Union Cabinet approves Chennai Metro Rail Phase-II and Diwali bonuses for railway and port workers

Planned for completion by 2027, the expansion will add 118.9 km with 128 stations to the metro network. Once operational, Chennai’s metro rail system will span a total of 173 km, significantly improving urban mobility.

The project includes three corridors: Madhavaram to SIPCOT (45.8 km), Lighthouse to Poonamalle Bypass (26.1 km), and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (47 km).

The extension aims to connect rapidly developing areas like Sholinganallur and the city’s bustling IT corridor.

Once operational, Phase-II is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, especially on key routes, improving travel times, road safety, and easing the burden on Chennai’s transport infrastructure.

Ahead of Diwali, the Cabinet also sanctioned productivity-linked sops for railway employees and major port workers.

The Diwali bonus for railway workers will cost Rs 2,068 crore, with eligible employees receiving a maximum payout of Rs 17,951 for 78 days. Beneficiaries include track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers, and various Group 'C' staff.

In addition, the Cabinet approved a revised Productivity Linked Reward (PLR) scheme for major port workers, with financial implications amounting to Rs 200 crore.

The scheme, which covers 20,704 employees and workers from the Major Port Authorities and Dock Labour Boards, is aimed at fostering better industrial relations and improving productivity in the port sector.

Recent wage dissatisfaction had led to the threat of a nationwide strike, which was averted following successful negotiations.