+
Cabinet allocates Rs 632.46 billion to Chennai Metro Phase II
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Cabinet allocates Rs 632.46 billion to Chennai Metro Phase II

The Union Cabinet has approved the second phase of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, allocating Rs 632.46 billion for its development. Phase II will feature three corridors spanning 118.9 kilometers, covering 128 stations, according to an official statement.

Additionally, the Cabinet has sanctioned a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) of Rs 20.28 billion for 78 days to 117.2 million railway employees. Alongside this, a revised Productivity Linked Reward (PLR) scheme for major port and dock labour board employees has also been approved.

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasised the need for expanded infrastructure in Chennai, noting that the city's population is projected to rise to 18 million by 2048, up from 12 million in 2026. The new metro corridors will connect the North-South and East-West parts of Chennai, bringing the total metro network to 173 km once Phase II is complete.

Regarding the PLB for railway employees, the maximum bonus payable is Rs 17,951 for 78 days, benefiting Group C staff including track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians, helpers, pointsmen, and ministerial staff. The disbursement is expected before the upcoming Durga Puja or Dusshera holidays.

The modified PLR scheme for port workers, valid from 2020-21 to 2025-26, aligns with an agreement between the Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee and the Indian Port Association. The scheme aims to enhance efficiency and competitiveness among major ports.

The Cabinet also approved India's entry into the International Energy Efficiency Hub, positioning the country alongside other major members such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, and Japan. (ET)

The Union Cabinet has approved the second phase of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, allocating Rs 632.46 billion for its development. Phase II will feature three corridors spanning 118.9 kilometers, covering 128 stations, according to an official statement. Additionally, the Cabinet has sanctioned a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) of Rs 20.28 billion for 78 days to 117.2 million railway employees. Alongside this, a revised Productivity Linked Reward (PLR) scheme for major port and dock labour board employees has also been approved. Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasised the need for expanded infrastructure in Chennai, noting that the city's population is projected to rise to 18 million by 2048, up from 12 million in 2026. The new metro corridors will connect the North-South and East-West parts of Chennai, bringing the total metro network to 173 km once Phase II is complete. Regarding the PLB for railway employees, the maximum bonus payable is Rs 17,951 for 78 days, benefiting Group C staff including track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians, helpers, pointsmen, and ministerial staff. The disbursement is expected before the upcoming Durga Puja or Dusshera holidays. The modified PLR scheme for port workers, valid from 2020-21 to 2025-26, aligns with an agreement between the Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee and the Indian Port Association. The scheme aims to enhance efficiency and competitiveness among major ports. The Cabinet also approved India's entry into the International Energy Efficiency Hub, positioning the country alongside other major members such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, and Japan. (ET)

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Private Sector Builds India’s First Heavy Water Test Facility

In a major stride towards nuclear self-reliance, India’s first privately built test facility for upgrading depleted heavy water has been commissioned by TEMA India Ltd. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Rajesh V, Director – Technical, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL), and Shri K. T. Shenoy, Director, Chemical Engineering Group, BARC. Developed under a technology transfer from BARC and a purchase order from NPCIL, the unit represents a landmark in public-private collaboration and supports the government’s Atma-Nirbhar Bharat initiative.Previously, critical testing for hea..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Coal Ministry Pushes Digital Drive With SWCS Training Session

In a bid to accelerate digital transformation in the coal sector, the Ministry of Coal conducted a hands-on training workshop and interactive session on the Exploration Module of the Single Window Clearance System (SWCS) on 25 July 2025. Held at Tagore Chamber, SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, the session aimed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the module’s functionalities and encourage its use for efficient exploration-related submissions and approvals.Ms Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary and Nominated Authority (AS & NA), chaired the session and stressed the vital role digital plat..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Enhances Cyber Defences for Critical Infrastructure

The Government of India remains acutely aware of the cyber threats facing the country’s digital and physical infrastructure. Its policies are focused on fostering a safe, trusted, and accountable cyberspace for all users. Several initiatives are being implemented to strengthen cyber security across critical sectors such as power, transport, and banking, ensuring their continuous and secure operation.The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) and the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) undertake cyber security audits under the Information Technol..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?