NHAI road projects in Chennai take a hit as migrant workers return home

14 May 2021 CW Team

Several NHAI projects across Chennai have slowed down as half of its workforce has fled the state due to the announcement of a complete lockdown amid the second wave of Covid-19.

In total, the state is working on 22 NHAI road projects worth Rs 17,000 crore. Aside from a labour shortage, there is a scarcity of earth and other raw materials.

According to officials, nearly 60% of the total workforce of the contractors hired by the NHAI for road projects was made up of workers from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. They have gradually left the state in the last week.

Pawan Kumar, regional officer of NHAI in Chennai told the media that the ongoing projects in Chennai have slowed down as migrant workers are returning to their homes amid the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Until 10 days ago, nearly 1,000 workers were involved in the four-laning of the Thanjavur-Vikravandi road project. The workforce has now been reduced to less than half of its original size. Around 70 of the workers who stayed behind were infected with coronavirus and hospitalised. Those who survived were isolated and cared for.

Senior officials in the Coimbatore project implementation unit said the contractors have been instructed to take care of the workforce's well-being.

Another official overseeing the six-laning of the Sriperumbudur-Walajapet stretch of the Chennai-Bengaluru national highway said the government had allowed the ongoing road projects to continue. However, they were unable to keep up the pace of work because the number of labourers had been reduced to 200 from 450 a week ago.

Construction of structures such as bridges, flyovers, and underpasses is hampered due to a lack of skilled labourers.

According to the official, a lack of oxygen cylinders for industrial use has severely hampered the supply of many raw materials for construction work. Work has come to a halt at many sites due to a lack of raw materials, said the official.

Image Source

Also read: Highway Construction: NHAI sets target for 4,600 km in FY22

Also read: Second wave of Covid-19 hits Gujarat road transport industry

Several NHAI projects across Chennai have slowed down as half of its workforce has fled the state due to the announcement of a complete lockdown amid the second wave of Covid-19. In total, the state is working on 22 NHAI road projects worth Rs 17,000 crore. Aside from a labour shortage, there is a scarcity of earth and other raw materials. According to officials, nearly 60% of the total workforce of the contractors hired by the NHAI for road projects was made up of workers from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. They have gradually left the state in the last week. Pawan Kumar, regional officer of NHAI in Chennai told the media that the ongoing projects in Chennai have slowed down as migrant workers are returning to their homes amid the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Until 10 days ago, nearly 1,000 workers were involved in the four-laning of the Thanjavur-Vikravandi road project. The workforce has now been reduced to less than half of its original size. Around 70 of the workers who stayed behind were infected with coronavirus and hospitalised. Those who survived were isolated and cared for. Senior officials in the Coimbatore project implementation unit said the contractors have been instructed to take care of the workforce's well-being. Another official overseeing the six-laning of the Sriperumbudur-Walajapet stretch of the Chennai-Bengaluru national highway said the government had allowed the ongoing road projects to continue. However, they were unable to keep up the pace of work because the number of labourers had been reduced to 200 from 450 a week ago. Construction of structures such as bridges, flyovers, and underpasses is hampered due to a lack of skilled labourers. According to the official, a lack of oxygen cylinders for industrial use has severely hampered the supply of many raw materials for construction work. Work has come to a halt at many sites due to a lack of raw materials, said the official. Image Source Also read: Highway Construction: NHAI sets target for 4,600 km in FY22 Also read: Second wave of Covid-19 hits Gujarat road transport industry

Infrastructure Urban

07 Oct 2025

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Infrastructure Transport

07 Oct 2025

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..