Funding Challenges Delay Nagari-Tindivanam Railway Link Project

29 Jan 2025 CW Team

Two months ago, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament that delays in new line projects in Tamil Nadu were mainly due to land acquisition challenges. However, 90 per cent of the required land for the 184.45 km Nagari-Tindivanam new line project has been acquired, and work is progressing on the remaining 10 per cent. This project, which has faced delays since 2008, has led rail passengers to urge for increased funding in the upcoming budget to expedite its completion.

The Nagari-Tindivanam new line will improve connectivity by linking rural villages in Ranipet, Vellore, Thiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram districts of Tamil Nadu, as well as Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. It will connect the Chennai-Katpadi line at Walajah, the Chennai-Renigunta line at Nagari, and the Chennai-Villupuram section at Tindivanam.

The line will pass through the Cheyyar and Palar rivers, national highways, and four-lane highways. The project will also feature 20 new stations, including Vellimedupettai, Teller, Vandavasi, and Erumai Vetti, along with the construction of 26 major and 200 minor bridges.

Out of the total length, only 6 km (3 per cent) of the new line between Walajah Road and Ranipet was completed and opened for goods traffic in November 2020. Since then, progress has been slow, frustrating commuters and stakeholders.

Southern Railway officials have stated that funds are allocated based on project stages, and they are optimistic about receiving sufficient funding. According to information obtained through RTI, Southern Railway awarded contracts in June last year to construct 33.26 km of new line at an estimated cost of Rs 2.31 billion. Of the 725.7 hectare required for the project, 699.37 hectare have already been acquired.

News source: The Indian Express

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

CFI Appoints New National Council for FY27 and FY28

The Construction Federation of India (CFI) has announced its newly elected National Council and office bearers for a two-year term covering FY27 and FY28. M. V. Satish, Advisor to CMD and Lead Ambassador for Middle East, L&T, has been elected President; Priti Patel, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Tata Projects, has been appointed Vice President; and Ajit Bhate, Managing Director, Precast India Infrastructures, has taken charge as Treasurer.The newly formed National Council brings together senior leaders from major EPC and infrastructure companies, reflecting CFI’s continued focus o..

India REIT Market Gains Momentum with Strong Returns

India’s Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) market is witnessing strong growth, emerging as a competitive investment avenue both domestically and across Asia. According to a recent ANAROCK report released at EXCELERATE 2026 by NAREDCO Maharashtra NextGen, the sector is evolving into a mature asset class driven by solid fundamentals, regulatory backing and rising investor confidence.The introduction of Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) in 2025 has further widened access through fractional ownership, unlocking a potential monetisation opportunity of Rs 670–710 billion. Indian REITs have deli..

G R Infraprojects Secures Rs 4,130 Million BESS Contract From NTPC

G R Infraprojects said it has secured a contract from NTPC to supply and implement a battery energy storage system (BESS) valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn). The company reported the order was awarded as part of NTPC's ongoing efforts to enhance grid flexibility and energy storage capacity. The contract represents a notable addition to the firm's project pipeline and underscores demand for utility scale storage solutions. The award is expected to strengthen G R Infraprojects' presence in the energy infrastructure sector and to contribute to the firm's order book and future revenues, subject to st..