writingonblog uncensored: HD Hyundai bets on Tamil Nadu with plans for mega ...

writingonblog uncensored: HD Hyundai bets on Tamil Nadu with plans for mega ...:  CHENNAI: South Tamil Nadu is set to figure prominently in India’s shipbuilding ambitions after HD Hyundai, one of the world’s largest shipb...

HD Hyundai bets on Tamil Nadu with plans for mega shipbuilding cluster in Thoothukudi

 CHENNAI:
South Tamil Nadu is set to figure prominently in India’s shipbuilding ambitions after HD Hyundai, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, chose Tamil Nadu as the site for a proposed mega shipyard, marking a major endorsement of the State’s industrial and maritime strategy.

The South Korean group’s decision to locate the new shipbuilding cluster in Thoothukudi reflects what the Tamil Nadu government describes as a convergence of policy clarity, coastal infrastructure and execution speed. The agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister M K Stalin, Industries Minister T R B Rajaa and senior executives from HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering.

For Tamil Nadu, the project bolsters a long-running effort to position itself as a hub for high-value maritime manufacturing, at a time when India is seeking to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity and reduce reliance on imports.

“This decision reflects the confidence global industry leaders place in Tamil Nadu’s vision, stability and economic strength,” the office of Industries Minister T R B Rajaa said, adding that the State had identified viable coastal sites early and backed them with infrastructure, talent and incentives.

Thoothukudi’s selection was shaped by a mix of geography and economics. The deep-water port, favourable climatic conditions and existing industrial base provide what officials describe as a clear pathway for a world-class shipyard, supported by planned investments in port and logistics infrastructure. The district has also emerged as a focal point for southern Tamil Nadu’s industrial push, spanning energy, ports and manufacturing.

From HD Hyundai’s perspective, the move is part of a broader global strategy. Speaking at the event, Hannae Choi, Senior Vice President in charge of global shipbuilding at HD Hyundai Group, said the India project marked “the beginning of a shared dream” for the shipbuilding industries of India and Korea.

“This year, HD Hyundai delivered a cumulative total of 5,000 vessels since our founding — a milestone rarely matched in global shipbuilding,” Choi said, noting that the company already operates shipyards in Vietnam, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia. “And now we are here in India — a nation full of energy and talent, with limitless potential.”

After visiting Thoothukudi, Choi said he could “clearly imagine a mega shipyard being built here”, citing the location’s strategic advantages and skilled workforce. The vision, he added, would be realised together with the Governments of India and Tamil Nadu, aligning with India’s long-term Amrit Kaal 2047 goals.

Within the group, the collaboration has been termed the “SMITH Project” — Shipbuilding Make in India Together with Hyundai. “But standing here in Tamil Nadu,” Choi said, “it is time to say: Shipbuilding Make in Tamil Nadu with Hyundai.”

Beyond the headline investment, the State government is emphasising the sector’s wider economic impact. Shipbuilding has one of the highest employment multipliers in manufacturing, often estimated at around 6.4 times, meaning one direct job can support nearly six ancillary jobs across services, logistics and component manufacturing. Around 60–65 per cent of value addition in shipbuilding typically comes from ancillary and supplier industries.

Tamil Nadu has been moving early to capitalise on this potential, treating shipyard development as a strategic lever to revive coastal economies, build technical skills and attract long-term investment. Officials say incentives, modern infrastructure and coordinated clearances were key factors in securing HD Hyundai’s interest.

The State is also preparing to roll out a dedicated Tamil Nadu Maritime Manufacturing Policy, aimed at providing a clearer framework for investors and accelerating project execution along its coastline. Policymakers see shipbuilding as complementary to the State’s broader ambitions in ports, renewable energy and heavy engineering.

“Incentives, modern infrastructure and focused policy have created an environment where global companies can grow with confidence,” the minister’s office said. “That is why HD Hyundai has chosen Tamil Nadu as its preferred partner.”

For Thoothukudi and the wider southern districts, the proposed shipyard signals more than a single industrial project. It positions the region within global shipbuilding supply chains — and underscores how State-level policy competition is shaping the next phase of India’s manufacturing growth.

Tamil Nadu tops national energy-efficiency index with strong industrial gains

 

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu has emerged as India’s top performer in industrial energy efficiency, according to the latest State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024, consolidating its position as a frontrunner in energy-sector reforms.

The state scored 55.3% in the SEEI’s Group 1 category — the highest in the country — reflecting steady improvements in industrial processes, regulatory implementation and support programmes for energy-intensive sectors. The report marks the latest in a series of national assessments that have placed Tamil Nadu among India’s most advanced states since Chief Minister M K Stalin took office in 2021, a release stated.

Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh recorded the sharpest year-on-year improvement with a 27.5% gain, topping the Group 2 category. Chhattisgarh (up 28.8%), Odisha (23.1%), Madhya Pradesh (16.5%) and Tripura (10.9%) also posted notable progress.

Tamil Nadu’s leadership is attributed to a combination of early policy adoption, targeted schemes and strong uptake of green-building norms. The state is among the top three in India for the number of certified green buildings and has pushed energy-efficiency interventions in the construction sector more aggressively than most peers.

A key driver has been the PEACE programme, under which the state invested ₹2.6 crore in 2023–24 to support MSMEs through awareness campaigns, training modules and subsidies for energy audits — a critical step for smaller enterprises seeking to cut power bills and modernise operations.

The SEEI report also highlights the growing momentum of energy-conservation initiatives nationwide. Twenty-five states received energy-efficiency awards this year, with Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Odisha securing the largest number of recognitions, followed by Gujarat.

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai Metro shuts Wimco Nagar parking as water l...

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai Metro shuts Wimco Nagar parking as water l...:   CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) on Wednesday temporarily closed the four-wheeler parking facility at Wimco Nagar station after wa...

writingonblog uncensored: CMRL seeks bidders for major commercial hub at Wim...

writingonblog uncensored: CMRL seeks bidders for major commercial hub at Wim...: CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail Ltd has launched a tender to license nearly 100,000 sq ft of commercial space at its Wimco Nagar depot station...

CMRL seeks bidders for major commercial hub at Wimco Nagar depot

CHENNAI:
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd has launched a tender to license nearly 100,000 sq ft of commercial space at its Wimco Nagar depot station, marking one of the largest real-estate offerings within the metro network in North Chennai.

The planned development is pitched as a “future-ready” commercial precinct, with CMRL positioning the site for a mix of retail, offices, supermarkets, logistics operations, food courts, fitness centres, coaching institutes, entertainment uses and Research and Development facilities. Licensees will be permitted to either occupy the space themselves or sublet it.

The depot, located on the Blue Line linking the airport, Central and northern industrial corridors, sits amid dense residential and industrial clusters such as Tiruvottiyur, Ennore and Wimco Nagar—an area CMRL argues offers strong catchment potential.

Chennai Metro shuts Wimco Nagar parking as water levels rise

 

CHENNAI:
Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) on Wednesday temporarily closed the four-wheeler parking facility at Wimco Nagar station after water levels in the area began to rise and advised commuters to remove their vehicles at once.

The operator said the closure was a precautionary move as parts of North Chennai continued to face localised stagnation following overnight rain. The parking area will be reopened once conditions improve and the water drains out, a CMRL release said.

Chennai Metro urged passengers to follow station-level advisories as the situation is being closely monitored

Chennai's bullet train ambition takes shape as Railways seeks TN approval for final alignment

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
Chennai's bullet train ambition is taking shape as the proposed Hyderabad–Chennai high-speed rail corridor, a project which will reshape inter-city travel, has reached a key milestone with South Central Railway submitting the final alignment to the Tamil Nadu government and seeking approvals to keep survey work on track.

Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority special officer I Jayakumar told The New Indian Express that the detailed project report for the high speed corridor will be finalised within a month after the state grants its approval.

"They have sought our views on the alignment and we will be giving the approval in the next few days. Initially, the alignment was touching Sri City and Gudur but we wanted it to link Tirupati which they have done," Jayakumar said. The project aims to reduce the current ~12-hour train journey to approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes

The 778-km corridor is one of two high-speed routes planned in the southern region—the other linking Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Both are part of a longer-term national push to expand India’s high-speed rail footprint beyond the Mumbai–Ahmedabad line, with corridors designed to connect emerging economic hubs across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The move comes in the wake of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announcing that a survey for the project is already in progress in September. Very soon, the bullet train is going to come to South India. A survey is being done. It will connect Hyderabad, Chennai, Amravati, and Bengaluru, all four cities," he said in a event in Visakhapatnam.

For Chennai, the project is significant because the 61-km stretch within Tamil Nadu includes two major station proposals—Chennai Central and Chennai Ring Road/Minjur—set to anchor the city’s integration with the high-speed network. Railways has requested that the state allocate around 50 acres around each station for transit-oriented development, which is expected to shape new commercial and mobility clusters in the metropolitan region.

The alignment is based on surveys carried out by government consultancy RITES. The land requirement for the stretch has been estimated at 223.44 hectares, with railway officials noting that no forest land is involved—an element expected to ease statutory environmental clearances.

The alignment crosses 65 roads and 21 high-tension electricity lines, requiring close coordination with state departments and utility agencies to ensure structural clearance for the elevated high-speed rail system. The Tamil Nadu section also includes a technically complex feature: an 11.6-km tunnel, which will undergo detailed geotechnical investigation before construction methods are finalised.

The proposed route passes close to several northern settlements—including Pondavakkam, Thatchoor, Vichoor, Mathur and Tondiarpet—areas where construction logistics, access planning and mitigation of urban disruption will be critical.

In a letter to the state’s Transport Department this week, South Central Railway sought early finalisation of the alignment and station locations, in-principle approval for land acquisition, and incorporation of the corridor into Tamil Nadu’s long-term infrastructure master plan. The Railways has also requested joint field visits with state officials to avoid delays to the Final Location Survey, which is being carried out under a time-bound schedule.

Hyderabad–Chennai High-Speed Rail: Key Facts
1. TN Alignment Length
60.99 km of the 778-km corridor falls within Tamil Nadu.

2. Land Requirement
223.44 hectares needed in Tamil Nadu; no forest land involved.

3. Key Engineering Feature
11.6-km tunnel planned between chainage 720.7 km and 732.291 km.

4. Crossings
65 road crossings and 21 high-tension line crossings in the TN stretch.

5. Proposed Stations
Two stations in Chennai region: Chennai Central and Chennai Ring Road/Minjur.

writingonblog uncensored: Saxony courts Tamil Nadu talent as regions explore...

writingonblog uncensored: Saxony courts Tamil Nadu talent as regions explore...:   C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:  Germany’s Free State of Saxony is in talks with Tamil Nadu to sign a memorandum of understanding to jointly dev...

Saxony courts Tamil Nadu talent as regions explore semiconductor and skills pact

 

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: 
Germany’s Free State of Saxony is in talks with Tamil Nadu to sign a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop skilled talent pipelines, particularly for high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and healthcare.

Dirk Panter, Saxony’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Action, said the state sees Tamil Nadu as a strategic partner in its push to strengthen high-tech industries and secure skilled workers.

“Saxony is one of Europe’s most innovative industrial regions, and Tamil Nadu is among India’s most industrialised and future-oriented states. We see a strong fit in areas like semiconductors, e-mobility and advanced manufacturing,” Panter said at a business conclave organised by Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Dr Nils Geißler, Director-General at Saxony’s Ministry for Economic Affairs, Labour, Energy and Climate Action, told The New Indian Express that Saxony sees Tamil Nadu as a natural partner given the “striking industrial parallels” between the two regions. Both have strong bases in automotive, micro-electronics, healthcare, and R&D-driven manufacturing, he said.

Beyond trade and industry, Saxony is seeking “people-to-people collaboration”, Geißler said, adding that Germany’s immigration system requires young professionals to have a minimum level of German language proficiency to obtain a visa and integrate successfully into the labour market. “We are quite hopeful that younger people from Tamil Nadu will be entering the German labour market,” he said.

Saxony hosts one of Europe’s largest micro-electronics clusters — often referred to as the “Silicon Saxony” corridor — and is looking for talent in semiconductor manufacturing and IT. The state’s Chamber of Commerce is exploring skilling partnerships targeted at Tamil Nadu youth. While declining to disclose investment details, Geißler said the proposed MoU would outline intent and “later become more precise”.

Saxony faces a shortage of skilled labour across healthcare, manufacturing, automotive and micro-electronics. The state will require roughly 25,000 skilled workers over the coming years, sourced from multiple countries. “We can’t call it migration of refugees, but skilled mobility,” he said, underscoring Germany’s shift to targeted talent attraction.

A 16-member German delegation from Saxony also met policymakers and industry leaders to explore cooperation in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, MSME development, green energy, R&D and cluster-to-cluster linkages.

Panter met Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa, who in social media stated that the discussions focused on expanding Tamil Nadu–Saxony cooperation in key sectors like R&D, automotive, semiconductors and textiles.

"We explored collaborations in Technical Textiles, connecting Saxony’s advanced textile machinery manufacturers with Tamil Nadu’s vibrant textile ecosystem for automation, quality upgrades, and joint R&D on technical fibres and composites.

"An MoU between Tamil Nadu and Saxony is now being finalised to deepen this partnership, especially in the skilled manpower supply area," he had stated.

writingonblog uncensored: Government quality agencies recast themselves as f...

writingonblog uncensored: Government quality agencies recast themselves as f...:  CHENNAI: India’s defence quality and testing agencies are recasting themselves as industry enablers as Centre pushes to deepen domestic man...

Government quality agencies recast themselves as facilitators as defence MSMEs seek export foothold

 CHENNAI:
India’s defence quality and testing agencies are recasting themselves as industry enablers as Centre pushes to deepen domestic manufacturing and lift exports in high-technology segments ranging from armoured vehicles to electronic warfare systems.

Senior officials from the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) and Troop Comforts Ltd (TCL) signalled a marked shift: from gatekeeping to facilitation during a two-day conclave hosted by the CODISSIA Defence Innovation and Atal Incubation Centre (CDIIC) in Coimbatore recently.

DGQA Director General N Manoharan said the organisation was moving away from its traditional “fault-finding” role to one that supports industry in meeting global standards. The agency is promoting two mechanisms—the Defence Testing Portal, which gives companies unified access to laboratories across DRDO, DGQA, PSUs and IITs, and a government-backed export certification programme that acts as a “marketing passport” for Indian firms pitching abroad.

Manoharan said India must prioritise investment in high-dependence imports such as gyroscopes, propellants, explosives and AI-enabled drones. He urged MSMEs to mine policy frameworks such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure and the Srijan portal to identify gaps that private industry can fill, adding that India’s export ambitions hinged on products that are “better, reliable and high-quality.”

DRDO’s CVRDE, the country’s lead agency for armoured fighting vehicles, also opened its advanced test infrastructure to private industry through its Research, Design and Development route. Director J Rajesh Kumar noted that while the defence business is capital-intensive and low-volume, it offers 30–35 years of recurring orders in spares and sustainment. All prototypes must navigate demanding user trials and DGQA-led technical tests before induction, he added—standards intended to build a resilient domestic ecosystem.

TCL Chief General Manager B S Reddy underlined the scale of the opportunity, pointing to the Ministry of Defence’s ₹7.82 lakh crore budget. Of the ₹26,000 crore worth of defence imports this year, private firms accounted for 60%, he said—a sign of market realignment. TCL, carved out of the former Ordnance Factory Board in 2021, has emerged as a leader in body armour and protective equipment and is expanding into bulletproof vehicle solutions for several state governments. “Future growth depends on quality,” Reddy said, urging MSMEs to aggressively tap the Srijan platform.

BEML signalled similar intent. The state-owned manufacturer plans to source more than ₹1,000 crore of components annually from MSMEs as part of its indigenisation push. Executive Director V Sekhar said the company has identified 2,700 import-dependent items for development through the Srijan portal, offering startups pre-defined specifications and support through self-funded and joint-development models. BEML, he said, would “handhold” partners through testing, DGQA clearances and field trials.

Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a lynchpin of India’s defence manufacturing build-out. The Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor has secured commitments worth ₹28,890 crore, with ₹4,087 crore already deployed, said TIDCO Senior Vice-President V Vinayagam. Four new testing facilities—ranging from electronic warfare and electro-optics to materials testing—are being established under the Defence Testing Infrastructure Scheme, with 75% central funding. Upcoming assets include the ₹400 crore Coimbatore Technology Cluster and the Sulur Aero Park, India’s first industrial zone with runway access to an air base.

The corridor is also backing the Thoothukudi Spaceport, which is expected to cut SSLV launch costs by 30%—and underpin the state’s broader Aerospace & Defence Policy (2022) and Space Policy (2025).

Tamil Nadu’s TReDS push falters as PSUs lag on MSME payment platform

 

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
A state initiative to ensure timely payments to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) has faltered, with only 22 of Tamil Nadu’s over 60 public sector undertakings (PSUs) actively using the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform — despite a government order making participation mandatory.

The TReDS mechanism, designed to allow MSMEs to discount their invoices through banks and financiers to ease cash-flow pressures, has seen poor adoption among state-owned entities. Concerned by the slow uptake, the Finance Department has issued a circular directing all PSUs, statutory boards, apex cooperatives and municipal corporations to operationalise the platform without further delay.

The letter, signed by Expenditure Secretary Prashant M Wadnere, instructs departments to appoint a senior officer — at least of general manager rank — as a nodal officer to oversee the uploading, settlement and monitoring of MSME invoices. Departments must also submit monthly progress reports to the Industries Commissioner, the Director of Industries and Commerce, and the Finance Department.

The move underscores a wider gap between policy intent and implementation in the state’s public procurement ecosystem. “Delayed payments remain one of the biggest pain points for MSMEs,” said a senior official. “Non-compliance undermines the very purpose of the platform and disrupts the entire supply chain.”

Industry bodies say the problem runs deeper. “Many PSUs are loss-making and face fund shortages, which affects their compliance,” said CK Mohan, president of the Tamil Nadu Small and Tiny Industries Association (TANSTIA). “Once routed through TReDS, payments become time-bound commitments. It improves transparency, reduces corruption and enhances ease of doing business — but PSUs are hesitant.”
Mohan urged the state to strengthen the TReDS framework and widen its reach. He also called the Union government for lowering the threshold for mandatory participation from the current ₹250 crore in annual turnover to ₹50 crore, to include smaller enterprises.

Japanese delegation explores Chennai Port’s sustainability and modernization drive

Chennai:

A 15-member Japanese delegation from the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) held two days of technical and policy-level discussions with the Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) focusing on sustainable port development, green transitions, and future-ready infrastructure.

Led by Masahiko Furuichi, Secretary General of IAPH, the delegation included senior officials and experts from major Japanese ports such as Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya, and Tomakomai, along with representatives from the Overseas Coastal Area Development Institute of Japan (OCDI) and universities in Kyoto and Kanagawa.

A technical workshop on Wednesday brought together senior officers from the Chennai Port Authority, Kamarajar Port Limited, and IAPH to deliberate on public–private partnerships, hinterland connectivity, decarbonisation, shore power supply, and community outreach.

Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson of the Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port Limited, said that the ports have made “holistic and sustainable progress” under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 through investments in connectivity, digitalisation, infrastructure, and green growth. “Chennai and Kamarajar Ports are committed to sustainable community development, which has earned them international recognition,” he said.

Deputy Chairperson S Viswanathan underscored the importance of international collaboration and pointed to India Maritime Week 2025 as a key platform for exchanging global best practices. He also highlighted the human element in maritime operations, particularly in supporting ship crews.

Kamarajar Port’s Managing Director, JP  Irene Cynthia, outlined ongoing initiatives such as LNG bunkering, shore power integration, and the Green Tug Transition, noting that sustainability and capacity expansion are now central to the port’s growth strategy.

Furuichi, in his remarks, emphasised that international cooperation is essential for achieving “sustainable economic growth and global harmony.” He reiterated IAPH’s guiding principle — “World peace through world trade, world trade through world ports.”

Dr. Ennarasu Karunesan, IAPH’s India Regional Director, highlighted global sustainability efforts, citing the Kobe Hydrogen Smart City project alongside India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 as examples of how ports can act as catalysts for decarbonisation and community engagement.

The visit, part of an ongoing India–Japan maritime dialogue, underscored the growing convergence between the two countries on green port management, digital transformation, and inclusive economic growth.

writingonblog uncensored: Madras HC: Partial redevelopment of property with ...

writingonblog uncensored: Madras HC: Partial redevelopment of property with ...: CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has ruled that redevelopment of housing property involving undivided share of land (UDS) cannot be carried ...

Madras HC: Partial redevelopment of property with UDS is illegal without owners’ consent

CHENNAI:
The Madras High Court has ruled that redevelopment of housing property involving undivided share of land (UDS) cannot be carried out partially without the consent of all owners, setting aside an earlier order that permitted the reconstruction of two blocks in Anna Nagar East, Chennai.

A Division Bench of Justice SM Subramaniam and Justice Mohammed Shaffiq delivered the verdict on writ Appeal (WA) filed by NKMVCP Rao, a flat owner at Green Gardens, L Block. The appellant had challenged the redevelopment proposal involving Blocks 382 and 383, undertaken by the KGEYES Residency Private Limited without the consent of other co-owners of the 59.65 grounds on which the complex stands.

The Bench noted that the property comprises 18 blocks with 108 HIG flats, and every owner holds an undivided share (UDS). Citing Section 13 of the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Act, 2022 and Rule 9 of the Tamil Nadu Apartment Ownership Rules, 2024, the court held that redevelopment must have the consent of at least two-thirds of owners or be justified by structural risk certified by authorities. “Partial redevelopment of undivided land or common area is impermissible under law,” the judges observed.

The developer filed an affidavit stating it would demolish the structures in Blocks 382 and 383, as approved by the Greater Chennai Corporation on June 18, 2025. The court directed the demolition to be completed within one month.

For any future redevelopment, the Bench said, consent from all flat owners and statutory approvals must be secured. Allowing the appeal, the court set aside the single-judge order dated April 26, 2022.

writingonblog uncensored: Vaigai TBM Breaks Through at Mandaveli, Marking Ke...

writingonblog uncensored: Vaigai TBM Breaks Through at Mandaveli, Marking Ke...:   CHENNAI: A major tunnelling milestone was achieved on Friday as Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) completed a tunnel breakthrough at Man...

Vaigai TBM Breaks Through at Mandaveli, Marking Key Milestone in Chennai Metro Phase II

 

CHENNAI:
A major tunnelling milestone was achieved on Friday as Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) completed a tunnel breakthrough at Mandaveli station on Corridor 3 of the Phase II expansion.

The upline tunnel boring machine (TBM) “Vaigai” broke through after a 610-day drive from Greenways station, completing a 775-metre stretch beneath one of the city’s most densely built-up areas. The works form part of the 45.8-km Corridor 3, which will link Madhavaram to SIPCOT via the city’s central and southern neighbourhoods.

The breakthrough was witnessed by T Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL, along with senior officials from the agency, consultants and Larsen & Toubro, which is executing the tunnelling contract.

The Vaigai TBM passed beneath 75 buildings with an overburden ranging from 9 to 12 metres, navigating a complex underground environment with multiple sewer, water and power utilities in the Mandaveli shaft area. “This was one of the most technically challenging stretches on the corridor. Utility diversions and ground conditions required careful planning and multiple cutterhead interventions, a release stated.

Vaigai operated mainly in closed-face mode through silty sand formations and underwent 13 cutterhead interventions during the drive. Its twin machine, “Noyyal,” is expected to complete the downline breakthrough at Mandaveli next month.

This is the third TBM breakthrough achieved by CMRL this month — after successful drives at Rr k Salai and Kodambakkam, the release stated.

writingonblog uncensored: Four Decades On, India’s First Fast Breeder Reacto...

writingonblog uncensored: Four Decades On, India’s First Fast Breeder Reacto...: C Shivakumar @ Chennai   India’s nuclear energy ambitions took centre stage on Friday as Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in...

Four Decades On, India’s First Fast Breeder Reactor Stands as a Symbol of Nuclear Self-Reliance

C Shivakumar @ Chennai
 

India’s nuclear energy ambitions took centre stage on Friday as Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) in Kalpakkam celebrated 40 years since the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) first went critical — a milestone that shaped the country’s fast reactor programme and underscored its technological self-reliance.

Commissioned in 1985, the 40 MWt/13.6 MWe sodium-cooled reactor has been at the heart of India’s indigenous fast breeder efforts. Conceived as a test bed for advanced fuels and materials, it has generated decades of operational data that informed the design of the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and future systems.

FBTR is unique in the global nuclear landscape — the only fast breeder reactor to use mixed plutonium-uranium carbide fuel. Its 70:30 plutonium carbide and uranium carbide blend offers superior thermal conductivity and high breeding potential, making it a key asset in India’s closed-fuel-cycle strategy.

“This reactor stands as proof of India’s ability to design and operate complex nuclear systems independently,” said K N Vyas, Homi Bhabha Chair Professor and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India, at the anniversary event. He also released a commemorative volume marking the milestone.

“FBTR’s journey is synonymous with India’s mastery of fast reactor technology,” added S Sridhar, Director of Reactor Facilities Group, IGCAR. Director C G Karhadkar highlighted the reactor’s “four decades of safe and reliable operation” and its continuing strategic role.

The celebrations also marked a scientific breakthrough: the first successful separation of Phosphorus-32 — a key radioisotope used in cancer therapy — from irradiated strontium sulphate pellets. The isotope was handed over to the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology, signalling FBTR’s expanding contribution beyond research.

Veteran nuclear scientists including S A Bhardwaj, Dr C Ganguly, S C Chetal, Dr P R Vasudeva Rao, Dr S A V Satya Murty and Dr B Venkatraman shared personal reflections, while a photo exhibition traced FBTR’s technological milestones.

Four decades on, FBTR remains more than a test reactor — it is the bedrock of India’s fast breeder programme and a cornerstone of its long-term energy security strategy.

Factfile: Fast Breeders Around the World

Monju Fast Breeder Reactor in Japan was decommissioned in 2016 after a sodium leak and fire led to a prolonged shutdown.

Rapsodie in France, a pioneering sodium-cooled reactor, operated for 15 years before being decommissioned in 1983.

writingonblog uncensored: Women-led ventures redefine Tamil Nadu’s start-up ...

writingonblog uncensored: Women-led ventures redefine Tamil Nadu’s start-up ...: CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s start-up ecosystem is undergoing a generational and gender shift, with a young, educated and increasingly women-led ...

Women-led ventures redefine Tamil Nadu’s start-up landscape, study finds

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu’s start-up ecosystem is undergoing a generational and gender shift, with a young, educated and increasingly women-led entrepreneurial base driving innovation, according to a new study by the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission.

Women founders typically launch ventures between the ages of 26 and 30 — earlier than men, who generally start between 31 and 35. Men, however, tend to bring more prior work experience at the time of incorporation, the study, ‘Start-up Ecosystem in TN: Opportunities and Challenges – Findings Report’, found.

Women account for 57% of founders, and more than half have prior professional experience, the report stated. Thirteen per cent have started new ventures after previous failures, signalling a growing culture of resilience.

The report states that most start-up founders come from higher socio-economic backgrounds, reflecting their access to networks, social capital and quality education. Engineering dominates as the academic discipline of choice, with government-funded institutions serving as a key pipeline. Nearly two-thirds of the start-ups surveyed were incorporated in 2021 or later, underscoring the impact of recent policy pushes and targeted interventions by StartupTN.

Most ventures remain at the early-traction stage, concentrated in services, product-based businesses and manufacturing. Information technology, healthcare, agriculture, and food and beverages lead sectoral activity, with direct-to-consumer models largely focused on domestic markets. Founding teams are typically lean — one or two individuals — relying heavily on close networks of family (42%) and friends (28%).

The state’s policy architecture has emerged as a strong enabler. The Commission’s comparative analysis of six state start-up policies found that Tamil Nadu leads on seven of nine key policy themes, including infrastructure, funding and institutional support.

writingonblog uncensored: Global startup summit sees ₹127 crore investment c...

writingonblog uncensored: Global startup summit sees ₹127 crore investment c...: CHENNAI: Investment commitments worth ₹127.09 crore were announced at Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit 2025, signalling strong investor co...

Global startup summit sees ₹127 crore investment commitments, expands global reach

CHENNAI:
Investment commitments worth ₹127.09 crore were announced at Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit 2025, signalling strong investor confidence in the State’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem and its expanding global links, according to a MSME department spokesperson.

A total of 15 investors engaged with 453 startups in over 1,200 structured pitching rounds and more deals expected to materialise in the coming months, the spokesperson stated.

Twenty-three memorandums of understanding were signed with international and corporate partners, including Link Innovations (France), AsiaBerlin Forum (Germany), RxN Hub (Canada), River Venture Studio (Singapore) and Lowe’s India. These agreements are expected to open new pathways for market access, incubation and mentorship, a release stated.

The two-day summit drew more than 72,000 participants, making it one of India’s largest startup gatherings. Policymakers, founders, investors and students converged to explore opportunities in emerging technologies, sustainability and international collaboration — underscoring Tamil Nadu’s ambition to position itself as a global innovation hub.

More than 600 speakers, including 328 international experts, shared insights on technology, policy and global trends, offering startups access to international best practices. Investor Connect sessions were among the most active segments: 115 investors engaged with 453 startups in over 1,200 structured pitches. More deals are expected to materialise in the months ahead.

The presence of 12 Central and 15 State government departments gave founders direct access to support schemes, funding and policy frameworks. The summit also placed strong emphasis on inclusivity, with active participation from differently-abled, transgender and women founders, as well as startups from smaller towns and rural areas.

The outcomes of TNGSS 2025 will strengthen startup infrastructure, boost investor confidence and accelerate job creation, the release added.

CMRL Taps HUDCO to Draft Beautification Plan for Chennai’s Broken Bridge and MRTS Corridors

CHENNAI:
In a bid to transform underutilised urban pockets into vibrant public spaces, Chennai Metro Rail Limited has signed a contract with Housing and Urban Development Corporation to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the beautification and place-making of key sites in Chennai, including the Broken Bridge area in Adyar.

The initiative aims to convert the historic waterfront at Broken Bridge — spread over roughly 14,120 sq m — into a landmark leisure and tourism hub, featuring an adventure zone, beachfront cafés and a health loop. The scope of work also covers spaces beneath the MRTS line near Indira Nagar Railway Station (6,176 sq m) and under the Velachery Rail Over Bridge (9,270 sq m), which are set to be redesigned as multifunctional civic areas with retail outlets, dynamic lighting and children’s play spaces.

The DPR contract, valued at ₹53 lakh, was signed in the presence of CMRL Managing Director M A Siddique. It was formalised by CMRL Projects Director T Archunan and HUDCO Executive Director VT Subramanian.

The project is intended to enhance public amenities, boost tourism and wellness, and catalyse local economic activity, while turning disused transit-adjacent zones into active community spaces, a release stated.

writingonblog uncensored: TNT Hub, University of Melbourne Exchange LoI To F...

writingonblog uncensored: TNT Hub, University of Melbourne Exchange LoI To F...: CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub) has inked a Letter of Intent with The University of Melbourne to build cross-border innovati...

TNT Hub, University of Melbourne Exchange LoI To Foster Innovation Links in Deep and Emerging Technologies

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu Technology Hub (iTNT Hub) has inked a Letter of Intent with The University of Melbourne to build cross-border innovation ties between India and Australia, aiming to deepen collaboration across startups, academia and industry.

The agreement, exchanged here on Thursday, lays the groundwork for a three-year partnership that seeks to accelerate technology transfer, co-develop innovation programmes and strengthen investment and mentorship networks between the two ecosystems.

The LoI was signed by the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Michael Wesley and iTNT CEO Vanitha Venugopal, in the presence of Tamil Nadu IT Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, IT Secretary Brajendra Navnit and Australia’s Consul General Silai Zaki.

Under the partnership, the two institutions plan to launch joint accelerator programmes, facilitate startup and mentor exchanges, and host expert-led sessions to spur entrepreneurship and research collaboration. The initiative will also focus on building peer-learning networks and expanding investor engagement to give startups greater access to global markets.

“This LoI aims to build a strong cross-border innovation ecosystem connecting startups, academia and industries in India and Australia,” Vanitha Venugopal said. “Grounded in mutual trust and equality, both institutions will operate independently while pursuing shared innovation goals. The agreement ensures sustained cooperation and measurable impact over the next three years.”

Professor Wesley said the collaboration would open avenues to tackle shared challenges in areas such as health, environment and social development. “Mutually beneficial exchanges between the University of Melbourne and the innovation ecosystem of iTNT Hub will provide rich opportunities for co-creation and development,” he said.

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu to Showcase Rural Fibre Network with CM...

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu to Showcase Rural Fibre Network with CM...: CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu’s rural broadband push is set to get a high-profile spotlight next week, with Chief Minister MK Stalin scheduled to addr...

Tamil Nadu to Showcase Rural Fibre Network with CM’s Statewide Grama Sabha Address

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu’s rural broadband push is set to get a high-profile spotlight next week, with Chief Minister MK Stalin scheduled to address thousands of village assemblies through a state-wide optical fibre network.

Addressing reporters here on Thursday, Information Technology Minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said that more than 11,800 Gram Panchayats have so far been connected through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) infrastructure — a key part of the state’s digital inclusion strategy.

“During the Grama Sabha meeting on October 11, the Chief Minister will use the established OFC infrastructure to interact directly via video conferencing with representatives from selected Gram Panchayats,” Thiaga Rajan said. The interaction will be streamed live to 10,000 village panchayats across Tamil Nadu, making it the largest single use of the fibre network to date.

The state government is also overhauling its rural connectivity business model after early efforts to rope in franchisee partners at the Gram Panchayat level fell flat. “Initially, a notification was issued to select Franchisee Partners at the Gram Panchayat level. However, there was very limited interest from eligible individuals under this model,” the minister said.

Operating at the panchayat level proved commercially unviable, with low revenue potential making it difficult to recover costs for household connections and network maintenance. Consumers were also being asked to pay the full cost of installing Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), dampening uptake.

To address these bottlenecks, the government is shifting to an integrated district-level franchisee model. “This change will ensure the installation of ONT devices at a lower cost without collecting high fees from the consumers, and provide quality internet service,” Thiaga Rajan said.

The move is expected to make rural broadband more affordable while creating viable business opportunities for operators. Parallel efforts are underway to bundle internet and OTT services for rural households, aiming to close the digital divide between urban and rural Tamil Nadu.

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of ...

writingonblog uncensored: Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of ...:   CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of the world,” Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said on Wednesday, signalling a ...

Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of the world”

 

CHENNAI:
Tamil Nadu aims to become the “quality capital of the world,” Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said on Wednesday, signalling a strategic push to strengthen ties with European partners in advanced manufacturing and clean technologies.

Addressing the Tamil Nadu–EFTA Business Summit in Chennai, Rajaa noted that while the state has traditionally looked to Swiss precision engineering as a benchmark, it now intends to build its own quality leadership through targeted collaborations. He highlighted shipbuilding and the blue economy as key areas for partnership with Norway, and said Iceland’s geothermal expertise could help diversify Tamil Nadu’s clean energy mix.

Rajaa called for the formation of a working group with clear, time-bound targets to fully leverage the new India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) agreement, which came into effect from October 1. He also said a desk will be set up

The summit, organised by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Guidance Tamil Nadu in partnership with the Swiss-Indian Chamber of Commerce, brought together senior officials and diplomats, including Maya Tissafi, Switzerland’s Ambassador to India and Bhutan; Benedikt Höskuldsson, Iceland’s Ambassador; Niklaus-Samuel Gugger, member of the Swiss National Council; and Bjorn Iversen, head of Innovation, Norway and Commercial Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

A panel discussion explored how the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) could drive long-term investment and business collaborations. The deal offers Swiss companies up to 10 years of a stable investment framework in high-growth sectors such as precision engineering, renewable energy, life sciences, electronics, and food processing.

Switzerland remains Tamil Nadu’s largest trading partner among EFTA countries, with Swiss firms playing a central role in precision manufacturing and financial services. According to the Swiss Business Mapping 2025 report by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), more than 328 Swiss companies operate in India, collectively employing over 146,000 people.

writingonblog uncensored: Japanese Auto Firm to Train Tamil Nadu Technicians...

writingonblog uncensored: Japanese Auto Firm to Train Tamil Nadu Technicians...:   C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: Ehime Nissan is set to establish an automotive technician training school in Chennai in partnership with Guidanc...

Japanese Auto Firm to Train Tamil Nadu Technicians for Jobs in Japan

 

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:
Ehime Nissan is set to establish an automotive technician training school in Chennai in partnership with Guidance Tamil Nadu, creating a new pathway for Indian workers to secure overseas employment, Industries Minister Dr TRB Rajaa said.

The programme will train around 100 participants over three years, combining technical instruction with Japanese language lessons. Two trainers from Ehime Nissan will oversee the training, aimed at strengthening local skills and supporting Tamil Nadu’s ambition to become a global hub for automotive manufacturing.

The initiative follows a visit by a Tamil Nadu delegation to Ehime Nissan’s training centre in Matsuyama, Japan, in July 2025, when the minister invited the company to explore skill-development opportunities in the state. A follow-up visit by the Japanese team to Chennai in August included inspections of potential training sites, such as Central Polytechnic College and ITI Guindy, and meetings with faculty, students, and officials from Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation and Guidance Tamil Nadu.

Local instructors in Tamil Nadu will lead the training, supported remotely by Japanese trainers through online modules. Each batch will spend three to five months in Chennai before undergoing six months of advanced instruction at Ehime Nissan facilities in Japan. Successful trainees will be offered jobs with Nissan in Japan for three to five years, with high performers eligible for tenure extensions. Those returning to India will leave with Japanese language skills and technical certification, boosting their employability in the domestic automotive sector.

Guidance Tamil Nadu will formalise the partnership through a facilitation memorandum of understanding, linking Ehime Nissan with state skill-development agencies to ensure smooth implementation. Next month, the Japanese team will visit ITI Guindy to pilot virtual reality–based lesson modules, testing digital tools, Wi-Fi connectivity, and teaching methods ahead of the programme’s official launch.

Highlighting the state government’s focus on youth development, Dr Rajaa said the DMK administration was working to expand educational opportunities and, through them, create high-quality jobs. “The government is committed to improving the standard of living for every student,” he added.

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai MRTS Handover to Metro likely to be Formal...

writingonblog uncensored: Chennai MRTS Handover to Metro likely to be Formal...: C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: Chennai’s long-discussed plan to integrate its Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with the city’s Metro network is lik...

Chennai MRTS Handover to Metro likely to be Formalised by December 2025

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:

Chennai’s long-discussed plan to integrate its Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with the city’s Metro network is likely  to advance in December 2025, when the Tamil Nadu government and Southern Railway are expected to sign a transfer agreement clearing the way for Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to take over the system.

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority's (CUMTA) second authority meeting headed by Chief Minister M K Stalin has approved the memorandum of understanding (MoU) a procedural but critical step before the December signing that would bring Chennai closer to its goal of a unified, high-capacity public transport system.

The agreement now allows the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) to formally transfer control of the elevated suburban line to CMRL for operations, maintenance and management, with the full transition scheduled for completion by December 2027.

"In the next two days, we will be having a meeting with the Railway officials where the MoU will be discussed. After getting the  nod, a government order will be passed after which the MoU will be finalised," said I Jayakumar, the special officer of Cumta.

The deal follows months of negotiation between the state and the Railways. A joint committee, comprising senior officials from Tamil Nadu’s finance and urban development departments, CMRL, and Southern Railway, resolved key issues including asset transfer, staff redeployment, financial liabilities and long-term maintenance obligations. These principles were submitted to the Railway Board in February 2024, with CUMTA and Southern Railway providing detailed responses to subsequent queries.

Political momentum has also played a role. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin raised the handover directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the NITI Aayog meeting in May 2025, after which the Prime Minister’s Office directed the Railway Board to fast-track the process. In July 2025, the Additional Chief Secretary for Housing and Urban Development met the Railway Minister and the Railway Board Chairman, pressing for expeditious approval. By the end of July, the Railway Board issued its in-principle nod for the transfer, including endorsement of the “broad framework and principles” for the MoU will be finalised

The MRTS, an elevated rail corridor connecting Chennai Beach to Velachery and soon to St. Thomas Mount, was built in phases under a 67:33 cost-sharing model between the state and Union governments. Despite being designed for 650,000 daily passengers, it currently carries only about 84,000, with experts blaming poor station access, limited feeder connectivity and lack of integration with other modes.

Transport planners say the takeover is expected to boost ridership through integrated ticketing, upgraded stations and coordinated timetables. “This will finally allow MRTS to function as part of a seamless multimodal network rather than a standalone suburban line,”sources said.

Factfile:
1. Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), chaired by the Chief Minister, approved the MoU
2. Tamil Nadu government and Southern Railway expected to sign transfer agreement by December 2025..
3. CMDA authorised to formally transfer control of the MRTS to CMRL.
4. Meeting with Railway officials planned in next two days; government order to follow before MoU finalisation.

writingonblog uncensored: Corteva Launches New Fungicide to Help Grape and P...

writingonblog uncensored: Corteva Launches New Fungicide to Help Grape and P...: Chennai: Global agriculture company Corteva Agriscience has introduced Zorvec Entecta®, a new fungicide designed to help grape and potato fa...

Corteva Launches New Fungicide to Help Grape and Potato Farmers Fight Crop Diseases

Chennai:

Global agriculture company Corteva Agriscience has introduced Zorvec Entecta®, a new fungicide designed to help grape and potato farmers protect their crops from two major diseases – Downy Mildew in grapes and Late Blight in potatoes – that can cause huge losses if not controlled.

The company says Zorvec Entecta® works for a longer time than most other fungicides and protects even new leaves as they grow. It can resist being washed away by rain just 20 minutes after spraying, which gives farmers peace of mind during unpredictable weather.

The product uses two active ingredients that attack the disease in different ways, making it harder for the disease to develop resistance. Corteva’s field trials showed that the product gives strong protection even when disease pressure is very high.

For grape growers, this means healthier vines and better bunch development. For potato farmers, it means cleaner fields and a stronger start to their disease control programme – something crucial during the early growth stage when crops are most vulnerable.

Corteva recommends using Zorvec Entecta® in rotation with its other product, Curzate® M8, as part of a full-season disease management plan. This approach helps protect crops through all growth stages and leads to higher, better-quality yields.

The product is already proven in other countries, and Corteva will roll it out across different regions in India in the coming months.

What These Crop Diseases Do

Downy Mildew (Grapes): A fast-spreading fungus-like disease that attacks leaves and fruit, turning them yellow and causing them to drop early. Left unchecked, it can destroy entire vineyards.

Late Blight (Potatoes): The same disease that caused the Irish potato famine. It spreads quickly in wet weather, causing dark spots on leaves and rotting tubers in the soil, leading to huge yield losses.

Stalin Leads Groundbreaking for ₹450 Crore Delta Electronics Expansion in Krishnagiri

CHENNAI:

Delta Electronics India has broken ground on a major expansion of its Krishnagiri manufacturing campus in Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its commitment to making India a key hub for power management and industrial automation solutions.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who attended Thursday’s ceremony, hailed the ₹450 crore investment as a boost to the state’s bid to cement its status as India’s electronics manufacturing capital. “I wholeheartedly appreciate Delta Electronics' contribution to the industrial development of the Hosur region,” he said, describing the new automated production line as “a significant step” that would strengthen Tamil Nadu’s growth trajectory.

Spread over 95 acres and employing more than 3,800 people, the Krishnagiri campus currently houses four large-scale factories producing high-efficiency power supplies, DC brushless fans, telecom power systems, automation solutions, data centre infrastructure and electric mobility systems. Two additional factory buildings are planned to expand capacity for both domestic and export markets.

At the heart of the expansion is a smart manufacturing line built on Delta’s own automation technology — including 6-axis robots, servo motion systems and programmable logic controllers — enabling automated line changeovers, real-time equipment management and data-driven production decisions. The company says the system has already delivered productivity gains of up to 95% in power supply manufacturing for home appliance applications.

Jimmy Yiin, Delta’s Executive Vice President of Global Business Operations, called the project a “landmark milestone” in the company’s support for the government’s Make in India initiative. Benjamin Lin, President of Delta Electronics India, said the expansion reflects Delta’s ambition to turn Krishnagiri into a model for innovation, talent development and sustainable manufacturing.

Sustainability remains central to the plan. The site currently sources 53% of its energy from renewables — including a 6.9MWp rooftop solar system and wind power — and operates a 1,800 kilolitre-per-day water treatment plant, rainwater harvesting facilities and CPCB-certified waste management systems.

Delta said the investment would position Krishnagiri as a global benchmark for smart manufacturing and strengthen its role in India’s fast-growing electronics supply chain.

24,300-Crore Investment Wave to Transform Hosur, Create 49,000 Jobs

CHENNAI:

Stalin Showcases Hosur as Next Growth Pole with ₹24,307 cr MoUs

EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ CHENNAI:

Hosur is set for a major industrial leap with fresh investments worth ₹24,307 crore that will generate 49,353 jobs, positioning it as Tamil Nadu’s next big growth engine.

Speaking at the second edition of the TN Rising Summit on Thursday, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called the announcements proof that Tamil Nadu has become India’s most trusted investment destination. “Hosur is where tradition meets innovation. It has become a city that attracts global attention. We want Hosur to be a critical part of Tamil Nadu’s growth story,” he said, adding that 77% of MoUs signed since his government took office have already been converted into on-ground projects.

A total of 92 MoUs were signed — 53 under the Industries Department worth ₹23,303 crore and 39 under the MSME Department worth over ₹1,000 crore — spanning sectors from green energy and aerospace to footwear, auto components and healthcare. The deals cement Hosur’s position as a key beneficiary of Bengaluru’s manufacturing spillover and strengthen its claim as the state’s next major growth pole.

Among the marquee projects, Zetwerk will invest ₹5,000 crore in a solar cell manufacturing facility, creating 3,000 jobs. Aspire Footwear, part of the Arvind Group, is setting up a ₹350-crore non-leather footwear plant in Katpadi with 6,000 jobs. DCX Systems, with Israel’s IAI-ELTA Systems, will invest ₹850 crore in Krishnagiri to make advanced radar and electronic warfare systems for the armed forces, while International Aerospace Manufacturing Pvt Ltd is expanding its Hosur SEZ facility with a ₹200-crore outlay for precision aerospace equipment.

Stalin also inaugurated three completed projects worth ₹250 crore, including a Kaynes Circuits electronics plant in Pochampalli and a Gokaldas Exports footwear unit in Ambur, which together create 1,100 jobs. Four new projects with a combined investment of ₹1,210 crore were launched, including a 500-bed Kauvery Hospital in Hosur and RICO’s EV component facility in Shoolagiri, adding 7,900 jobs. He also opened SIPCOT’s 300-acre Future Mobility Park, which has allotted land to 22 companies and is expected to attract ₹2,728 crore in investments and 6,682 jobs, further strengthening Hosur’s reputation as India’s e-scooter and EV hub.

Tamil Nadu is also building worker housing in partnership with Tata Electronics and TIDCO for 6,000 employees, developing a knowledge corridor to attract GCCs, IT firms and research centres, and pushing ahead with plans for an international airport at Hosur. Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa said the diversity of investments reflected the state’s strong fundamentals. “Hosur is fast becoming one of India’s most sought-after industrial destinations, and today’s MoUs will accelerate that trajectory,” he said.

ideaForge Drone Wins NATO Approval, Paving Way for Global Defence Sales

CHENNAI:

India’s ideaForge Technology has scored a major breakthrough in defence exports with its Q6 V2 tactical drone receiving a NATO Stock Number (NSN), a globally recognised code that allows seamless procurement by NATO member nations and allies.

The NSN is a 13-digit identifier used by 68 countries to source, maintain, and track military equipment. The approval means the Q6 V2 meets international standards for quality, interoperability, and mission readiness — making it easier for global forces to buy and deploy it.

“This is more than just technical validation — it is a strategic gateway for global interoperability,” said Vipul Joshi, CFO of ideaForge. “It shows India can deliver export-grade defence technology and strengthens our role in allied missions worldwide.”

The Q6 V2 is a lightweight, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone designed for surveillance and reconnaissance. It can be deployed in under 10 minutes, fly for up to an hour, carry nearly 6 kg of payload, and operate day or night within a 5 km range. Already in use by the Indian armed forces, police, and disaster management teams, it has been tested in high-altitude areas and during floods.

The achievement follows a similar recognition for ideaForge’s SWITCH UAV, underlining the company’s emergence as a full-stack drone manufacturer with global ambitions. The firm plans to work with international defence suppliers to expand the reach of its drones while continuing to invest in R&D to improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, a release stated.

writingonblog uncensored: Rolls Royce signals major expansion in TN; Plans t...

writingonblog uncensored: Rolls Royce signals major expansion in TN; Plans t...: CHENNAI: Engineering giant Rolls-Royce has signalled a major expansion of its presence in southern India, as Tamil Nadu secured a series of ...

Rolls Royce signals major expansion in TN; Plans to set up MRO facility

CHENNAI:

Engineering giant Rolls-Royce has signalled a major expansion of its presence in southern India, as Tamil Nadu secured a series of high-profile investment commitments from UK-based firms across aerospace, clean energy, maritime intelligence and textile technology.

The announcement came during the UK leg of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s European investment tour, which aims to reposition the state as a global hub for innovation-led manufacturing and services. The trip marks one of the first proactive state-level campaigns to leverage opportunities under the proposed India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Rolls-Royce, one of the world’s foremost aerospace and defence technology companies, said it intends to scale up operations in the state with plans for a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, a research and development centre, and a training institute. It will also expand its existing joint venture, International Aerospace Manufacturing Pvt Ltd (IAMPL), in Hosur.

Tamil Nadu, which hosts one of India’s two Defence Industrial Corridors, has in recent years positioned itself as a nucleus for precision engineering and high-value manufacturing. The agreement with Rolls-Royce is seen as a key validation of its strategy to become a key node in global aerospace supply chains.

Further investment came from Wilson Power & Distribution Technologies, which announced a ₹300 crore (£28m) project to build a new electric transformer manufacturing facility in the state. With nearly 90% of its output destined for renewable energy applications, the project will support Tamil Nadu’s efforts to become a national leader in clean-tech manufacturing. The facility is expected to generate 543 new jobs.

In the maritime sector, Lloyd’s List Intelligence, a leading provider of vessel tracking, maritime risk analytics and insurance data, signed an MoU to expand its Global Capability Centre in Chennai, creating 200 jobs by FY2026. The firm’s flagship platform, Seasearcher, provides real-time visibility into global shipping movements, port infrastructure, and ownership structures — tools that align well with Tamil Nadu’s ambitions in port-led development and its Blue Economy strategy.

Textiles, a mainstay of Tamil Nadu’s export economy, also featured prominently. UK-based Britannia Garment Packaging — through its Indian subsidiary Britannia RFID Technologies — will invest ₹520 crore to set up a high-capacity RFID tag manufacturing unit in Tiruppur and Namakkal, creating 550 jobs. The project will support supply chain digitisation and traceability in the garment sector, where global buyers increasingly demand real-time logistics visibility and ethical sourcing data.

The state also inked agreements in education and design. French-origin creative institute École Intuit Lab will partner with Sakthi Excellence Academy to launch a new design-focused higher education institution in Coimbatore, aimed at nurturing creative professionals across branding, media and innovation sectors.

Separately, the University of Exeter signed a partnership with Tamil Nadu to promote joint research, faculty exchanges, and collaborative academic programmes in priority disciplines — an initiative that reflects the state’s growing interest in knowledge-based economic development.

Emirates marks 25 years of operations in Chennai

CHENNAI

Emirates has completed 25 years of operations in Chennai, underscoring the growing importance of South India in its global network.

Since its inaugural flight on September 1, 2000, the Dubai-based carrier has transported more than 10.7m passengers on 38,000 flights between Chennai and Dubai, making the route a cornerstone of its South Asia portfolio.

The anniversary was marked on Monday with a water cannon salute for flight EK544 at Chennai International Airport. On Saturday, Tamil Nadu chief minister M.K. Stalin, his wife Durga Stalin and deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin joined an event to commemorate the occasion. The chief minister later left for Germany.

“Chennai remains one of our cornerstone markets in India,” said Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ vice-president for India and Nepal. “We are delighted to celebrate 25 years of connecting the city to our global network. The support of authorities and stakeholders has been invaluable to our success.”

Emirates has played a central role in expanding Chennai’s international reach, connecting both corporate and leisure passengers to destinations across six continents. The airline sees strong outbound demand for US cities such as San Francisco, New York and Dallas, alongside European hubs including London, Paris and Frankfurt, a release stated.

Emirates currently serves nine Indian cities, with South India expected to drive an increasing share of growth in the years ahead. Beyond passenger services, Emirates SkyCargo has been instrumental in linking Chennai’s farmers, manufacturers and small businesses with global markets. It continues to move high-value and time-sensitive commodities ranging from perishables to electronics and engineering goods. In the last financial year, Emirates SkyCargo uplifted 19,300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai, including fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and general cargo — supporting local exporters with access to global trade.

Stalin attacks Modi over impact of US tariffs on exporters

CHENNAI:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to shield Indian exporters from punitive US tariffs, warning that the measures are hitting Tiruppur, the country’s largest knitwear cluster and a key source of employment for migrant workers.

The US administration last month raised duties on Indian garments to 50 per cent, a move that has sparked alarm among exporters in Tiruppur, often dubbed “Dollar City” for its foreign exchange earnings. The hike came despite New Delhi’s deepening strategic partnership with Washington.

Stalin used social media to contrast the plight of Tamil Nadu’s apparel exporters with the gains enjoyed by oil refineries in Gujarat, which have benefited from discounted Russian crude.

“While oil refineries in Gujarat benefit from cheaper Russian crude, how is it fair that you allow our exporters, who generate thousands of jobs, to struggle?” he wrote.

He urged Modi to press US for a resolution, pointing to measures already outlined in a letter to the prime minister and demanding immediate relief for the sector. “Hold talks with the United States, find a solution, and do justice to your title of Vishwa Guru,” he said.

writingonblog uncensored: US tariff shock puts 75,000 Tamil Nadu leather job...

writingonblog uncensored: US tariff shock puts 75,000 Tamil Nadu leather job...: C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI: Up to 75,000 jobs in Tamil Nadu’s leather sector are at risk after United States doubled tariffs on Indian imports t...

US tariff shock puts 75,000 Tamil Nadu leather jobs at risk

C Shivakumar @ CHENNAI:

As many as 75,000 jobs in Tamil Nadu’s leather sector are at risk after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian leather imports to 50 per cent, threatening one of the state’s largest export industries and prompting calls for urgent intervention from New Delhi.

Tamil Nadu, which accounts for the bulk of India’s leather goods production, is expected to bear the brunt of the move. About 30 per cent of the state’s leather exports are shipped to the US, with some companies relying on the market for up to 60 per cent of their sales.

“The rise will hit the sector very hard,” said Abdul Wahab, managing director of KH Shoes. “US buyers are demanding discounts of up to 20 per cent, which they expect exporters to absorb. If we spend ₹100 to produce a product, they want it at ₹80. That is simply not viable.”

He added that several American brands had already put new orders on hold until the tariff issue is resolved. For existing contracts, exporters are reluctantly offering temporary discounts. “We can manage this for one or two months,” Wahab said, warning that companies may then be forced to cut 20–30 per cent of their workforce.

Industry executives have urged the government to provide immediate relief, including incentives to offset part of the tariff burden. Wahab suggested that the government absorb 15 per cent of the additional levy, exporters bear 5 per cent, and US buyers cover the rest. “This would ensure continuity of business and prevent job losses. Otherwise, countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Cambodia will take our place — and once this business goes, it will not return.”

Exporters are also calling for support from the Tamil Nadu government, including a stipend of ₹10,000 for laid-off workers to help with reskilling.

Israr Ahmed, director of Farida Prime Tannery, said companies were selling at a discount to keep US consumers from switching suppliers. “This buys us time, but the US was always the growth market. These tariffs will hurt India for a long time if it stays on,” he said.

The exposure is greater for Tamil Nadu than for most states. While the US accounted for 20 per cent of India’s $433.6bn merchandise exports last year, the figure was 31 per cent for Tamil Nadu’s $52.1bn exports.

The timing of the setback is particularly acute. India’s leather and footwear industry has set an ambitious goal of nearly doubling turnover to $47.1bn by 2029–30, up from $23.7bn in 2023–24. The plan includes raising exports to $13.7bn and creating 2.5mn new jobs on top of the 4.4mn already employed.

But exporters warn that unless the state and central governments step in quickly, the 50 per cent US tariffs could derail both investment and employment growth in one of Tamil Nadu’s backbone industries.

US Navy Submarine Tender USS Frank Cable Docks at Chennai

Chennai:
The US Navy’s USS Frank Cable (AS 40), the second Emory S. Land-class submarine tender, arrived at Chennai Port  underscoring the deepening maritime engagement between India and the United States at a time when the ties are facing the test over United States imposing new tariff regime on India.

This is the second visit of the vessel to India inthe last three years. The earlier one was on August 2022 at Visakhapatnam. The visit included a guided tour showcasing the ship’s mission, technical capabilities, and the professionalism of its crew.

"We have two such vessels and USS Frank Cable is likely to be decommissioned in the next 10 years," said Executive Officer (XO) of the ship Michael Rodriguez. Built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle and commissioned in 1979, Frank Cable was originally designed to service the US Navy’s nuclear-powered Los Angeles-class attack submarines. For more than a decade, the vessel operated from Charleston, South Carolina, supporting both attack and ballistic missile submarines.

Decommissioned in 1996, the ship was later reactivated and refitted to serve as the Seventh Fleet’s mobile repair and support platform in the Western Pacific, replacing the USS Holland. Since then, Frank Cable has become a familiar presence across the region, making port calls in cities from Brisbane and Singapore to Vladivostok and Subic Bay.

"We are submarine tenders and provide all services to our submarines. Anywhere in the world, the submarine can come to our side and we can provide everything to sustain the port," said Rodriguez. The vessel specialises in replenishing submarines and surface ships in the mid-sea. It primarily operates to provide consumables, electricity, water, spare parts, medical, mail and legal and repair services to submarines and their crews at sea. It also serves as an armoured depot by providing torpedoes and Tomahawk missiles to the submarines.

He said the visit is to reinforce the partnership.. "Our friends in the Indian Navy have hosted us for several events. Today, members of our crew were at a college here and they were learning how to play cricket and also had questions and answer session with students there," he said. The vessel will depart from the port on Thursday.

Chennai Metro clears safety hurdle as Phase 2 trains pass certification trials

CHENNAI:

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has completed a key milestone in its Phase 2 expansion, with conclusion of safety trials marking a significant step towards commissioning services on the Poonamallee Bypass–Porur Junction stretch.

The certification trials, conducted between  August 16 and  August 25, by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), the Ministry of Railways’ independent testing agency assessed ride quality, traction and braking performance at speeds of up to 90 kmph.

The RDSO team also examined passenger comfort, braking reliability under different operating modes, and compliance with electrical and emergency safety standards.

According to CMRL, the trains successfully demonstrated the ability to stop safely under full passenger load, with braking and traction systems performing within design parameters. The evaluation confirmed that the rolling stock met both quality and safety norms, clearing the way for further approvals before commercial launch.

"The trails have been completed ahead of the scheduled date of completion, shows that CMRL rolling stock has demonstrated the safety and quality standards followed in the trains," a release stated.

writingonblog uncensored: VOC Port likely to float Outer Harbour Project ten...

writingonblog uncensored: VOC Port likely to float Outer Harbour Project ten...: CHENNAI: The upcoming tender for VOC Port’s Outer Harbour Project is likely to be floated under a revised  implementation structure. The fra...

writingonblog uncensored: VOC Port likely to float Outer Harbour Project ten...

writingonblog uncensored: VOC Port likely to float Outer Harbour Project ten...: CHENNAI: The upcoming tender for VOC Port’s Outer Harbour Project is likely to be floated under a revised  implementation structure. The fra...

VOC Port likely to float Outer Harbour Project tender under revised implementation structure

CHENNAI:

The upcoming tender for VOC Port’s Outer Harbour Project is likely to be floated under a revised  implementation structure. The framework, updated from the 2021 version, incorporates committee recommendations and stakeholder inputs and will be released shortly, according to Union Shipping Secretary T.K. Ramachandran.

Speaking at a press conference here on Monday during a workshop-cum-roadshow on the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ initiatives, Ramachandran said the revised framework is part of wider reforms in public-private partnership (PPP) processes across major ports. With the abolition of the Tariff Authority for Major Ports, tariff-setting has shifted to a new market-linked regime. An adjudication board has been constituted to expedite dispute resolution, alongside a conciliation mechanism to encourage settlements before arbitration. Revisions to the schedule of rates are also under way.

The VOC Port Authority in Thoothukudi reissued a request for proposal (RFP) for its Outer Harbour Project in December 2024, after an earlier tender drew little interest. Only two firms—Vedanta and Premier Science and Technology—submitted bids in the first round, but both were disqualified. The eligibility criteria were later eased to encourage wider participation, yet the second attempt also failed to attract bidders.

Planned on a design-build-finance-operate-transfer basis, the project entails dredging and construction of a breakwater, with a total handling capacity of 4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to be developed in two stages. The first phase, costing an estimated ₹4,494 crore, will create a 2-million TEU capacity through Container Terminal I (berths I and II), along with dredging, breakwater works, and common facilities. The second phase, with an additional 2-million TEU capacity at Container Terminal II (berths III and IV), carries an indicative cost of ₹2,561 crore.

The outer harbour is critical for VOC Port, which is constrained by its inner harbour’s capacity. Global container ships have grown rapidly over the past five years, now exceeding 400 metres in length and capable of carrying nearly 22,000 TEUs. VOC Port, however, can accommodate only vessels half that size. According to the detailed project report, mere modernisation and berth optimisation will not suffice—an outer harbour is essential to handle future traffic and vessel sizes.

IPA to conduct feasiility study to develop Rameswaram as cruise tourism hub

CHENNAI:
In a bid to position southern coastline and island territories as new hubs for cruise tourism, the Indian Port Association (IPA) preparing feasibility studies for Rameswaram and Kanyakumari and exploring options in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

This comes after Tamil Nadu Mercantile Board had identified seven to eight possible sites, including Rameswaram. The feasibility study will be fully funded by IPA. This was disclosed during  a press conference chaired by Shipping secretary T K Ramachandran at a workshop-cum-roadshow on the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways’ recent initiatives, under the themes of ‘Projects, Schemes & Public-Private Partnerships’ and ‘Human Resource (Departmental & Institutional)’.

Talks are also underway with Southeast Asian nations to stitch together regional routes that could eventually link Indian ports with popular tourist circuits in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The IPA has already signed an MoU with Malaysia to study opportunities in the sector, with similar agreements expected soon with Jakarta and Bangkok, said Indian Port Association (IPA) managing director Vikas Narwal

The moves come in the wake of the first ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue, hosted in Chennai earlier this year. Shipping Secretary T.K. Ramachandran underscored the sector’s potential to generate employment and deepen regional tourism flows. “We have begun with domestic coastal cruises and want to extend these to neighbouring countries. Cruise tourism offers an ideal way of sightseeing, and frameworks are now emerging to simplify procedures across borders,” he said.

Chennai Port Chairman Sunil Paliwal said Cordelia Cruises is assessing routes that could link the Andamans with Southeast Asia. Cordelia plans to add a new vessel next year, which will be home-ported on the east coast, with Chennai expected to be the hub. Existing vessels will continue to operate on the west coast. Paliwal added that the port is upgrading its cruise terminal and improving facilities at Jawahar and Bharathi Docks.

The roadshow for India Maritime Week 2025 here drew over 150 participants, including officials from central and state governments, industry bodies and EXIM trade representatives. The India Maritime Week 2025, scheduled for October in Mumbai, will bring together 1,00,000+ delegates from 100+ countries and is likely to generate over 10 Lakh crores investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, MAR-a-thon – India’s Maritime Hackathon” was held here under the Sagarmala Startup Innovation Initiative, it aims to foster maritime research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, aligning with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.