Kolkata Metro Blue Line Recieved Funding of Rs 6,717.2 mn

14 May 2026 CW Team

The Centre has sanctioned Rs 6,717.2 million (mn) for an electrical infrastructure upgrade on the north-south corridor of the Kolkata Metro Blue Line. The works aim to raise train frequency, reducing peak-hour gaps from five minutes to two-and-a-half minutes by 2030, according to a Press Information Bureau release dated May 2. The package forms part of a broader plan to strengthen capacity on the city’s oldest metro corridor.

Of the total, Rs 2,910.6 mn will be deployed to install seven additional traction substations, while the remaining Rs 3,806.6 mn will fund the replacement of transformers, rectifiers, high-speed circuit breakers and a network of cables. Engineers explained that shorter headways require a traction substation at or near each station to ensure adequate power delivery. The new substations are intended to modernise ageing electrical systems and reduce dependence on older infrastructure.

The Blue Line was built in the 1980s and currently comprises 26 stations, 13 traction substations and five receiving substations. At present receiving substations accept 33 kV alternating current from the utility and step it down to 11 kV before feeding traction substations, which then convert power into 750 volts direct current for the third rail. Advances in technology now allow traction substations to handle 33 kV directly, diminishing the role of ageing receiving substations.

Eight additional traction substations would provide a near one-for-one ratio with stations and an extra unit will be placed between Dum Dum and Belgachia to address a longer gap. Two new substations at Chandni Chowk and Gitanjali are nearing completion and are due to be functional by July-end. The programme will replace the steel third rail with an aluminium one to reduce voltage drops, cut energy losses and improve acceleration, and will be implemented in phases, with most underground sections already upgraded and the elevated stretch between Tollygunge and Kavi Subhas remaining.

Infrastructure Urban

17 Jun 2026

Adani Project to Redevelop Dharavi and Unlock Major Value

The Adani-led Dharavi redevelopment is presented as one of Asia's largest urban renewal schemes and aims to convert the settlement into a smart city precinct and transport hub while rehabilitating 0.125 million (mn) housing units for more than 1.0 mn residents, according to an HSBC report summarising a panel at the Adani Annual Conference 2026. The report frames the initiative as combining large-scale housing provision with planned public amenities and commercial inventory to raise living standards and unlock formal homeownership. HSBC highlights a substantial commercial opportunity with about..

TCS Renews 1.5 Million Sq Ft Chennai Lease Worth Rs 14,200 mn

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has renewed a lease for 1.5 million sq ft of office space in Chennai and committed Rs 14,200 million (mn) in rentals over 10 years. The transaction secures a major corporate footprint in the city and reinforces the company's long-term occupancy plans. The renewal aligns with the company's strategy to maintain substantial physical capacity in major regional hubs. The decision follows internal assessments of space utilisation and long-term operational needs.\n\nThe lease renewal covers a substantial campus area and is intended to support the firm's delivery operat..

Embassy Developments Targets Rs 80 bn Pre Sales In FY27

Embassy Developments said it is targeting Rs 80 billion (Rs 80 bn) of pre-sales in 2026-27 as housing demand remains strong across major cities and the company seeks to capitalise on market momentum. The managing director indicated that the firm recorded a 128 per cent rise in sales bookings in 2025-26 to Rs 46.31 bn, which was slightly short of its annual guidance but reflected robust consumer interest. The company reported that demand is particularly resilient for well-designed and high-quality residential properties sold by branded developers with proven execution. The target includes sales..