Chennai Corporation Plans Diversion of TVS Canal in Anna Nagar

 

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced plans to divert the three-metre-wide TVS canal in Anna Nagar West, a precursor to the Otteri Nullah, into the Padikuppam canal near TVS Lucas. The move aims to address flood concerns in the region. Residents of Anna Nagar have urged the GCC to prioritize desilting along the narrow diversion channel on 3rd Avenue.

The TVS canal, stretching two kilometres, carries floodwaters through Ambattur Industrial Estate, Kumarasamy Nagar, and Anna Nagar West before merging with Otteri Nullah near Anna Nagar railway station. To address silt accumulation, dredging operations using floaters and Poclain machinery have removed 1,250 metric tonnes of silt from Otteri Nullah and Virugambakkam canal, according to Regional Deputy Commissioner (Central) K.J. Praveen Kumar.

To ensure precise dredging, the GCC is collaborating with IIT Madras on a bathymetric study of city canals. These scientific methods aim to enhance flood mitigation efforts and improve water flow, the official added.

Desilting operations along the Otteri Nullah and Virugambakkam canal have removed a total of 1,221.32 metric tonnes of silt as of November 21. Initiated in late October 2024, these operations include the use of specialized machinery to clear obstructions and improve drainage.

Residents’ groups, such as the Federation of Anna Nagar Residents Associations (FOARA), have acknowledged the Corporation's efforts to include community feedback in planning. In Anna Nagar, a ₹30-lakh project was recently completed, featuring a 27,000-litre sump with 30 HP pumps in S Block, the area's lowest point, to redirect water to the Otteri Nullah.

Additionally, FOARA highlighted flood mitigation efforts such as linking stormwater drains from 4th Main Road and 6th Avenue to the 3rd Avenue diversion channel, installing silt catch pits at manholes, and cleaning the Otteri Nullah stretch. The Otteri Nullah, transferred to GCC from the Water Resources Department on October 20, is undergoing short- and long-term measures to prevent flooding, according to the Corporation.

Chennai Youth Arrested for Meth Possession

 

A 29-year-old man, identified as Abithraj from Choolaimedu, was arrested for possessing 4.46 grams of methamphetamine intended for sale.

Based on a tip-off, a special police team led by an Arumbakkam inspector apprehended the suspect on the night of November 20. The police seized the drug and his mobile phone.

The accused was later charged with narcotics possession and peddling. He was produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody, according to a release by the city police.

Ongo Ride Expands Across Chennai Metro: Convenience at Your Fingertips

AGS Transact Technologies Limited, a leader in integrated omni-channel payment solutions in India, has taken a significant step to enhance commuter convenience by expanding the availability of its "Ongo Ride" cards.

The "Ongo Ride" is a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) that enables instant cashless travel. Previously available at just 13 Chennai Metro stations, the cards are now deployed across 41 stations, offering seamless access to the metro system.

These cards can now be purchased at Chennai Metro stations via special dispensers. The rollout will cover all metro stations in the city by December, with plans to extend the service to other metro systems across India.

The cards have already been introduced in 41 metro stations. Full deployment across all Chennai Metro stations is expected by December, making the service accessible to an even wider audience in the coming weeks.

The expansion aims to simplify travel for commuters, ensuring a quick, cashless, and hassle-free transit experience. It also supports the government’s push towards a more digitized and seamless transport system.

The cards, priced at ₹100, come preloaded with ₹50 and can be instantly issued through unique dispensers installed at the stations. Commuters can pay using UPI, collect their card immediately, and recharge it up to ₹2,000 at metro station counters.

Pattabiram TIDEL Park Inaugurated: A Game-Changer for Northern Tamil Nadu

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the newly constructed TIDEL Park in Pattabiram, a ₹330-crore facility designed to drive employment and socio-economic development in northern districts. Spanning 5.57 lakh sq.ft., the facility boasts co-working spaces and business centers with a capacity to house 6,000 professionals. The park aims to create job opportunities for youth and enhance the region’s industrial potential.

Mr. Stalin lauded the initiative as a testament to the Dravidian model’s commitment to equitable growth. Speaking at the event, he emphasized the facility’s transformative potential in fostering economic inclusivity.

The event was attended by Ministers T.M. Anbarasan, S.M. Nasar, T.R.B. Rajaa, and several legislators, highlighting the significance of the project for Tamil Nadu’s development.

Precision Engineering and Technology Centre Opens in Kancheepuram

In a separate event, Mr. Stalin inaugurated the first phase of the Precision Engineering and Technology Centre (PETC) at the SIDCO campus in Thirumudivakkam, Kancheepuram district. Established by the Precision Mega Cluster, this facility is set to provide a boost to high-tech manufacturing and industrial innovation.

The event saw the participation of key officials and dignitaries, including Ministers T.M. Anbarasan and T.R. Baalu, reinforcing the state government’s focus on infrastructure and technological advancement.

Both inaugurations signal a strong commitment to fostering industrial growth, job creation, and regional development in Tamil Nadu.

“Who’s Calling Sai Pallavi?” Student Sues Over Movie’s Wrong Number Mix-Up

 

Chennai: Engineering student V.V. Vaageesan is living a nightmare after his phone number was accidentally used in the Tamil film Amaran. Vaageesan, whose number appeared in a pivotal scene featuring Sai Pallavi, has been flooded with calls from fans mistaking him for the actress. The ordeal began on Deepavali, leaving him sleepless, unable to study, or even book a cab without interruption.

The issue stems from a scene where Sai Pallavi’s character shares her "number," which, in reality, belongs to Vaageesan. Desperate to resolve the chaos, he reached out to the filmmakers via social media but was met with silence. Left with no choice, Vaageesan has issued a legal notice demanding ₹1.1 crore in damages for mental anguish and the removal of his number from the film.

The student refuses to change his number due to its links with vital documents like Aadhaar and bank accounts. The filmmakers have yet to respond, while Vaageesan continues to endure relentless calls from confused fans.

IndiGo Launches Daily Direct Flights Between Chennai and Penang

 Chennai: IndiGo Airlines will introduce daily direct flights between Chennai and Penang starting December 21, 2024, reducing travel time from 7 hours to just 4. This makes Penang IndiGo's third direct Malaysian destination, following Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.

The move aims to meet increasing travel demand between the cities and strengthen cultural and economic ties between India and Malaysia. Penang is emerging as a popular destination, known for its vibrant heritage, scenic beauty, and world-renowned street food.

Additionally, IndiGo will resume Bengaluru-Kuala Lumpur flights on the same date. With 28 weekly flights connecting India to Malaysia, this expansion enhances connectivity for leisure and business travelers.

Flight Schedule:

• Chennai to Penang: Flight 6E 1045, Departs 02:15, Arrives 08:30
• Penang to Chennai: Flight 6E 1046, Departs 09:30, Arrives 10:35

Restoration of Two Iconic Chennai Libraries to Begin Soon

 Chennai: Two historic libraries, integral to the city’s cultural heritage, are set to undergo restoration over the next year.

The Public Works Department’s Building Centre and Conservation Division will commence work on the Madras Literary Society Library on College Road by mid-December at a cost of ₹6.19 crore. Established in 1812, this heritage structure, known for its 16th-century rare books and iconic high ceilings, has sustained 40%-50% damage, including leaks and cracks. Planned repairs include fixing wooden beams, replastering walls, and renewing ornamental elements.

The Goschen Hall Library in Chintadripet, a classical-style structure built in 1926, will also be restored as part of a ₹2.36 crore project. Currently 70% damaged, the hall’s restoration will focus on its Madras Terrace roof and wall plastering.

Both projects aim to preserve Chennai’s literary legacy and are expected to be completed within a year.

Kundrathur Couple’s Home Delivery Guided by WhatsApp Group Sparks Health Concerns

 Chennai: In a startling incident, a Kundrathur couple delivered their child at home, relying solely on advice from a WhatsApp group called Home Birth Experiences, which has over 1,000 members. The couple, Manoharan, 36, an earthmover operator, and his wife Sukanya, 32, opted for a completely unassisted delivery, raising alarm among health authorities.

The family, which includes two daughters aged 8 and 4, lives in Nandambakkam. When Sukanya went into labor on November 17, Manoharan referred to illustrations and advice from the WhatsApp group instead of seeking medical assistance. Sukanya had avoided all prenatal checkups during her pregnancy.

Following the delivery, the couple shared photos with their newborn in the WhatsApp group, which quickly gained attention online. The incident prompted an investigation by health officials and police into the activities of the group and the potential risks associated with promoting unassisted home births.

Authorities are now emphasizing the dangers of avoiding medical supervision during pregnancy and childbirth, warning that such practices can jeopardize the health of both mother and child.

Tragic Incident in Chennai: Two Children Die After Exposure to Rat Poison Due to Faulty Pest Control

Chennai: In a tragic incident, two children in Chennai lost their lives due to prolonged exposure to rat poison that inadvertently spread into their home. The incident occurred in a high-rise apartment in Kundrathur, where Giridharan, a bank manager, lived with his wife and two children.

The apartment building had recently undergone pest control to address a severe rat infestation. According to the police, the chemical used for pest control permeated the family's apartment through the air conditioning system, which was running throughout the night. This resulted in toxic fumes filling the room, leading to the tragic deaths of the two children.

The entire family was exposed to the fumes, with the father and mother reportedly in critical condition. Authorities believe the pest control chemicals, intended for rodent extermination, somehow contaminated the family's living space. The incident came to light on November 13, and two individuals associated with the pest control process have been detained for further investigation.

Reports indicate that a pest control company was hired to apply a chemical powder throughout the building. However, due to a suspected oversight, the toxic fumes infiltrated multiple units. The police are investigating the exact cause and are looking into potential negligence on the part of the pest control team and the apartment management.

This incident has sparked outrage among residents, who are demanding stricter safety protocols for pest control procedures to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Southern Railway and SETC Launch Special Train and Bus Services for Sabarimala Pilgrims

Chennai: Southern Railway has rolled out special train services from Chennai Central to Kollam, catering to Sabarimala devotees, starting today. The first train (06117) departs at 3:10 pm, reaching Kollam at 6:20 am. It’s fully booked in sleeper class, but AC compartments, including Third AC, still have availability. Scheduled services include dates like November 25, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and January 6, 13. Another train (06111) departs at 11:20 pm, arriving at 2:30 pm the next day, with over a hundred sleeper tickets still available. Additional Garib Rath trains (06119) exclusively with Third AC coaches will run weekly on select dates from November 20 to January 15.

These trains will halt at key stations such as Perambur, Katpadi, Salem, Palakkad, Ernakulam Town, and more, covering vital transit points for pilgrims.

To further accommodate the influx of devotees, Tamil Nadu's State Express Transport Corporation (SETC) has added four daily bus services from Kilambakkam and Koyambedu bus terminals to Kerala. Buses depart between 2 pm to 3 pm, and passengers can book tickets up to January 16. However, some schedules are already fully reserved, so advance booking is recommended.

These initiatives aim to ease travel for thousands of devotees heading to Sabarimala during the pilgrimage season.

Chennai Residents Turn to Car Ramps for Flood Protection Amid Monsoon Fears

Chennai: Anticipating heavy rains and potential flooding, several Chennai residents are turning to innovative solutions to protect their cars. After experiencing severe damage during last year’s monsoon, car owners in flood-prone areas like Pallikaranai, Velachery, and Iyyappanthangal are now installing steel or wooden ramps to elevate their vehicles. 

B. Aravind, who spent ₹1.5 lakh on repairs after his Innova was submerged, invested in a 2.5 ft high ramp to avoid future damage. Similarly, businessman K.M. Shyam Sundar opted for a ramp for his new Scorpio to avoid lengthy repair delays.

Ashwin Badri, of Vahaan Stack Parking Solutions, reported a surge in demand, noting that ramps can be easily assembled within 15 minutes. The growing trend reflects residents' proactive measures to mitigate flood-related vehicle damages.

Water Levels in Chembarambakkam Lake Drop by 40% Amid Delayed Monsoon; ₹22.9 Crore Restoration Plan Initiated

Chennai: Chembarambakkam Lake, a key water source for Chennai, is facing a significant dip in storage levels, holding only 1.889 tmcft compared to 3.130 tmcft during the same period last year. This 40% drop is attributed to delayed monsoon rains in the lake's catchment area, according to the Water Resources Department (WRD). The city has also received only 1.24 tmcft of Krishna water from Andhra Pradesh this year, a stark decrease from last year’s 2.41 tmcft by mid-November, marking a shortfall of 1.18 tmcft.  

Despite recent improvements, officials caution that heavy rains could still lead to waterlogging in vulnerable areas like Tiruneermalai, Kundrathur, and Kottur. The WRD noted that surplus water discharged from the lake usually drains through channels leading to the Adyar River, affecting localities along its path.

To bolster the lake’s water retention capacity and mitigate future shortages, the WRD has floated tenders worth ₹22.9 crore. This project will focus on repairing bunds, building flood protection walls, and closing upstream channels to reduce water loss. The restoration work is scheduled to begin in January and aims to be completed before the next northeast monsoon season.

However, the Tamil Nadu Senior Engineers Association has expressed concerns about the proposed restoration methods. The association argues that traditional bund repairs are costly, time-consuming, and require frequent maintenance. General Secretary A. Veerapan suggests that using reinforced earth walls, similar to those on high-level embankments of state highways, would offer a quicker, more cost-effective solution. The association is willing to provide technical support if the WRD considers revising the project plan.

The restoration of Chembarambakkam Lake is seen as crucial for Chennai’s water security, especially during erratic monsoon patterns, but the debate continues on the best approach to achieve long-term sustainability.

Chennai Corporation to Restore 35 Ponds in Thiruvottiyur, Manali, and Madhavaram to Mitigate Floods

Chennai: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has launched a major restoration project to deepen 35 ponds across flood-prone areas like Thiruvottiyur, Manali, and Madhavaram. The initiative aims to increase water storage and alleviate monsoon flooding. 

In neighborhoods like Sadayankuppam and Kargil Nagar, where water levels rise up to hip height, these ponds will be deepened by 20 feet to hold up to 50 million litres. Additionally, GCC is developing walkways, gyms, and play areas around certain ponds to enhance community spaces.

  Targeted Pond Restorations and Flood Control

Madhavaram: Eight ponds are being restored with a ₹4 crore budget. These efforts will also include the creation of an eco-park around the 139-acre Madhavaram Periya Thoppu lake.

Manali: The Kargil Nagar pond is being refurbished to redirect overflow from North Buckingham Canal, thus preventing road flooding in at least 50 locations. 

Kosapur Pond: A 26,625 sqm pond will be rejuvenated to store 13.3 million litres and will be fenced to prevent encroachments.

Officials emphasize that these restored ponds will help improve groundwater quality, lessen dependency on Metrowater, and reduce the impact of seasonal floods. Completion of the restoration is expected by mid-December, with plans for further enhancements in the city's water management infrastructure.

Chennai Airport Enhances Security with 2D Barcode Scanners at Terminal Entries

Chennai: In a move to bolster security, Chennai International Airport has introduced 2D barcode scanners at terminal entry points. The new system ensures that every passenger’s ticket is scanned, rather than just visually inspected, by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel.

This upgrade comes after past incidents of unauthorized entries using fake tickets, including one case where a man entered a terminal to spend extra time with his wife. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) implemented these scanners to prevent security breaches and enhance overall safety.

Chennai to Widen Six Major Roads for Smoother Traffic and Better Walkability

Chennai: In a significant initiative to ease traffic congestion and improve pedestrian spaces, the Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to expand and enhance six critical road stretches in Chennai. The decision was made during a review meeting held at the secretariat, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday.

The six roads set for expansion include:

1.  Kamarajar Salai  from Walajah Road Junction to Light House (3 km)

2.  New Avadi Road  from MTH Road to Periyar Salai (2 km)

3.  Sardar Patel Road  from Gandhi Mandapam to Anna Salai Junction (2 km)

4.  Gandhi Mandapam Road  from Anna Centenary Library to Kotturpuram Bridge (200 m)

5.  Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai  from Chennai City Centre to Kamarajar Salai (800 m)

6. A new flyover to replace the  Besant Nagar Broken Bridge , connecting Foreshore Estate to Thiru Vi Ka Bridge across the Adyar River.

  Focus on Decongestion and Walkability

During the meeting, Udhayanidhi Stalin instructed Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and highways officials to conduct feasibility studies to widen the roads and improve pavements. The goal is to not only decongest traffic but also enhance pedestrian walkability, especially on busy stretches. This includes assessing how much land needs to be acquired and where small junction flyovers can be built.

"We are looking at potential land acquisition to expand pavements and road width, focusing on both vehicle and pedestrian flow," Udhayanidhi told officials.

  Land Acquisition and Partnerships

Deputy Mayor Mahesh Kumar announced that GCC will receive gift deeds for 15 feet of land on either side of Sardar Patel Road from prominent establishments like All India Radio, Ashok Leyland, and several hotels. "Where gift deeds are not possible, the city will acquire land," he said. This effort follows a successful widening of the Sardar Patel Road near Madhya Kailash for an L-bridge project connecting to OMR.

  Addressing Traffic Bottlenecks

With over one lakh vehicles using Sardar Patel Road daily, the expansion is expected to alleviate the heavy traffic load at junctions like Velachery Road. The GCC is also planning to extend Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai by 10 feet on both sides, aiming to make the stretch between City Centre and Lighthouse more pedestrian-friendly.

Additionally, Udhayanidhi Stalin has requested a detailed project report (DPR) for constructing a new four-lane flyover through Srinivasapuram, passing over the current Broken Bridge area. This project aims to reduce congestion on Greenways Road and will involve removing more than 1,000 encroachments in areas like Srinivasapuram and Urur Olcott Kuppam.

  Phased Approach and Timelines

Instead of widening the entire 22 km of these roads at once, officials were urged to prioritize smaller, critical stretches. The GCC is expected to prepare initial project estimates by January 2025, with a detailed project report to follow. 

Officials believe these infrastructural improvements will significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve walkability, and modernize Chennai’s urban landscape ahead of future monsoon challenges.

Chennai Airport Expands Battery Vehicle Fleet to Improve Passenger Transit, But Complaints Persist

 Chennai:  The Chennai airport has expanded its fleet of free battery-operated buggies from 9 to 22 to reduce wait times for passengers traveling between terminals, Metro stations, and parking lots. This initiative, led by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), aims to address passenger grievances over delays since the pickup point for domestic arrivals was shifted in August to a multi-level car parking facility over a kilometer away.

Previously, the electric buggies were limited to inter-terminal transfers. However, with the recent relocation of the domestic arrival pickup to the distant parking facility, many passengers, especially those with heavy luggage, faced challenges. The shortage of buggies led to long queues and extensive waiting times, resulting in numerous complaints on social media, where travelers demanded either a return to the old pickup point or an increase in the buggy count.

In response, the AAI introduced 13 additional vehicles to the fleet, increasing the total to 22 as of November 8. Airport officials believe this expansion will alleviate the situation. However, some passengers remain skeptical, arguing that even with the increased fleet, the solution may not fully meet the demand during peak hours. They report continued difficulties, such as limited lift access at the multi-level car park, forcing them to navigate stairs with heavy bags.

Passengers have urged airport authorities to reinstate the original pickup point at the domestic arrival gate, arguing that this would be a more permanent solution to their travel woes, especially during busy times when foot traffic is high. The situation remains under review by airport management as they assess further improvements to enhance the passenger experience.

Fisherman Hauls in Missile Without Engine, Sparks Panic in Kasimedu

Chennai: A fishing crew in Kasimedu was taken by surprise on Friday when they pulled in a missile without its engine while out at sea. The discovery was made by Venkatraman, the driver of a boat owned by Dineshkumar, a local resident. The fishermen felt an unusually heavy catch in their nets and quickly returned to shore.

Authorities, including the Kasimedu fishing harbour police and fisheries department, were alerted. Officials believe the missile may have fallen into the sea during a military trial. Investigations are ongoing.

Neglect of Chennai's Buckingham Canal Raises Fears of Monsoon Flooding

Last December’s floods in South Chennai highlighted the overlooked state of the Buckingham Canal, a 218-year-old waterway essential for flood management. Originally built for transporting salt, wood, and fuel, this 48 km canal from Ennore to Muttukadu is now choked by silt, encroachments, and pollution, straining its capacity to manage floodwater.

With over 26,300 encroachments narrowing the canal, the areas dependent on it, such as Mylapore and Kotturpuram, face severe inundation risks. Decades of industrial waste from TNEB’s Ennore plant, toxic dumping in Kodungaiyur marsh, and excess sewage flow from pumping stations have deteriorated the canal's health, reducing its original width of 100 meters to as little as 5 meters in some places.

Compounding this is the canal’s unnatural drainage gradient, which diverts floodwater north to Ennore Creek and south to Muttukadu, failing to sustain natural drainage patterns. The Water Resources Department (WRD) cites severe sludge buildup, with the canal now 3 feet above mean sea level, as a major barrier to effective flood control.

The WRD's ₹1,700 crore restoration proposal aims to remove 3,000 encroachments and divert sewage outflows, addressing the canal’s structural issues. Yet, past attempts since 2000, including a 2014 proposal for a diversion channel, have been hindered by financial constraints and the failure to clear encroachments.

Three Women Rescued from Bonded Labour at Valasaravakkam Residence

Chennai police rescued two women in their 20s, Reshma and Sandhya, along with a 17-year-old girl late Monday from a home in Valasaravakkam where they had been held as bonded laborers for five years. Police arrested Rashida, 50, who allegedly forced the three to work without breaks after their families borrowed ₹1 lakh each. The women endured work hours from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m., including chores and pet care, and reportedly faced severe abuse, including branding with hot iron.

Village administrative officer S. Thangapandian received reports that five people, including minors, were working as bonded laborers at Rashida’s residence. A team of officials conducted a search, successfully freeing the three individuals, who were placed in government care.

Rashida faces charges under the Bonded Labour System Abolition Act of 1976, the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), and the Juvenile Justice Act. She was produced before a magistrate and later released on bail.

Two Women Police Officers Killed in Accident Near Madurantakam

This morning (Nov. 4), two female police officers, including an Assistant Inspector, tragically lost their lives in a road accident near Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu. Assistant Inspector Jayashree (38) and Constable Nithya (33), from the Madhavaram Milk Colony Police Station in Chennai, were traveling on the Chennai-Trichy National Highway on a two-wheeler in search of a suspect.

A car lost control and collided with their vehicle near Sirunagalur, killing Jayashree instantly. Nithya was transported to Chengalpattu Government Hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. Melmaruvathur police are investigating, and the incident briefly impacted traffic in the area.

Quick-Thinking Passengers Help MTC Driver After Seizure Causes Bus to Crash in Chennai

In a tense incident on Sunday afternoon, twenty passengers aboard an MTC bus in Chennai narrowly escaped harm after their driver, Moses, suffered a seizure, leading to a collision with a median near Ayanavaram. Moses was operating the 27D bus en route from Villivakkam to Pattinapakkam when he lost control, causing the vehicle to abruptly hit the divider. Observing the erratic movements, other vehicles maintained a safe distance, helping avoid additional accidents.

Once the bus stopped, passengers quickly came to the aid of the driver, administering first aid before he was transferred to a nearby private hospital for more extensive care. All passengers were safely evacuated and continued their journey in a replacement MTC bus arranged shortly after. Police have since launched an investigation into the incident to better understand the circumstances surrounding the driver’s medical episode and overall vehicle safety.

A traffic police official on-site noted that the quick response of passengers and nearby motorists helped prevent further complications. The investigation will include a review of safety protocols for emergency scenarios involving MTC drivers’ health conditions to help prevent such incidents in the future.

Some red MTC buses are to be turned pink for women travellers

Free travel in MTC buses are provided by the Government and these buses are in pink.

To improve travel options for women in Chennai, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) is repainting certain red deluxe buses in pink. Most older pink buses, previously painted only at the front and back, are being phased out as they wear down. 

While new blue BSVI buses are now designated for pink service, there may be a temporary shortage until the next batch arrives. To address demand, some red buses, usually operating at higher fares, will be converted to pink for regular services, with select buses from over 30 depots scheduled for repainting.

K. Anbazhagan, general secretary of the TN Transport Workers' Federation, supported the initiative, noting that many existing pink buses are barely functional. He emphasized the need to improve maintenance across the red bus fleet, as spare parts shortages often delay essential repairs.

Bomb threat on Airport, checked and found to be hoax

Recently, bomb threats by email have been sent to schools. Now a new bomb threat

on the airport was sent. 

The squad for bomb detection and disposal were active throughout the night on Saturday.

It was completed by Sunday morning and was found to be a hoax. 

Miscreants and criminals issue these type of threats keeping the staff of the concerned

establishments and the bomb squad on their toes. 

While any threat cannot be discarded as a hoax, every threat is taken seriously and the

squad takes action to check on it taking all precautions.

Labour Lapse Leaves Chennai Metro Lagging in Phase II Expansion

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) faces a major challenge as a severe labor shortage affects Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project, projected at ~Rs 63,246 crore. The expansion spans 118.9 km across three corridors: Corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT), Corridor 4 (Light House to Poonamallee), and Corridor 5 (Madhavaram to Sholinganallur).

According to CMRL officials, nearly 40% of the workforce has been absent from construction sites since April 2024. Many workers returned to their home states of Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh to vote in the Lok Sabha elections and have not yet returned. This shortage is especially affecting elevated segments in Corridor 5, where the immediate priority is completing the Poonamallee-Porur section. The target completion date is next year, but the lack of labor is raising concerns about meeting this deadline.

Efforts by CMRL to address the shortage included flying in some workers, while others traveled by train, but these measures haven’t filled the gap completely. Competition with other infrastructure projects in North and Central India has pulled many of the Metro's former laborers away. The availability of jobs closer to their hometowns has made it challenging to bring them back to Chennai.

Chennai Metro’s expansion, launched in 2007, is a joint project between the Government of India and the Tamil Nadu government. Phase I, completed in 2019, spans 45.1 km with a mix of elevated and underground stations. Phase II, critical for serving the city’s growing population expected to reach 12.5 million by 2026, will add 118.9 km, extending connectivity and meeting rising transportation needs. Completion of this phase is slated for 2026.