also consid..

Maha-Metro Invites Pune Metro Civil Maintenance Bids

Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro) has invited bids for the annual civil maintenance contract of the Pune Metro Rail Project. The tender, bearing ID and number P1-O&M-20/2025, is scheduled to close on 23 February 2026, with a pre-bid meeting slated for 10 February 2026. The earnest money deposit (EMD) for the contract is Rs 3,50,500, and the duration of the contract is one year.The scope of work includes annual civil maintenance of 28 elevated and underground stations, 28.079 km of elevated viaduct including steel bridges, 12.15 km of tunnels, and two depots under the ..