Chennai Metro Realigns Corridor 5 For Faster Build

07 Jul 2025 CW Team

Construction has begun on the re aligned section of Chennai Metro’s Corridor 5 between Madhavaram and Sholinganallur, close to Koyambedu. Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) redesigned this stretch to shorten the build programme, minimise land acquisition and better reflect current travel patterns after long distance buses moved from the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus to Kilambakkam.

The previous plan curved east after VR Mall to a station at Kaliamman Koil Street; that detour—intended to serve political offices and nearby housing—has now been abandoned. The viaduct instead proceeds in a straight line from Kendriya Vidyalaya directly to Koyambedu, where a new elevated station will sit above the existing stop, uniting Corridor 2 and Corridor 5 in one location. Bypassing 100 Feet Road cuts construction complexity, while co locating the lines will allow smoother passenger transfers. Sub station equipment is being repositioned, and the double deck viaduct concept remains unchanged. CMRL expects to finish this section by June 2026.

Residents of Natesan Nagar have welcomed the simpler layout, arguing it will ease surface traffic and improve safety. In response, the Highways Department has revived plans for an elevated pedestrian skywalk costing about Rs 180 million to link Jawaharlal Nehru Road with Poonamallee High Road.

North of Koyambedu, tunnelling between Nadambur and Madhavaram is lagging. The contract for the Coovum River crossing had to be retendered after an earlier Japan International Cooperation Agency package was cancelled; although new bids are approved, river bed permits arrived only recently, delaying mobilisation.

At Thirumangalam the planned station has shifted away from an existing bridge and will now require the acquisition of four residential blocks. Authorities say compensation will follow standard policy, but local concerns persist.

Infrastructure Energy

03 Dec 2025

Moro Hub and PwC Middle East Partner to Accelerate Smart City Solutions

Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has announced a strategic collaboration with PwC Middle East to advance Smart City, Integrated Command Centre (ICC), Critical Infrastructure Monitoring and Internet of Things (IoT) initiatives across the region. The partnership brings together Moro Hub’s digital infrastructure and IoT capabilities with PwC’s global expertise in digital trust, smart city strategy and cybersecurity to support the UAE’s vision for intelligent and sustainable cities.“Our collaboration with PwC Middle Ea..

ABB India Unveils ACS380-E Drive for High-Performance Automation

ABB India has launched the ACS380-E drive, a next-generation machinery drive designed for automation-centric machine building, adding to its all-compatible drive portfolio. The solution simplifies machine integration and is future-proofed for industrial automation with advanced connectivity, faster commissioning and built-in cybersecurity capabilities.The ACS380-E features integrated dual Ethernet ports for plug-and-play communication with all major industrial automation networks, eliminating the need for separate modules and reducing installation complexity. The drive also supports fast USB-C..

Cement Makers Positive on H2 Demand Outlook

The leading cement producers have posted high single-digit volume growth and better sales realisation in the July–September quarter, setting a positive tone for the second half of FY26. Companies are upbeat on demand prospects, supported by a strong housing sector and continued government spending on major infrastructure projects. UltraTech, Ambuja Cement, Shree Cement, Dalmia Bharat and Nuvoco Vistas recorded revenue growth of up to 18 per cent in the September quarter. The rise was driven by firm realisations, softer input costs and an increased share of premium products. With coal price..