The Union Cabinet has approved the development of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, allocating Rs 632.46 billion for its construction. This phase will introduce three new corridors spanning 118.9 km and covering 128 stations, significantly expanding the city’s transit network. Additionally, a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) worth Rs 20.28 billion for 78 days has been approved for 1.17 million railway employees, along with a revised Productivity Linked Reward (PLR) scheme for port and dock labor board employees.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the need for expanded infrastructure as Chennai’s population is expected to grow from 12 million in 2026 to 18 million by 2048. The new metro corridors will connect the North-South and East-West parts of the city, extending the total metro network to 173 km upon completion.
For railway employees, the PLB will provide a maximum bonus of Rs 17,951 over 78 days, benefiting Group C staff such as track maintainers, loco pilots, and station masters, with distribution scheduled before Durga Puja. The revised PLR scheme, effective from 2020-21 to 2025-26, aims to boost efficiency and competitiveness in major ports.
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved India’s entry into the International Energy Efficiency Hub, joining major nations like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, and Japan.
