OMG, the madness of Indian companies HR department, missionary schools is spreading even to corporation/government schools?

Tie, Shoes are very inconvenient for our cliamte even at the corporate office which is fully air-conditioned! It will be sheer madness for ties/shoes in schools which does not even have ceiling fans!

Do you think pattu (silk) sari & dress is suitable for our climate?

^^

Are women wearing Pattu sari or men wearing pattu shirt/vetti all the day? They are just wearing it on festival/family function.. even they are replaced with blazers, sherwani etc.,

I don't understand your point about comparing the daily(or 6days a week) wearing items like ties/shoes with silk dresses!

Branding Corporation schools without Proper Toilet, Drinking water and Ceiling?

NDTV and Coco Cola have started the campaign for Building Toilet, Drinking water for schools. May be government has outsourced that to private parties. Very soon there will be first come first served policy to built that in schools.

We are forced to learn with inconvenience then only we would never complain against any short comings of government services.

I have seen in ration shops both cement bags and rice bags were placed one over the other.

OMG, the madness of Indian companies HR department, missionary schools is spreading even to corporation/government schools?

Tie, Shoes are very inconvenient for our cliamte even at the corporate office which is fully air-conditioned! It will be sheer madness for ties/shoes in schools which does not even have ceiling fans!

PRACTICAL VIEW:

Unless the Corporation schools ape the private schools (who bothers about the quality of teaching, Lab facilities here?), they may not get students.

I have seen many of our company workers prefer to see their children in chic uniforms with shoe, tie etc. They feel happy if their children call them Daddy & Mommy rather than Amma & Appa. They goad their children to repeat English rhymes in fron of their co workers and they feel very happy that their children talk English / Walk English. (Rajini Ishtyle!)

I feel that the inferiority complex (wrt English Speaking) among the poor / lower class is being exploited by all including the schools. These workers pay a hefty sum for admission and also pay a very high fee every month / term which is beyond their normal means.

With the advent of Manada Mayilada kind of programs, these kids even gyrate and dance aping the actors.

The other factor which is exploited is the Colour of the Skin.. Even among the poor workers, fair complexion has a great value and I have seen Fair Girls are able to get good bridegrooms without or less dowry. (You can also understand this feeling from a recent popular song in Myyna sung by GV Parakash - Vellavi vechu Unnai Veluthangala)

The ruling party is also exploiting these sentiments to reap votes.

^^

Are women wearing Pattu sari or men wearing pattu shirt/vetti all the day? They are just wearing it on festival/family function.. even they are replaced with blazers, sherwani etc.,

I don't understand your point about comparing the daily(or 6days a week) wearing items like ties/shoes with silk dresses!

Some of our collegues & friends find it comfortable to wear Light Weight Silk Sarees since it is cozy inside AC rooms (not the gaudy / glittery ones with zari etc). They also give elegant look in comparison with the western / North Indian suits. Of late, banana fibre and Khadi Silk clothes are preferred.

The crux of the issue is that the students should feel comfortable in what ever they wear during study classes or during PT or during Lab / workshop. Our tropical weather demands cotton clothes which breath rather than the syntheyic ones. Similarly Leather shoes are better than the PU / PVC shoes but are costlier.

Branding Corporation schools without Proper Toilet, Drinking water and Ceiling?

In a growing economy everything changes for better sooner or later.. i wouldn't mind changing things that can be immediately achieved but create highest impact..

(You can also understand this feeling from a recent popular song in Myyna sung by GV Parakash - Vellavi vechu Unnai Veluthangala)

The ruling party is also exploiting these sentiments to reap votes.

Sorry for interruption .. adhu 'Aadukalam' padam kannan sir :cheers:

http://i.imgur.com/QDqwV.jpg

http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/20/stories/2011022063310300.htm

A visitor centre near the Cooum river mouth on the Marina is likely to come up as part of an initiative to create awareness of the need for clean waterways. It initiative would also focus on the significant role of the Cooum in the growth and development of Chennai.

Officials of the Chennai River Restoration Trust and the Chennai Corporation had inspected the site of the proposed facility. The visitor centre would be promoted as a tourist attraction and provide a wide range of information to tourists and students.

The visitor centre would have facilities similar to the Marina Barrage Visitor Centre in Singapore and San Antonio Visitor Centre in the U.S. It would house a public education centre with visual, audio and other tools for dissemination of information for the visitors.

Expert advice on services and products pertaining to the Cooum would be provided by professionals. Documentary films for students on the historical, cultural, biological and social significance of the river for the city have been proposed to be screened. Visitors would get information about the latest technology and research done for keeping waterbodies clean.

As the site is within Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), the CRRT is considering various sites, including one at a park near the Napier Bridge. The work would begin after obtaining CRZ clearance and approval from the government.

^^the officials must be on dope. It requires a hell load of funds to build something like the marina barrage visitor centre.

http://i.imgur.com/QDqwV.jpg

http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/20/stories/2011022063310300.htm

A visitor centre near the Cooum river mouth on the Marina is likely to come up as part of an initiative to create awareness of the need for clean waterways. It initiative would also focus on the significant role of the Cooum in the growth and development of Chennai.

Officials of the Chennai River Restoration Trust and the Chennai Corporation had inspected the site of the proposed facility. The visitor centre would be promoted as a tourist attraction and provide a wide range of information to tourists and students.

The visitor centre would have facilities similar to the Marina Barrage Visitor Centre in Singapore and San Antonio Visitor Centre in the U.S. It would house a public education centre with visual, audio and other tools for dissemination of information for the visitors.

Expert advice on services and products pertaining to the Cooum would be provided by professionals. Documentary films for students on the historical, cultural, biological and social significance of the river for the city have been proposed to be screened. Visitors would get information about the latest technology and research done for keeping waterbodies clean.

As the site is within Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), the CRRT is considering various sites, including one at a park near the Napier Bridge. The work would begin after obtaining CRZ clearance and approval from the government.

hope this becomes in reality

^^the officials must be on dope. It requires a hell load of funds to build something like the marina barrage visitor centre.

Is that place not stinking? then how it can be a tourist attraction? :nuts:

Is that place not stinking? then how it can be a tourist attraction? :nuts:

Self Deleted

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_strange-as-orders-piled-up-dell-lost-leadership_1510732

Is that place not stinking? then how it can be a tourist attraction? :nuts:

hmm..i guess that particular area(shown in photo) is quite clean....

In a growing economy everything changes for better sooner or later.. i wouldn't mind changing things that can be immediately achieved but create highest impact..

Waiting for that day!.Prioritization is for basic amenities like proper toilet, drinking water etc., . If we have done all the basic amenities then we can go for it.

Dell's expansion is good news. We need to have next government that really takes care of such investment.

Good to know DELL has confidence on Chennai. I would be even happy if an Indian company gives competition to Lenovo from China.

Sorry for interruption .. adhu 'Aadukalam' padam kannan sir :cheers:

Thanks for the correction.

My friends were talking about both the movies and I got confused.

Anyhow, the song seems like "orignal karpanai". Good one.

Vallur poer plant nearing u/c

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35164268@N02/5464766770/

Athipattu power Plant Phase 2 nearing completion

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35164268@N02/5464797884/

http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3099&Itemid=2

Mumbai: Chetra Machinery India Pvt. Ltd. (CMIPL), a subsidiary of Russia's Machinery and Industrial Group N.V., plans to set up an assembly plant for Chetra tractors in India.

The company is expected to finalize a suitable site for the plant and begin development by the first half of 2011. It is likely to be located in the vicinity of Chennai, due to the city's proximity to a port. The plant will have a capacity to produce 200 machines a year by 2015.

Reddys paid for 0.7%, got 26% in Aircel

The Chennai-based Reddy family of the Apollo Hospitals group paid $7.6 million for 0.7% of the $1.08 billion Aircel sale deal, but managed to get 26% equity in the company.

Source (http://www.hindustantimes.com/Reddys-paid-for-0-7-got-26-in-Aircel/Article1-666045.aspx)

Ingersoll Rand to invest Rs 450 cr in new plant

Diversified industrial company Ingersoll Rand today said it will invest $100 million (over Rs 450 crore) in the next three years to set up a new plant, increasing its existing capacities and expanding its reach in India.

"We will invest $100 million to set up a new plant in Chennai, enhance our manufacturing capacities, R&D centre and expand our reach and presence across the country," Ingersoll Rand Chairman (India Region) Venkatesh Valluri told PTI.

The new facility will make climate control solutions and will primarily cater to manufacturing products for heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry, he added.
At present, the company that makes air compressor technology and energy management solution among others, has two manufacturing facilities at Naroda in Gujarat and Sahibabad in Uttar Pradesh.

While Valluri did not disclose the size of the existing capacities, he said the firm was focussed on bringing new innovation and designs for the Indian market.

"Energy management is a huge focus area for us. We are making solutions on conserving energy and bringing integrated solutions to help increase efficiency, lower cost and simplify complex technologies," he said.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ingersoll-rand-to-invest-rs-450-cr-in-new-plant/126846/on
:cheers:

Nice one as it comes from gujarat

http://www.windpowermonthly.com/news/1056917/Vestas-opens-R-D-test-centre-India/

Vestas has opened a research and development test centre for wind turbine components in Chennai, India.

The centre will be adjacent to Vestas’ existing R&D office that opened in 2008 and which is also being expanded.

Vestas technology and R&D vice president of test, verification and quality Servet Sert said the centre would be involved in the verification of components.

In October, Vestas became the first overseas wind manufacturer to open an R&D facility in China.

It continues Vestas’ development in India, one of the world’s fastest growing wind turbines markets, and a key wind power market for Vestas.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestas has expanded its Technology R&D capabilities in India with the opening of a state-of-the-art test centre for wind turbines components in Chennai to further ensure the reliability of Vestas products.

The test centre is located at Rajiv Gandhi Salai, adjacent to the existing Technology R&D office that opened in 2008. It continues Vestas’ development in India, one of the world’s fastest growing wind energy markets, and a key wind power market for Vestas.

“The new Test Center will play an important role for Vestas. This new facility adds to our global testing and verification of wind turbine components to further improve their reliability and performance,” says Servet Sert, Vice President of Test, Verification and Quality for Vestas Technology R&D.

Commenting on the Vestas Technology R&D operations in India, Michael Høgedal, Managing Director, Vestas Technology R&D Chennai, says: “Vestas Technology R&D is continuing to invest in the huge pool of engineering talent available in Chennai. Together with our technology centre, this test centre forms a crucial part in ensuring Vestas continuing its role as a world-class supplier of wind energy solutions.”

The test centre will generate more “green jobs” locally in Chennai, where employees research on competitive answers to combat CO2 emissions and rapidly growing huge energy needs of India. In addition to the opening of the test centre, Vestas Technology R&D is also expanding its existing office space at Chennai by an additional 35,000 square feet.

A pioneer of 30 years in wind energy, with the world's largest R&D centre, real-time monitoring of thousands of turbines and over 20,000 people worldwide focusing solely on wind, Vestas strives to bring wind on par with oil and gas. Vestas is the leading producer of high technological wind power solutions and has installed over 43,000 wind turbines in 66 countries on 6 continents. Vestas' core business comprises the development, manufacture, sale and maintenance of wind technology that uses the energy of the wind to generate electricity. The company has a talent pool of more than 20,000 people worldwide which works towards one pure goal: generating the greatest and most sustainable return on wind for its customers.

Vestas Wind Technology India Private Limited is a 100% subsidiary of Vestas Wind Systems A/S Denmark, the global leader in wind energy. In India, Vestas has been present for over a decade and has an installed capacity of over 2400 MW. Vestas competencies cover the entire value chain from site studies to construction and commissioning, developing the infrastructure (road, power evacuation, substations, etc.), liaisoning with government agencies and turbine monitoring with Lifetime comprehensive Operation and Maintenance Services. Vestas has installed turbines in wind rich states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Kerala and Rajasthan. Vestas has world class manufacturing facilities in Chennai and Puducherry.

Established in August 2007, Vestas Technology R&D in Chennai is the largest Technology R&D centre for wind energy in India and it employs over 300 specialists in Chennai who carry out cutting edge R&D into all aspects of wind turbine engineering and design.

Chennai renewable energy thread anyone?

^^ i was earlier thinking abt r&d in general.. wht ya say.. if mentioned as r&d then we can post related to all fields like auto r&d, green/renewable energy r&d, biotech r&d etc..

lets keep it sector specific instead of general r and d. like automobile thread, lets create pharma/biotech and renewable energy thread

Pune based Vascon Engineers in tie up with Israeli firm Bhalak Realtors is coming up with a 105 Acres Township at Oragadam.

Please click the link below for further details

http://vasconengineers.blogspot.com/2010/12/vascon-engineers-israeli-firm-joint.html

Regards
Vinodh

lets keep it sector specific instead of general r and d. like automobile thread, lets create pharma/biotech and renewable energy thread

Nice but I was sceptical whether it will have enough news/info to keep thread alive. Thats why I thought to club and once if there are enough posts then we can create new specific threads.. Nevertheless, I am okay if separate threads are started now itself and will contribute as much as i can. :) :cheers:

i meant no need of an r and d thread, we can post auto r and d news in auto thread, solar/wind r and d in renewable energy thread, etc etc

Chennai renewable energy thread anyone?

Since renewable energy is the energy of the future, Chennai must be encouraged to become the renewable energy hub of india.I think we need a seperate thread for it.

Is chennai ahead of other cities in renewable energy?????

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/MARG-ProperTies-launches-MARG-ProperTies-Shoppe-at-Chennai/5091368590

This new retail home Shoppe will allow customers easy access to MARG ProperTies portfolios across the city, apart from offering an interactive and comprehensive experience to the customer who walks in, the store will also showcase the range of products and their uniqueness.

MARG ProperTies, the residential arm of MARG Ltd has introduced a new concept in the industry by launching its “MARG ProperTies Shoppe” at Ashok Nagar, Chennai. The objective of launching this new initiative is to bring about a unique experience to customers through a concept retail store.

MARG ProperTies Shoppe, a first-of-its-kind 2000 sq. feet show room is equipped with experiential zones, AV rooms, Discussion rooms, Touch screen kiosk and exclusive customer lounge. MARG ProperTies is also planning to launch more retail stores in Chennai in the near future.

This new retail home Shoppe will allow customers easy access to MARG ProperTies portfolios across the city, apart from offering an interactive and comprehensive experience to the customer who walks in, the store will also showcase the range of products and their uniqueness.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. GRK Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director, MARG Ltd said, “MARG ProperTies Shoppe, first of its kind retail shop in the Real Estate category will be not just be a one stop solution for all customers but will also serve them as a education and counseling centre by sharing updated industry knowledge for a more informed investment decision based on the land cost, city values & movement and asset appreciation.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Oscar Braganza, Executive Director – Real Estate & Industrial Clusters said, “Real Estate industry is cluttered today with very little differentiation. To lead the pack, you need to be innovative and value oriented. MARG has always been a front runner in innovation and customer focus. MARG ProperTies Shoppe is one such initiative which aims to give customers a brand experience par excellence thereby appealing to their sense of aspiration.”

Elaborating further on the MARG ProperTies Shoppe concept, Mr. S. Ramakrishnan, CEO, MARG ProperTies said, “Since we have homes for all the categories ranging from Affordable homes, Urban Smart homes, Integrated Townships & Ultra Luxury homes, the customers can pick and choose the home best suited to their requirements through a unique buying experience. This is first of the retail shops to be launched and we are planning to launch few more in the near future to get closer to the customer”


Some of the key highlights of the MARG ProperTies Shoppe are:
Options to use the finest visual and interactive technologies
Lifelike touch screens and virtual walkthroughs making home purchase come alive like never before
Options to choose from range of affordable, value for money, urban smart and ultra luxury homes
Home experts to offer personalized advice, informed decision making and smooth processing, all in the comfort of an exclusive lounge
A limited period, special booking offer of a 8 gram gold coin with every booking at the MARG ProperTies Shoppe

This Home Shoppe will also showcase and leverage on the strength of the parent brand MARG and encourage sales while creating good will in the minds of prospective customers and partners. The brand shoppe will also offer convenience for booking properties through online in all its showrooms to provide customer care support across showrooms to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/stocks-in-news/compact-disc-says-board-oks-setting-up-film-city-project/articleshow/7569933.cms

MUMBAI: Compact Disc said on Friday its board has approved setting up a film city project along with a British company at an investment of over 20 billion rupees.

The project, which will be developed on a build-operate-transfer basis, will be set up either near Chennai or Jaipur, the company said in a statement to the exchange.

Compact Disc has received in-priciple funding nod from Jeff Morgan Capital worth $320 million for the project, the statement said.

^^ Cant understand , What do they mean by FILM city ???

Could be Media & Entertainment Park near Sholinganallur

Anyone know about the TIDCO's LOW COST CARRIER PROJECT – PREMIER AIRWAYS LTD ???

http://www.tidco.com/project.html


http://www.premierairwayslimited.com/

http://www.bekaert.com/

http://www.livemint.com/2011/02/25232742/Mamata-budget-targets-election.html

Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which, too, go to polls before May, have also been allocated more than a dozen new train services and extension of services. These include a second unit of the Integral Coach Factory in Perambur (Tamil Nadu), a wagon unit in Alappuzha (Kerala) and a partnership with Steel Industries Ltd in Kerala

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/141221/state-gets-wagon-factory-suburban.html

The pre-feasibility study for Chennai-Bangalore golden railway corridor, which the Minister had announced, is a significant step forward in realising setting up an industrial corridor between the two cities. Though Karnataka has been insisting that the corridor should be extended till Belgaum, the study limits itself to Bangalore

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/141221/state-gets-wagon-factory-suburban.html

The pre-feasibility study for Chennai-Bangalore golden railway corridor, which the Minister had announced, is a significant step forward in realising setting up an industrial corridor between the two cities. Though Karnataka has been insisting that the corridor should be extended till Belgaum, the study limits itself to Bangalore


What is this new "golden railway corridor" - is this part of Chennai - Bangalore Industrial corridor?? I have been hearing this Industrial corridor mention for a long time, but nothing is really happening.

Stalin launches expansion work of Chennai Trade Centre

Chennai, Feb 26 (PTI) Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin today launched the Rs 250 crore expansion work of the Chennai Trade Centre, a Centre-state initiative that hosts major international events.
The expansion work will commence in July this year and will be completed in March 2013, a government release said. It includes the construction of six air-conditioned exhibition halls, each on 66,000 sq ft., and a basement parking facility that will accommodate 2,000 cars and an equal number of two-wheelers.
M/S Taamaesek Engineering Consortium have been appointed consultants for the expansion work.
Spread over 25.48 acres, it presently houses three air-conditioned exhibition halls besides a conference hall with a seating capacity of 2,000. Hope more news on this regard follows suit...

http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4969648

Anyone know about the TIDCO's LOW COST CARRIER PROJECT – PREMIER AIRWAYS LTD ???

http://www.tidco.com/project.html


http://www.premierairwayslimited.com/

TIDCO will be doing only Handholding with a miniscule equity stake.
The majority stake holder is the recent entrant into Aviation sector who will buy

one more Low Frills Airline if possible,
relatives will buy popular but costlier TN based airline

construct a Green field Airport in Chennai
will lease / buy all turboprop aircrafts from other airlines
will construct new or upgrade all small airports in TN

All Govt Servants upto the level of Thasildhars will be allowed to fly to Chennai & return

PROVIDED THE RESULT OF THE COMING ELECTION IS IN FAVOUR.

TIDCO will be doing only Handholding with a miniscule equity stake.
The majority stake holder is the recent entrant into Aviation sector who will buy

...

Wow!! I will try to decode it

The majority stake holder is the recent entrant into Aviation sector who will buy one more Low Frills Airline if possible
- Kal airways owned by Kalanidhi Maran

relatives will buy popular but costlier TN based airline
- Paramount.

will construct new or upgrade all small airports in TN.
All Govt Servants upto the level of Thasildhars will be allowed to fly to Chennai & return
- So that the airline will have a monopoly over markets in tier 2 and tier 3 cities of TN and the cost will be borne by the taxpayer. Classical case of privatizing profits and publicizing losses.

One should learn how to do corruption in a scientific way from Prof.Kalanidhi Maran. One thing I dont understand is how opening greenfield airport fits into the equation. Why is it needed?

:banana::banana:The Tamil Nadu government today gave its nod to various industrial projects involving a total investment of Rs. 24,230 crore.

The projects were from Indian Oil Corporation, Mahindra & Mahindra, Apollo Tyres, Madras Cements, Samsung India and 10 other companies, an official release said here.

Through these investments, over 15,000 jobs are expected to be created in the state, it said.

Deputy Chief Minister M. K. Stalin presented the contingency expenses and the government orders to the respective company officials at the Secretariat, it said.

Industries Secretary Rajeev Ranjan and other senior government officials were also present at the occasion.

^ Is this the M&M project that Kannan was talking about?

:banana::banana:The Tamil Nadu government today gave its nod to various industrial projects involving a total investment of Rs. 24,230 crore.

The projects were from Indian Oil Corporation, Mahindra & Mahindra, Apollo Tyres, Madras Cements, Samsung India and 10 other companies, an official release said here.

Through these investments, over 15,000 jobs are expected to be created in the state, it said.

Deputy Chief Minister M. K. Stalin presented the contingency expenses and the government orders to the respective company officials at the Secretariat, it said.

Industries Secretary Rajeev Ranjan and other senior government officials were also present at the occasion.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/tamil-nadu-govt-issues-orders-to-14-companies/426671/
:lol:

Whats there to laugh??

^^


Government of Tamilnadu
24230 crore
15000 jobs
State is benefited with those jobs
Read the link


Pinji pillaya irundhappa English 2nd paper padichirupeenga. Mela kuduthirukara clue-a andha skill set-a use senji naan enna sollavarenu purinjikonga :)

Keeping politics apart there is another info in the link given by KT...

He said this was the first set of orders issued for the industry and would be followed with another set. “We are working on issuing another set of orders, but cannot divulge more at this stage,” Ranjan told Business Standard. The development is expected to generate 16,000 direct job opportunities in the state, according to the industries department.

Another set.. Would it include Peugoet?

Also one more interesting info.. Regarding green energy investment thats almost 40% of the total investments approved in this first set... But we have to wait and watch how much of these approved will actually be realised!!

Rs 10,980 crore solar panel manufacturing facility from Zynergy Capital Pvt Ltd.

Wow!! I will try to decode it


- Kal airways owned by Kalanidhi Maran


- Paramount.


- So that the airline will have a monopoly over markets in tier 2 and tier 3 cities of TN and the cost will be borne by the taxpayer. Classical case of privatizing profits and publicizing losses.

One should learn how to do corruption in a scientific way from Prof.Kalanidhi Maran. One thing I dont understand is how opening greenfield airport fits into the equation. Why is it needed?

If someone with connections to the political family reads it, can you please pass on this (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=73341757&postcount=1076)Railways suggestion too?

I don't need any cut in their profit!! Business consultation is free of charge as long as they build and operate a Rapid transportation system @ my city and give it a better rail connectivity wherever it's inadequate :cheers:

http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4969648

Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin today launched the Rs 250 crore expansion work of the Chennai Trade Centre, a Centre-state initiative that hosts major international events.
The expansion work will commence in July this year and will be completed in March 2013, a government release said. It includes the construction of six air-conditioned exhibition halls, each on 66,000 sq ft., and a basement parking facility that will accommodate 2,000 cars and an equal number of two-wheelers.
M/S Taamaesek Engineering Consortium have been appointed consultants for the expansion work.
Spread over 25.48 acres, it presently houses three air-conditioned exhibition halls besides a conference hall with a seating capacity of 2,000.

TIDCO will be doing only Handholding with a miniscule equity stake.
The majority stake holder is the recent entrant into Aviation sector who will buy

one more Low Frills Airline if possible,
relatives will buy popular but costlier TN based airline

construct a Green field Airport in Chennai
will lease / buy all turboprop aircrafts from other airlines
will construct new or upgrade all small airports in TN

All Govt Servants upto the level of Thasildhars will be allowed to fly to Chennai & return

PROVIDED THE RESULT OF THE COMING ELECTION IS IN FAVOUR.

IT is unofficial this dmk govt will end, cmon with admk/dmdk/mdmk/commies its pretty sure that they will sweep with so much corruption charges.

does change in gov. result in rajeev ranjan being shuffled to another post?

IT is unofficial this dmk govt will end, cmon with admk/dmdk/mdmk/commies its pretty sure that they will sweep with so much corruption charges.

In one way it's true. Every 5 years the bar is set ambitiously high for the successors to emulate. This time DMK have set it so high that it's difficult to emulate. It doesn't mean that next government won't try. They will give it a good shot, but likely to fail to reach current heights :)

In one way it's true. Every 5 years the bar is set ambitiously high for the successors to emulate. This time DMK have set it so high that it's difficult to emulate. It doesn't mean that next government won't try. They will give it a good shot, but likely to fail to reach current heights :)

You never know, lets wait and watch,

does change in gov. result in rajeev ranjan being shuffled to another post?

Absolutely!!! All IAS officers serve at the pleasure of CM, and anyone seemed linked to one party is shunted to fisheries, even high profile performing ones.

Jaya threw out the then IT secretary Vivek Harinarain out after he was attracting IT industries by doing a spectacular job and earned a reputation, and Jaya is Jaya. Hell hath no fury....

^^
One big mistake by the current govt was to replace Farooqui as the industries secratary who did a great job in bringing many MNC investments.

Several steps have been initiated to transform Chennai into a major transhipment hub on the East coast, Union Minister of Shipping G.K. Vasan has said.

The Rs.380-crore Rajiv Gandhi Dry Port at Sriperumbudur, which he launched on Saturday, and the Maduravoyal elevated four-lane link road, for which he handed over a cheque for Rs.50 crore to the National Highways Authority of India, are meant to overcome these constraints and make Chennai a major transhipment hub, Mr. Vasan said.


http://www.dredgingtoday.com/2011/02/28/chennai-port-to-become-major-transhipment-hub-india/

SOURCE: http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/04/stories/2011030451970500.htm

The Ambattur Municipality has allocated additional funds for two major ongoing projects — to provide underground drainage and water supply networks — in its budget for 2011-12.

Officials of the Ambattur Municipality said the budget allocation for both the schemes works out to Rs.208.60 crore compared to Rs.48.75 crore last fiscal. The allocation also includes fund from the State and Central governments under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

However, the poor response to the deposit collection for the schemes is proving to be an impediment in the speedy execution of the projects.

While 50 per cent of the project cost would be from the government, the remaining 50 per cent would be raised by way of the deposit charges from the consumers and the funds of the local body. The municipality has estimated to collect a deposit amount totalling Rs.66 crore from nearly 90,000 assesses. While the underground drainage network being taken up in three phases is proposed to be completed July 2012, work on the water supply network is in full swing and expected to be finished by this year-end.
In its budget for 2011-12, presented recently, the local body proposed an expenditure of Rs.322.75 crore and revenue of Rs.322.87 crore. This is significantly higher considering that the revenue in the current fiscal of the local body would be nearly Rs.126 crore.

Officials of the municipality said the grant and loan obtained for the projects formed a major share of the income. Unlike the earlier years, the municipality is confident that it would be able to improve its revenue collection. Of the total property tax demand for 2010-11 of Rs.50 crore, nearly Rs.30 crore has been collected as on date.

Priorities have been given to improving infrastructure in schools and health posts. An additional Rs.1.50 crore has been allocated towards new classrooms and purchase of computers and furniture in the 20 schools under the municipality.

Similarly, Rs.7.18 crore has been proposed to be spent for laying new roads against Rs.6.10 crore allocated in 2010-11, an official said.

---------------------------------------

Hope these projects will see the light at the end of the tunnel soon... These projects will be a game changer as far as Ambattur as a choice of residence.

The Chennai-based realty developer, TVH, plans to launch its sixth residential project on the IT corridor, Navalur, Old Mahabalipuram Road. This green gated community project christened “Taus”, located on six areas, will consist of 403 apartments in 1, 2, 3 and 4 BHK (bedroom, hall, kitchen) options.

According to N. Ravichandran, Chairman, the total cost of the project will be Rs.125 crore and will be completed in two years from the date of launch. The floor price of the project will be Rs.2,950 per sq. ft. and the size of the apartments will range between 517 sq. ft. and 3,000 sq. ft. The project, priced at Rs.16 lakh and above, is designed to be an IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Green Homes compliant.

He said nearly 25 per cent of the land would be earmarked for construction area and the balance would be green area. One acre would be green courtyard. There would be 100 per cent rainwater harvesting and solar powered water heating. Every apartment will have access to 50-70 per cent of natural daylight.

src: http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/04/stories/2011030455691300.htm

^^
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/518/05032011356007.jpg

http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/8223/22751982.jpg

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/2847/57821352.jpg

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6892/14234552.jpg

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/8586/85737230.jpg

Arun Excello's Temple Green project at Oragaddam is a mega project on a roughly 100 acre site.

It is to be constructed in phases with multi-storeyed buildings comprising lifestyle apartments ranging from 1BHK to 3BHK ,Town Houses and a host of amenities.

Located on the Oragadam-Sriperumpudur six-lane State Highway, the project is accessible by road from any part of Chennai with good public transport in place.

Phase I of the Temple Green already sold out in the soft launch.

The apartments are being constructed in a Stilt + 4 floors comprising 1 BHK(bedroom, hall, kitchen), 2 BHK & 3 BHK.

The Phase II development with multi-storeyed buildings named ‘Temple Green Heights' was launched on June 24, 2010.

The Phase III launch is scheduled for March 6.

A total of 11 towers are planned as part of Phase II with two towers comprising only 1BHK apartments each of 575 sq.ft super built-up area in G+12 Floors, two towers with a combination of 1BHK & 2 BHK apartments ranging from 695 sq.ft. to 875 sq.ft. in a G+17 Floors and seven towers with a combination of 2BHK & 3BHK ranging from 985 sq.ft. to 1280 sq.ft. in a G+17 Floors.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/4552/05032011356018.jpg

Looks like a nice project to me. Well done TVH

^^
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/518/05032011356007.jpg

bh58iC5vMAs

Chennai Petroleum Corp. Monday said it plans to invest 123.4 billion rupees ($2.75 billion) over the next five years to expand its flagship Manali refinery, as the state-run company seeks to take advantage of rising refining margins worldwide and India's growing demand for energy.

....


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703386704576186050568298140.html

Internet service provider Spectranet said it will invest Rs 500 crore to expand its services across 50,000 wi-fi hotspots and reach over 5 million households in the country.

Spectranet has deployed Wi-Fi network at over 1,000 hotspots across six metros Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad.



http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/news/internet/Spectranet-to-invest-Rs-500cr-in-Wi-Fi-sector/articleshow/7647763.cms

http://waterdesalreport.com/articles/28560

Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is inviting tenders from consultants interested in supporting its implementation of a 200 ML/d SWRO plant.

HTC Global Services, an IT solutions and business process outsourcing (BPO) provider, plans to hire 3,000 people in Chennai and Hyderabad in 2011-12. The company has invested over Rs.300 crore in India in the recent past to expand its current facilities in the MEPZ (Madras Export Promotion Zone) and also acquiring new facilities in Chennai and Hyderabad.

Addressing a press conference after the inauguration of the Chennai centre in Guindy here on Tuesday, Mr. Madhava Reddy, Founder President and Chief Executive Officer of HTC Global Services, said the new 1.4 lakh sq. ft. facility would house nearly 1,500 employees. Similarly, the recently acquired 1.1 lakh sq. ft. facility in Hyderabad would house 1,200 employees.

He said the company, which was handling verticals such as banking, insurance and financial services (BFSI), automotive and manufacturing, education, retail and publishing, earned 50 per cent revenue from the BSFI segment. As far as the Indian domestic market was concerned, the company had clients from the Tamil Nadu Government agencies and educational institutions.

HTC Global is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, U.S. It has global delivery centres in North America, India and Malaysia.



http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article1520618.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article1529892.ece

Chennai Metrowater has initiated the process for setting up another desalination plant by inviting consultants for conducting a feasibility study and preparing the detailed project report.

The proposed facility would have a capacity to treat 200 million litres a day of seawater. This would be twice the capacity of the desalination plant of IVRCL in Minjur and the upcoming facility of Metrowater in Nemmeli.

The consultant would be required to identify the site for the plant and also evaluate the bids.

The Minjur facility was established on the design, build, own, operate and transfer (DBOOT) mode.

The treated water is being supplied to suburbs, including Madhavaram and Manali, apart from localities in north Chennai.

The project was implemented by Chennai Water Desalination Limited, a SPV formed by the consortium of IVRCL and its technical partner Befesa Aqua, Spain.

Work on Metrowater's Nemmeli plant is expected to be completed by this year-end.

It is being constructed by VA Tech Wabag along with IDE Technologies, Israel.

Unlike in the case of the two facilities, joint ventures or consortium would not be allowed to bid for the proposed project.

Metrowater is likely to appoint a consultant for the 200-MLD plant in May.

http://content.magicbricks.com/purvankara-projects-set-to-launch-residential-township-at-medavakkam

In november 2010, Chennai Mayor Maa.Subramaniyam and the Malaysian counterpart signed for sister city status at Hilton Hotel, in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Encik Muhyiddin Yassin's visit to Chennai last Sunday (13th March 2011) has reconfirmed this sisterly status.
The trade between Indian and Malaysia now stands over US$8 billion and efforts have been made to make it US$15 billion in next few years. The Malaysia's expertise in underground sewage system and their expertise in building 1st world infrastructures such as airports, seaports, public and private buildings, bridges, roads and highways can be best used in developing Chennai and at the same time India's expertise in IT, Medicine and Agriculture can be well utilised by Malaysia. This will create a WIN-WIN situation for both. Good Luck.

In its first investment in a pure play financial services start-up in India, Walden International , a global venture capital firm, has invested $ 6 million in BankBazaar.com , an online marketplace for consumer loans and insurance products.

This is the second round of funding for the Chennai-based start-up that raised $ 1.2 million of capital initially from a strategic investor, AVT Infotech.
"We will use this round of funding to aggressively hire and advertise our portfolio of services, including the lowest rates of insurance that we will soon introduce," says Adhil Shetty , chief executive officer, BankBazaar, who returned to India after a stint at Deloitte Touche Tomahatsu in New York to co-found the company in 2007.

..............




http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/walden-invests-6-mn-in-bankbazaarcom/articleshow/7732403.cms

Kemin Industries inc. engaged in the manufacture and distribution of speciality ingredients worldwide to the feed and food industries, has announced the commissioning of its expanded capacity at its Gummidipoondi facility near Chennai.

Besides the U.S., the company has manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Singapore and South Africa.

Addressing presspersons here on Saturday, R. W. Nelson, Chairman, said the capacity of the Chennai plant, for turning out nutritional ingredients and organic minerals, had been doubled to 25,000 tonnes.

According to K. P. Philip, President and CEO, Kemin Industries South Asia, Kemin had been serving the Indian subcontinent with high quality products and superior technical service for over a decade and had introduced novel concepts to the industry in South Asia, including antioxidants, bio-surfactants, mold inhibitors, active microbials and enzymes.

Christopher Nelson, President, Kemin Industries, said the company had draw up five-year strategic growth plan which included significant investments throughout the world with a focus on expansions in the U.S., Belgium, Russia, India and China.

The company was catering to the needs of broiler, layer, dairy and aqua industries in South Asia, focusing on animal safety, health and performance, he said.

src: http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/20/stories/2011032052021500.htm

CHENNAI: At least 300 villagers, including more than 100 women, were arrested for intercepting a lorry and staging a protest at Thervoy Kandigai in Tiruvallur district on Saturday. Police chased away many more using lathis, after they reportedly pelted stones on police vehicles.

According to police, a lorry carrying iron rods was on its way to the SIPCOT industrial estate via Thervoy village on Friday night, when women intercepted the vehicle. Police reportedly went to the village on Saturday to convince the villagers to let off the lorry. But the agitators were unrelenting. Later, over 300 villagers were arrested.

Police said that while the arrested were being moved to the police vehicles, a few others reportedly pelted stones at the vehicles. Due to this, they had to resort to a “mild chase”.

The arrested villagers had been lodged in a marriage hall at Ponneri.

Protest against the SIPCOT industrial estate began four years ago when the government acquired 1,205 acres of agricultural and forest lands for setting up industries. People living nearby opposed it saying the move would affect 22 surrounding villages.
.........................................
more on



http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/thervoy-villagers-held-for-intercepting-lorry/258021.html

^^ Why is this in projects thread? :bash:

New airport near Chennai to have four runways
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article1556430.ece?homepage=true
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI, MARCH 20:
The proposed greenfield airport at Sriperumbudur near Chennai will now have four runways, instead of the two planned earlier.

The decision will see the number of passengers and aircraft being handled by the new airport increase manifold.

Official sources told Business Line that the master plan for the airport was being changed to accommodate four runways. “Land is already available for the proposed airport. So, it has been decided to make an airport which will take care of future growth needs of the sector,” the sources said.

The Airports Authority of India will shortly submit the project report to the State Government. Sources indicated that despite the on-going modernisation of the existing Chennai airport, a new airport will be required.

AFTER MUMBAI, GOA

The airport, which is expected to become functional in the next few years, will see Chennai join select cities such as Mumbai and Goa which will have two airports.

However, State Government officials say that they are not aware of any such proposal by the AAI to increase the number of runways.

AAI's project report will make out a case for a second airport for the city, given the growth in air traffic. It will also outline the cost of constructing the airport. With elections having been announced, a decision on going ahead with work on the new airport will have to be taken only by the new Government.

OPPOSITION CHARGE

A few months ago, when the DMK Government announced its intention to acquire land for the airport at Sriperumbudur, the Opposition parties, including the AIADMK, had opposed the move contending that agricultural land was being acquired for the project.

The new government in the State will also have to decide how it wants the greenfield airport to be constructed — whether by the AAI itself or by involving the private sector.

New airport near Chennai to have four runways
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article1556430.ece?homepage=true
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI, MARCH 20:
The proposed greenfield airport at Sriperumbudur near Chennai will now have four runways, instead of the two planned earlier.

The decision will see the number of passengers and aircraft being handled by the new airport increase manifold.

Official sources told Business Line that the master plan for the airport was being changed to accommodate four runways. “Land is already available for the proposed airport. So, it has been decided to make an airport which will take care of future growth needs of the sector,” the sources said.

The Airports Authority of India will shortly submit the project report to the State Government. Sources indicated that despite the on-going modernisation of the existing Chennai airport, a new airport will be required.

AFTER MUMBAI, GOA

The airport, which is expected to become functional in the next few years, will see Chennai join select cities such as Mumbai and Goa which will have two airports.

However, State Government officials say that they are not aware of any such proposal by the AAI to increase the number of runways.

AAI's project report will make out a case for a second airport for the city, given the growth in air traffic. It will also outline the cost of constructing the airport. With elections having been announced, a decision on going ahead with work on the new airport will have to be taken only by the new Government.

OPPOSITION CHARGE

A few months ago, when the DMK Government announced its intention to acquire land for the airport at Sriperumbudur, the Opposition parties, including the AIADMK, had opposed the move contending that agricultural land was being acquired for the project.

The new government in the State will also have to decide how it wants the greenfield airport to be constructed — whether by the AAI itself or by involving the private sector.

I hope it is the private sector.....lousy maintainance of AAI is not good...

^^

This is discussed under the Chennai airport thread.... Why dont you shift this post over there??

It is really nice to hear that the Green field airport of Chennai is limping back to life. The project was in limbo for a few years now. I only hope that the project is handled by GMR.

New airport near Chennai to have four runways
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article1556430.ece?homepage=true
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI, MARCH 20:
The proposed greenfield airport at Sriperumbudur near Chennai will now have four runways, instead of the two planned earlier.

The decision will see the number of passengers and aircraft being handled by the new airport increase manifold.

Official sources told Business Line that the master plan for the airport was being changed to accommodate four runways. “Land is already available for the proposed airport. So, it has been decided to make an airport which will take care of future growth needs of the sector,” the sources said.

The Airports Authority of India will shortly submit the project report to the State Government. Sources indicated that despite the on-going modernisation of the existing Chennai airport, a new airport will be required.

AFTER MUMBAI, GOA

The airport, which is expected to become functional in the next few years, will see Chennai join select cities such as Mumbai and Goa which will have two airports.

However, State Government officials say that they are not aware of any such proposal by the AAI to increase the number of runways.

AAI's project report will make out a case for a second airport for the city, given the growth in air traffic. It will also outline the cost of constructing the airport. With elections having been announced, a decision on going ahead with work on the new airport will have to be taken only by the new Government.

OPPOSITION CHARGE

A few months ago, when the DMK Government announced its intention to acquire land for the airport at Sriperumbudur, the Opposition parties, including the AIADMK, had opposed the move contending that agricultural land was being acquired for the project.

The new government in the State will also have to decide how it wants the greenfield airport to be constructed — whether by the AAI itself or by involving the private sector.

It is really nice to hear that the Green field airport of Chennai is limping back to life. The project was in limbo for a few years now. I only hope that the project is handled by GMR.

I dont know why so many people show inclination towards private player rather thinking about ways of improving AAI or for that matter any Government companies. If a minister has got the same idea then we complain it as a corruption. I feel solution to one problem shouldn't become the root cause for new one. For sure Private Players are not angels.

Well.. I think the main reason why every1 here likes a private player to take this up is basically due to the extra ordinary delay in completion of the projects in chennai and kolkata by AAI, whereas Hyd, delhi and bangalore airports were done as per schedule and look cool too! Personally i feel the modernisation of chennai airport looks good.. only the delay is frustrating!!

^^ GMR is an exemplary company in developing airports - Hyderabad and Delhi are great examples. In contrast, look how messy MAA is at the moment.

* To add "few thousand" staff in India next year or so-CEO

* Personal computer sales jumped 30 pct in 2010 in India




Dell Inc's (DELL.O) annual revenue in India is nearing $2 billion and the world's No. 2 maker of personal computers plans to add more staff in the country, its chief executive said.

We are continuing to invest here and continuing to grow the business ... India for us is a critical part of our infrastructure globally," Michael Dell said at an event in the Indian capital on Tuesday. He did not give the timeframe for the target or current annual revenue in India, where the company has a manufacturing operation near the southern city of Chennai. Last month, Dell's fourth quarter earnings and margins blew past Wall Street expectations as component costs slid and corporations replaced ageing technology. [ID:nN14107794]

The company forecast 5-9 percent revenue growth for fiscal 2012, which ends in January 2012, which translates to revenue of $64 billion to $67 billion.

Dell said that the company, which had 23,000 employees in India, was planning to add a "few thousand" people at its India operations over the next year or so.



http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/22/idUSSGE72L02820110322

Personally i feel the modernisation of chennai airport looks good.. only the delay is frustrating!!

The above point makes sense. For AAI, if there is delay, no one is gonna bother and the money wasted is taxpayers' money. But if private developers delay it means burning their own pocket. So you can expect timely completion by pvt parties.

Also the design is not a sub standard one. It is appealing, and equal to, if not better than the private airports. As murlee said, its the delay(and the way the current construction is organised is haphazard) which is annoying us.

Privatisation is not the Only Solution to solve all our woes. Remember the cartel Airlines have formed in 2010 July after weakening of IA. Once that has happened all the decision will go in favour few who would start dictating terms. All that is required is "Accountability" for the people in seats. As civilised society we need to look for the ways to bring that in our society.

^^ i guess aai has a stake in private airports like delhi.

^^ i guess aai has a stake in private airports like delhi.

True
http://www.newdelhiairport.in/our-company.aspx

You got to try hard to get rid of AAI (Pun intended) :)

^^ Truth is you cannot completely get rid of it :lol:.

^^ True!! Get rid of it as much as much as you can, wipe it off and move on.

PS. By wiping it off I meant wiping-off thoughts about getting rid of AAI completely. Serious :)

I dont know why so many people show inclination towards private player rather thinking about ways of improving AAI or for that matter any Government companies. If a minister has got the same idea then we complain it as a corruption. I feel solution to one problem shouldn't become the root cause for new one. For sure Private Players are not angels.

Privatisation is not the Only Solution to solve all our woes. Remember the cartel Airlines have formed in 2010 July after weakening of IA. Once that has happened all the decision will go in favour few who would start dictating terms. All that is required is "Accountability" for the people in seats. As civilised society we need to look for the ways to bring that in our society.

Government entities like the AAI (given their current mode of functioning) are a relic of socialist India where efficiency and competition were unnecessary burdens that could simply be avoided by looking the other way.

Privatisation may not be the only solution, in the sense that if it were possible for government organisations like the AAI to shed their extra weight of unnecessary and unproductive employees and unions, low standards of work and no accountability, then they would indeed be in a position to properly compete with the likes of GMR and GVK and not be treated like an unfortunate joke the way they are today.

But if this were the case and these changes were put in place, you must realise that there would then truly be nothing to differentiate such a company from a private enterprise - the organisation would be leaner, more agile, more competitive and most importantly, working concertedly towards generating revenues and profits because that would be the only way for them to remain relevant in the scheme of things.

So whether such a company were a "government company" or a "private company" would simply be a matter of nomenclature - the work they would perform and the manner they would perform it in would necessarily have to be exactly the same.

I do agree with you re. cartel formation, etc. though - it is indeed the role of the Govt., to ensure that private players play within the rules.

But using that as grounds to argue against privatisation does not seem logical to me.

JMT.. :cheers:

To be honest delhi, hyderabad, etc. are not private airports. They are PPP airports. Private airports are those which have no relation with the government at all. Like in shipping ports, we have Karaikal Port.....thats private. No airport/shipping port in the world is private except for very small places like Karaikal Port, Kannur airport(is it private?) etc.

So no need to worry.

I dont know why so many people show inclination towards private player rather thinking about ways of improving AAI or for that matter any Government companies. If a minister has got the same idea then we complain it as a corruption. I feel solution to one problem shouldn't become the root cause for new one. For sure Private Players are not angels.

It is very difficult to improve AAI.Unless the govt realises it,we cant improve it. :ohno: Private public partnership is very good.The construction and maintainance can be done by private players under strict govt control..

But it should not become like the fucked up IT corridor..

But using that as grounds to argue against privatisation does not seem logical to me.

JMT.. :cheers:

I am not against privatisation. But i am against the thought it is panacea for all our problems. I feel healthy competition must exist government sector and Private sector to avoid the common man harrassment. If let government sector off hook for non performance then every one will follow same principle to shut the government sector. Tomorrow some body may propose to privatise government also to get better governance.

I dont know why so many people show inclination towards private player rather thinking about ways of improving AAI or for that matter any Government companies. If a minister has got the same idea then we complain it as a corruption. I feel solution to one problem shouldn't become the root cause for new one. For sure Private Players are not angels.

AAI will never improve.Example is in your backyard the way they are expanding the chennai airport.Everytime i land in chennai it looks messier.Still clinging to AAI for the new greenfield airport by the authorities in chennai is "Height of optimism"

Privatisation is not the Only Solution to solve all our woes. Remember the cartel Airlines have formed in 2010 July after weakening of IA. Once that has happened all the decision will go in favour few who would start dictating terms. All that is required is "Accountability" for the people in seats. As civilised society we need to look for the ways to bring that in our society.

Even persons elected by people in this country swindle tax payers money openly without fear and are not accountable despite being a civilised society.Don't talk about Indian airlines and Air India.During our service days they were the only carriers and miseries we underwent depending on their services can never be forgotten.

I am not against privatisation. But i am against the thought it is panacea for all our problems. I feel healthy competition must exist government sector and Private sector to avoid the common man harrassment. If let government sector off hook for non performance then every one will follow same principle to shut the government sector. Tomorrow some body may propose to privatise government also to get better governance.

How can you privatise an elected Govt in a democracy?You mean people voting are private individuals.:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:Is in U.S.A and U.K the governments are private?young many don't make such stupid statements in this forum Many people glance thru such silly writings and will have an hearty laugh if not frown.:nuts:

How can you privatise an elected Govt in a democracy?You mean people voting are private individuals.:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:Is in U.S.A and U.K the governments are private?young many don't make such stupid statements in this forum Many people glance thru such silly writings and will have an hearty laugh if not frown.:nuts:

I dont think it is stupid statement it may sounds like that.


I feel Indian democracy is by one family as business and for selected few toads. All the rules of the game are tweaked to meet their needs. How can you say that as a democracy? In USA and UK it is not so.

But Anyway thanks for your advice and I would restrict myself from such true statements.

Jaish,
I know that your comments are made in good faith but faith and reality are different and it is as different as private enterprise and public enterprise. We have seen this for the last 65 years. Somebody pointed out that accountability is missing and I can say that it is missing because it is virtually impossible to fire a central or state govt employee. They can do the dance of destruction and at worst they will be "transferred". If this is the worst they will face, then why should they be accountable.

It is best to have the private guys do it cartel or not. At least they will take us to the next level rather than all of India swim in the dirty waters washed by the Public servants of India.

I dont think it is stupid statement it may sounds like that.


I feel Indian democracy is by one family as business and for selected few toads. All the rules of the game are tweaked to meet their needs. How can you say that as a democracy? In USA and UK it is not so.

But Anyway thanks for your advice and I would restrict myself from such true statements.

Jaish,
I know that your comments are made in good faith but faith and reality are different and it is as different as private enterprise and public enterprise. We have seen this for the last 65 years. Somebody pointed out that accountability is missing and I can say that it is missing because it is virtually impossible to fire a central or state govt employee. They can do the dance of destruction and at worst they will be "transferred". If this is the worst they will face, then why should they be accountable.

It is best to have the private guys do it cartel or not. At least they will take us to the next level rather than all of India swim in the dirty waters washed by the Public servants of India.

I still feel This needs to be corrected. We are contemplating the path of aversion rather than correction of this. My only question is

Why cant We change even though we have such passionate Young people?


I feel all we need is intention to change and Sustained focus on how to change.

I Very Well know fact it is very very very difficult task.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/4388/26032011356009.jpg

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/hardware/blackberry-to-set-up-plant-may-develop-india-into-export-hub/articleshow/7798872.cms

NEW DELHI: After Nokia, Samsung , LG and other global brands, BlackBerry smartphones-maker Research in Motion is likely to set up an Indian manufacturing facility in view of the potential within the country and the surrounding region and may develop the country into an export hub.

"India is an important and strategic market for RIM and its exciting and fast-growing mobile sector offers major potential for further expansion. As part of RIM's strategy in India, the company has been building its resources in order to support the growing opportunities," RIM spokesperson said when asked about plans to set up a plant here.

Canada-based RIM's Chief Information Officer Robin Bienfait will be in India to meet with major BlackBerry customers as well as a variety of current and prospective business partners, the company said.

"RIM is always evaluating investment opportunities, including manufacturing and logistics, and Robin plans to further explore such possibilities in India during her visit," it added.

The company, however, declined to get into the numbers of how much investment will be made for setting up a manufacturing facility and the volume of handsets to be manufactured, as well as the models.

However, going by industry norms, setting up such a plant may involve an investment of anywhere between USD 150-250 million to begin with.

Sources indicated that Robin would be visiting Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi to identify a location for setting up the plant. If fructified, this would be RIM's first manufacturing facility in the Asia-Pacific region, comprising 18 countries in which BlackBerry has a presence and is growing significantly.

The development comes at a time when the company is embroiled in a controversy over security concerns about BlackBerry operations.

The company is constant dialogue with the government and the issue of lawful interception of contents sent using smart phones like Blackberry is being looked at as an industry issue rather than an individual case.

Sources said that these two are separate issues and the company is bullish on the Indian market and neighbouring countries and India may become an export hub for BlackBerry products, which has become one of the fastest growing smartphones here.

According to the latest reports available, RIM is one of the top five mobile phone manufacturers and as far as Indian operations are concerned, it has a retail presence in over 75 cities across the country

Why cant We change even though we have such passionate Young people?



What you are asking for is another JP movement. However passionate we are in today's rat race / dog-eats-dog world, family security (Both financial and physical) is important to begin with.

By young how young you mean? For a true political leadership 35-40 is the earliest ideal range. That's the time one would have obtained a completeness when it comes to worldly experience. Also that's the reasonable time one would have acquired reasonable wealth for their own families. I personally think that one should secure his / her family and reduce the dependency on themselves before entering politics. Those who enter should start from their ward and work the way up proving oneself at every level. JMT for whatever it's worth :)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Rs-86-cr-combined-court-complex-in-Alandur-ready-to-open/articleshow/7803240.cms

CHENNAI: The hundreds of the litigants coming to the court in Alandur in the suburbs can now breathe easy. A new combined court complex, built at an estimated Rs 8.6 crore, is ready to open.

Located off the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road, opposite the Officers' Training Academy (OTA) in St Thomas Mount, the court complex is spacious and has all basic facilities expected in a lower court.

"Almost all the work is completed. We are just giving the finishing touches," a senior public works department (PWD) official told The Times Of India.

Everyday, on an average, over 100 cases related to petty offences and traffic violations come up at the Alandur court. Other cases related to remand, bail, surety, offence admit, examination of witnesses in trial cases and labour cases also come up. The court has a backlog of over 11,500 cases, including 6,000 criminal suits.

Spread over 14,655 sq ft, the complex has separate rooms for two principal district munsif judges, a district magistrate and an evening court. There are separate waiting halls for men and women, chambers for judges, a property room to store seized items, separate rooms for copyist, clerks, a bank with automated teller machine (ATM) facility and a media centre with fax and internet facilities. It is centrally air conditioned and has lifts. There is also a separate three-storey residential accomodation for judges inside the complex with parking facilities. "The complex will come as a big relief for thousands of litigants. A fast track court, not available now, will be opened soon," Alandur Bar Association president S Saravanan said.

...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Injambakkam-says-no-to-Rs-47-cr-new-channel/articleshow/7789722.cms

ublic Works Department to alleviate the flood woes of south Chennai has hit a roadblock. The residents of Injambakkam, a few educational institutions and a popular amusement park on the East Coast Road are protesting against the Rs 47 crore project, aimed at draining flood waters from Velachery, Pallikaranai, Madipakkam and Kovilambakkam.

The locals complain that proposed channel would only be a sewage carrier and would create "health hazards." In petitions to the Kancheepuram collectorate, the PWD and the revenue, and forest departments, they urged the authorities to look for other barren lands in neighbouring villages for the project. "Injambakkam, a properly laid out area, should not be disturbed," says N Arun Kumar of Periyar Street in Injambakkam.

...

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/HC-vacates-stay-on-multi-level-parking-lot/articleshow/7789714.cms

CHENNAI: The Madras high court on Friday vacated its stay on the construction of a multi-level parking lot at Wallace Garden in Nungambakkam.

Passing orders on a writ petition filed by Gerald Anthony Lobo, a resident of Greams Lane, the second bench comprising Justice Elipe Dharma Rao and Justice M Venugopal said that it was brought to the notice of the court that a writ petition seeking a similar relief was filed by K R Ramaswamy ( Traffic' Ramaswamy) over two years ago, but no stay was granted then.

"The writ petition has been filed by the petitioner styling himself as a layman for the same relief, adopting the same words as in the earlier writ petition," the bench said.

...

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110329/jsp/business/story_13779672.jsp

Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE has revived its plans to set up a manufacturing unit in Chennai, with the Indian government planning to enforce the use of local mobile gear.

The New Telecom Policy 2011, to be announced next month, is likely to make it compulsory for cellular players to source a certain percentage of equipment from local vendors.

“The government may even curb the import of telecom equipment totally and make it mandatory for vendors to produce locally. In that scenario, we have a domestic manufacturing strategy in place,” D.K. Ghosh, the outgoing chairman and managing director of ZTE India, told The Telegraph.

The telecom sector will require equipment worth more than Rs 3,50,000 crore by 2015, said analysts.

At present, the equipment market stands at Rs 50,000 crore, including imports and local production.

The Chinese gear maker will take the joint venture route to start the local unit.

“It will be faster and cost effective to form a collaboration with an Indian company for our local manufacturing base. We are studying various options in Chennai,” said Qiu Shaoling, director of ZTE Corporation, who will take over from Ghosh from April 1 as the company’s spokesperson.

ZTE India has a facility at Manesar in Haryana, catering to repairs, maintenance and logistics. It imports equipment and handsets from China.

Chinese telecom gear makers came under government scrutiny after security agencies expressed concern that foreign vendors could cripple critical services by embedding spyware in the equipment.

Hong Kong and Shenzhen-listed ZTE is looking for an Indian to replace Ghosh as the CMD. Government rules mandate top personnel with vendors will be Indians and their names should be cleared by the telecom and home ministries before their appointment.

At a time global 3G spend has shrunk, companies such as ZTE are eyeing India where telecom majors such as Vodafone Essar, Bharti Airtel, Tata DoCoMo, Reliance Communications, Idea Cellular and Aircel are rolling out 3G services.

ZTE India is also betting on the launch of wireless broadband services later this year using the TD-LTE technology. More than 10 per cent of the company’s revenues come from India.

“We have already held trials with more than two top players in the TD-LTE space in India,” said Qiu Shaoling.

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries plans to launch commercial wireless broadband services using the upcoming LTE technology by the end of 2011.

ZTE India is already a major 2G network equipment supplier to companies such as R-Com, Tata DoCoMo, BSNL, Etisalat and Loop Telecom.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/cineola%5Cs-digital-content-delivery-system-for-films/430085/

Offering film producers a measure of protection from piracy, Chennai-based Cineola Digital Cinemas today launched its digital content delivery platform for film and music industry.

Based on the company's proprietary technology, the new system promises to give producers a secure hold on their content with the AES 256-byte encryption. This is expected to help in curbing piracy, which has been a major threat to the industry.

It plans to provide theatre management applications to small and large theatre owners, along with a customised website for online ticketing. Its portfolio includes deployment, digital content lab and network operations centre, among others.

Cineola CEO Nazir Ahad said there is immense potential for this advanced technology as the Indian media & entertainment market is expected to grow by 13 per cent by end of this year, and reach Rs 1,27,500 crore by 2015.

He said: "At present, theatre owners are resisting migration to the new platform because of economics and lack of awareness. However, adapting to this technology will prove to be cost-effective. We are confident that theatre owners will embrace the digital wave with our cutting edge technology.”

Cineola's FIXAL technology uses fare techniques to enhance the resolution of the imaging system, according to Ajith Abraham, R&D Head, Cineola. He said their DAXI encoding station with parallel computer architecture allows the flexibility of producing 20 film mastering and 2,500 prints a day.

The use of advanced technology reduces overhead cost of films and prints significantly for producers. "Our initial research indicated that Indian cinema has evolved and so has the audience. Theatre owners even from remote villages are looking for transition to the digital platform. This is a preventative technology against piracy,” he said.

The company will invest over Rs 50 crore in the initial phase and expand its presence in southern metros of Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kochi. In future, Cineola Cinemas will extend its services to other markets in India and abroad.

Currently, the digital encoding station set up in Chennai, while the R&D and software development team operates from Kochi.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/2014/29thpallavan514737f.jpg
Various facilities are to be created as part of the redevelopment of the Pallavan House on Anna Salai.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1579645.ece

Lawns, fountains to be set up in buildings under its control

Plans are afoot to transform some of the buildings under the control of Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), starting with Pallavan House, its headquarters, into usable public space by creating facilities such as lawns, fountains, underground parking lot and renting out space for commercial activity.

With the MTC already working on a proposal to lease space for commercial complexes in three of its bus depots, a pilot model redevelopment of office space is on the cards next.

A feasibility report has been submitted by real estate consultancy Grant Thornton for the redevelopment of Pallavan House. It is located on 13 acres and serves as the headquarters of both the MTC and the State Express Transport Corporation.

A senior Transport Department official said that since transport corporations hold land at various places that have become prime property, developing these land parcels optimally was a logical way of subsiding public transport. “Besides, improving amenities at places such Pallavan House would be difficult without a private partner who can step in and do it free in exchange for space for commercial exploitation,” he said.

A viewing area beside the Cooum River, a pedestrian bridge to the Chintadripet MRTS station, and lawns along with better accessibility for visitors are part of the plan.

The remaining area is proposed to be developed into a mixed-use commercial zone housing retail, restaurants and service apartments. Depending on the feasibility, an amusement park or an exhibition area on the banks of the Cooum river is also under consideration.

However, since the site is on an island formed by the Cooum River, much of the land cannot be developed due to CRZ norms.

“Ways will have to be found to work around the legal limits on the amount of built-up area,” a senior MTC official said.

Puravankara Projects touched an intraday high of Rs 109.90 and an intraday low of Rs 102. At 14:03 hrs the share was quoting at Rs 107.25, up Rs 4.60, or 4.48%.

The company has launched luxury project in Chennai with investment of Rs 1700 crore, reports CNBC-TV18.

......



http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/buzzing-stocks/puravankara-launches-luxury-projectchennai-stock4_532651.html




Realtor Puravankara Projects launched a 17 billion rupees residential project in Chennai after a long gap, a top official told reporters on Tuesday, stoking its share price on a day the realty firms rose broadly.

"We have got all the clearances and we will start the project in a month's time," said Joint Managing Director Ashish Puravankara.

The project - Purva Windermere - would be completed in four years, he added.

.....



http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/03/29/idINIndia-55954920110329

Hewlett-Packard, which has announced big plans in cloud computing business, will open two data centres in India — most probably in Hyderabad and Chennai — as it brings in the cloud platform this year.

....


http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/article1578965.ece

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/7998/image1xgd.jpg

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/2575/image2mel.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article1582463.ece

To invest Rs.1,700 crore in three phases with a debt component of Rs.225 crore

Puravankara Projects announced the launch of a new property, Purva Windermere, in Chennai.

Located in Pallikaranai over a 55-acre land, the apartments are designed keeping in mind the tropical climate with spacious and large sit-outs.

Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, Ashish Puravankara, Joint Managing Director, said the well-planned layout offering 77 per cent open space would have more than 2,650 apartments ranging from 616 sq. ft. to 2,707 sq. ft.

Other amenities included two clubhouses, swimming pools, outdoor sport facilities, provisions for supermarkets and parlours, Mr. Ashish said.

The company has announced a price of Rs. 3,299 per sq. ft. as inaugural offer for the apartments.

The cost of the project was estimated at Rs. 1,700 crore in three phases with a debt component of Rs. 225 crore, according to Jackbastian Nazareth, Chief Executive Officer.

The 35-year-old company was on a consolidation mode last year when the industry was going through recession, Mr. Nazareth said. It had so far completed 36 residential/ commercial projects across Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai and presently engaged in developing 16 more projects.

Till date 6,500 homes have been handed over to end-users, Mr. Jackbastian Nazareth said.

The company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Provident Housing, established to cater to the mid-segment housing, was developing two large projects comprising 5,500 units in Chennai and Bangalore.

The group began its operations in Mumbai and has established a considerable presence in the real estate sector in the metropolitan cities of Bangalore, Kochi, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Mysore and overseas in Dubai and Colombo.

Puravankara has obtained foreign direct investment in real estate industry through its joint venture with Singapore-based Keppel Land Limited, the property arm of the 54 per cent government-owned conglomerate, Keppel Corporation Limited.

http://www.rohm.com/news/110331.html

Semiconductor manufacturer ROHM Co., Ltd., has established ROHM Semiconductor India Pvt. Ltd. in Chennai, India. The new company, which will sell ROHM products in India starting on April 1, 2011, plans to open sales facilities in Delhi and Pune.

In recent years, electronics companies around the world have built facilities in India, where the pace of market growth in sectors such as the automotive and information and telecommunications fields has been increasing. Sales of ROHM products in the region have previously been overseen by ROHM Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd., with marketing and information-gathering support from a local ROHM office that opened in Chennai in February 2006. By establishing ROHM Semiconductor India Pvt. Ltd., ROHM is looking to establish a sales structure in rapidly growing India, where it hopes to expand its share of the country’s electronics market in sectors such as the on-board automotive, communications, and home electronics fields.

ROHM looks forward to continuing to develop its business globally through customer-focused sales activities.

■ROHM Semiconductor India Pvt. Ltd. Overview

Name: ROHM Semiconductor India Pvt. Ltd
Address: Unit 103, 1st Floor Sigma Wing, Raheja Towers, 177, Anna Salai,
Chennai -600002, Tamil Nadu, India
Representative: Managing Director Hidekazu Katsuno
Capitalization: 10 million rupees
Investment share ROHM Electronics Asia Pte. Ltd. 99.9%
ROHM Semiconductor Singapore Pte. Ltd. 0.1%
Employees 11
Business Sales of ROHM products
Date of establishment: March 8, 2011
Start of operations April 1, 2011

http://www.vrl-financial-news.com/wealth-management/private-banker-intl/issues/pbi-2011/pbi-271/morgan-stanley-opens-wealth-br.aspx

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management (PWM) has opened an office in Chennai, its second in Southern India and fifth across India.

The new branch will provide advisory services, products and services to high net worth individuals normally reserved for institutional clients. It will be led by Vinay Ahuja, market director for the Southern region.

“India’s wealth management industry is at the threshold of the next phase of growth where product innovation and tailored services will be the critical differentiators,” said Himanshu Bhagat, Morgan Stanley’s head of PWM Sales in India.

India is acknowledged as one of the fastest growing wealth markets in the world.

Morgan Stanley launched its domestic Indian PWM platform in 2008. With the addition of Chennai, it now has offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata and Bengalaru.

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_bgr-energy-ties-up-rs3000-crore-for-btg-plants_1527263

BGR Energy Systems, the Chennai-based power engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) company, has got an in-principle approval from two banks for a debt of Rs3,080 crore to set up supercritical boiler and turbine manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu, its chairman and managing director BG Raghupathy said.

BGR is building the plants through a joint venture with Japanese major Hitachi.

“IDBI Bank is the lead banker for the turbine facility and SBI for the boiler plant,” Raghupathy told DNA.

The two banks will now identify other banks and financial institutions to form two consortia.

He said the paperwork for the loans, which carry a tenor of 13 years and an interest rate of 10.25%, would be completed by June.

BGR holds 74% and Hitachi the rest in BGR Turbines Company Pvt Ltd. The special purpose vehicle (SPV) will spend Rs3,000 crore, of which Rs2,100 crore is debt, on the turbine unit. BGR and Hitachi Power Europe GmbH of Germany control 70% and 30% in BGR Boilers Company Pvt Ltd, which will invest Rs1,400 crore in the boiler plant. The debt component is Rs980 crore.

The facilities would be situated 70km from Chennai. They are close to the port at Mugaiyur, which is being developed by MARG Ltd.

The plants will have an annual capacity of 4,000mw. “The boiler plant will be commissioned in two years and the turbine unit partially completed,” Raghupathy said.

Land acquisition is currently on and construction work will begin in two months, he said.BGR and Hitachi had signed the JV agreement in August.

BGR recently emerged as the second-lowest bidder for the Rs12,000 crore EPC contracts of Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam (RRVUNL) thermal power projects at Suratgarh and Chhabra, each of which has 2X660mw. The lowest bidder was Bhel.

But Raghupathy said RRVUNL can award one of the two projects to the second lowest bidder provided it matches the price of L1.
“We have already done that and we’ll book the orders in the quarter of next fiscal.”

BGR plans to use its own BTG (boiler turbine generator) for the project.

Competition for BGR-Hitachi comes from, besides Bhel, L&T-Mistsubishi Heavy Industries, JSW-Toshiba, Bharat Forge-Alstom and Ansaldo Caldaie, a Gammon India unit.

BGR is presently is awaiting the result of bids for NTPC’s bulk order of 11X660 mw boilers.

BGR has booked Rs2,500 crore of orders in the first nine months of fiscal. The company’s current backlog stands at Rs9,300 crore.

A March 29 report by IDBI Capital said in the last few months order inflow delays have been a key concern for BGR.

“The RRVUNL twin tenders are deferred due to delay in obtaining coal linkage,” wrote Piyush Nimgaonkar in the report. BGR originally planned to add Rs12,000-15,000 crore of orders this fiscal but it is unperturbed.

“The orders are enough for next fiscal. For 2012-13, we have 6-9 months to bag orders,” said Raghupathy.

^^great news!! higher unit capacities are order of the day. L&T-Mistubishi manufacture 800 MW units - they have a plant in Hazira.

why are people still investing in coal based infrastructure when everywhere in the world they are moving away from it.

why are people still investing in coal based infrastructure when everywhere in the world they are moving away from it.

haha. But bro dont say those things right now. I have invested a bit in Coal India IPO last year. :lol:

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/snj-to-setbeer-unit-near-chennai/431049/

The Chennai-based SNJ group, a leading manufacturer of Indian-made foreign liquor, is diversifying into beer manufacturing. The company plans to invest around Rs 200 crore to set up a brewery unit near Chennai.

The group has also signed up with British Empire, an international brandy brand, to market its products in India and is planning to double its turnover to Rs 600 crore by roping in new foreign brands in the next three years.

Speaking on the sidelines of launch function of British Empire for the Tamil Nadu market in Chennai today, V Krishnan, who looks after the mergers and acquisitions for the group, said that a new company SNJ Breweries Pvt Ltd, was floated to set up the brewery unit.

The facility will come at Padalam junction, around 70 km from Chennai, and will have a capacity of 1 million cases a month brewery, expandable to 2 million. The unit is expected to become fully operational in the next six months.

The unit is being set up by Ziemann India, a subsidiary of Ziemann of Germany, the world's largest supplier of the brewery plant equipment.

Apart from the international brands, SNJ will also launch its own beer brands in the lager and strong beer categories.

SNJ Distillers Pvt Ltd has passed the due diligence process of international teams of global liquor giants including Diageo, Bacardi Martini, Rhum Clement Martinique etc, said its CMD, SN Jayamurugan.

Currently, the company produces around 600,000 cases every month and with the additional infrastructure and balancing equipments, the unit is capable of achieving 1 million cases every month, said Jayamurugan.

SNJ recently acquired interests in Leela Distillery (Goa), and a unit in Kerala. The Goa unit, in which the company is planning to invest another Rs 4 crore, will start supplying British Emprile brand from this plant to the Puducherry and other five star hotels in the country.

The unit will also start export to US and will gradually expand to countries in Africa, Middle East and South East Asia, added Krishnan. Overall, all the three units, Chennai, Goa and Kerala has a capacity of 14 lakh cases per month. The company is planning to invest around Rs 10-12 crore in the Kerala unit and Rs 4 crore each in the units of Goa and Orissa.

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/cnbc-tv18-comments/saint-gobain-to-pumprs-3k-cr-for-expansionindia-_534271.html

India is an investment hot-spot, as far as glass manufacturer Saint Gobain is concerned. One in every 4 euros it spends is spent in India, reports CNBC-TV18’s Swathi Narayanan.

When it comes to India, Saint Gobain is more than willing to loosen its purse strings. The glass manufacturer is looking to double its investments in India in the next five years -- and pump in Rs 3,000 crore to expand its India operations and capture over 40% of the Indian market.

B Santhanam, MD, Saint-Gobain India says, “In the architectural flat glass market we currently hold 37% by value. We expect this market share to go up to 40 - 44% in the coming years because of the huge investment plans that we have.”

This is a revival of its expansion plans that had to be paused due to the global economic slowdown. Its Rajasthan plant, which was supposed to go on-stream by early 2010, will now begin production only in 2012. For phase one, it will invest about Rs 1,000 crore and make this plant bigger than its existing Chennai facility.

Santhanam explains, “We are bringing several technology and process innovations into this plant. In terms of energy efficiency this will be more efficient than our Chennai facility, by about10%. Again in terms of capacity it will be larger than our Chennai facility by 10%."

Clearly, the meltdown has not taken the sheen off India as an investment destination for Saint Gobain. Also on the cards is a brand new integrated glass complex in Chennai to supply glass to the solar industry. This will entail an investment of Rs 1,000 crore.

^^ Most of the upgrade they are talking abt is for their Rajasthan plant. Only in last para they mentioned about the integrated complex at Chennai..

CHENNAI: Come, celebrate, cricket. This is the essence of C Cube, a special coaching facility for city folk at Guindy.

A unique indoor academy, formally opened on Wednesday by spin legend Muttiah Muralitahran, C Cube will cater to the needs and aspirations of all cricket lovers who want to enjoy the facilities professional players have.

"In Sri Lanka, it rains a lot and so we had many indoor academies since 1990s," said Muralitharan, the brand ambassador of C Cube. "Chennai is a big city and I think it needs many such facilities to spread the game."

C Cube, with five indoor pitches side by side with bowling machines, is open to people of all ages and, unlike the professional academies in the city, functions on the lines of a club. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has indoor training facilities as do many of the academies run by celebrated cricketers. But the USP of C Cube is its flexibility, its appeal to people from all walks of life who want to feel they are playing at the top level for a fee.

Says S Balachandhran, CEO, "This academy will at once cater to professionals and amateurs. Anyone from 10 to 80 can come here and train paying a nominal fee which can be for a session, for a day, month or even life." Balachandhran quickly added that the theme centre puruses the dream of every cricket lover.

Murali, for whom Chennai is like second home as he is married into a family from the city, said he hoped to come to the academy whene he had an "off-day". Former Indian coach and New Zealand opener John Wright is consultant coach while Sridharan Sriram, former TN Ranji player, is the head coach.

"Usually, bowling machines are placed outdoor (in actual match situations) in academies," says VB Chandrasekhar, a former Indian opener who runs a popular cricket academy on the outskirts of the city. "It is difficult to have space for an indoor academy in the city and lighting is another constraint," he added.

This is what distinguishes C Cube from the common academies. As its CEO says, it works on the "rent a net" theme with weather proof facilities and where people get trained in professionally managed coaching programmes at different skill levels. C Cube also contains snooker and table tennis facilities and a full-fledged sports equipment store.

The World Cup celebrations have hardly died down, and it is time for Cube action.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Time-for-Cube-cricket-in-the-city/articleshow/7887327.cms

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/tvs-group-plans-foray-into-budget-housing/431367/

The 100-year-old Chennai-based business house, TVS Group, known for its expertise in auto, auto components and finance, is planning to take a plunge into low-cost housing.

It will do so through TVS Housing, a 100 per cent arm of TVS Motor Company, which would debut through a pilot low-income housing project at Nanmangalam, near Sriperumbudur, 50 km from Chennai.

The broad plan is to sell flats, of sizes 385-500 sq ft, at prices ranging from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, sources close to the matter said. That’s an area where prices easily go upwards of 3,500 per sq ft.

About 2,500 flats would come up on 28 acres at Nanmangalam, according to a TVS Housing presentation. The immediate goal is to develop one more project in Chennai. Sources said the company is now building land banks for future projects.

“The vision is to build 20,000 affordable dwellings and achieve a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore in the fifth full year of operation,” a source said. In recent times, low-cost or budget housing segment has attracted professionals such as Jerry Rao (who founded Mphasis), Ramesh Ramanathan (ex-Citibank) besides the Tata group. Also, more players have emerged in the affordable housing finance segment.

In December 2009, M Anandan, former MD, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co, promoted Aptus Value Housing Finance along with V P Nandakumar of the Manappuram Group, to focus on low-income and affordable housing finance segment in the suburbs and semi-urban centres in the south. Other players include Muthoot Papachan Group and Chennai-based Shriram Group.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the TVS group is venturing into the housing space. It’s the first commercial venture, though.

In 1958, the group established the TVS Co-operative Building Society to cater to the housing needs of its workers. As of March 2007, it had over 1,700 members and a share capital of Rs 56 lakh. It had developed two major sites in Madurai.

TVS Housing was incorporated on March 22, 2010. The TVS Group acquired the entire paid up capital of Rs 5 lakh of TVS Housing and it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company effective June 21, 2010.

The TVS group, with a combined turnover of over $4 billion, has of late ventured into new areas like non-conventional power and venture capital.

Good initiative by TVS. But there is something wrong with the news. Nanmangalam is not near SPD, if I remember correctly, it lies on the Velachery Medavakkam road. Either "near SPD" is wrong or the project is coming up at Manimangalam which is near SPD.

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/logitech-international-to-make-india-centre-r&d-hub/773353/0

Computer accessories manufacturer Logitech International expects its research and development (R&D) unit in India to emerge as one of its main development centres globally as the company increases focus on products with a significant software component. The Switzerland-headquartered company, which makes computer mouse, keyboards, headsets, cameras and remote controls, plans to increase the staff strength at its Chennai centre to 200 full-time employees in two years, from 60.

The centre, started two years ago, is currently working on digital home products such as remote controls, audio and video products besides applications for smart-phones and for Google TV. “I wouldn’t be very surprised if, in 18 months or 2 years from now, India in general becomes one of our main R&D centres,” said Junien Labrousse, executive vice-president products and president Europe for Logitech. He added that the company’s main R&D centres currently are located in the US and Taiwan. “The software component in our products is becoming more and more important,” he said, adding that the company is looking at applications for smart-phones and tablet computers. “We are going to see more of those activities and I expect India to actually play a big role.” The company also expected the India R&D centres to gradually take on product design for end-to-end development of products, he said.

Logitech’s arm LifeSize Communications runs a separate R&D unit in Bangalore.

Sales from India constitute a small share of revenues for Logitech which last week announced it expected total sales for the fiscal to be between $2.35 billion and $ 2.37 billion.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/timken-plans-rs-200-cr-capex-to-meet-wind-cement-sector-needs/431706/

Timken India Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of US-based machine bearings and related components manufacturer The Timken Company, is planning to invest around Rs 200 crore in sales capacity expansion at its facility at Mahindra World City, near Chennai.

The company would also fix its focus in serving the wind energy, cement manufacturing and Power Transmission and Rebuild (PTR) in the future.

The company is currently manufacturing eight to 12 inch bearings in Chennai catering to power infrastructure, construction equipment like earth movers. The second phase of the facility expansion to manufacture zero to eight inch bearings for automotives is in an advanced stage and is expected to start commercial production in this in the first three months of 2012, said Ward J Timken, chairman, The Timken Company.
“In the last few years, our focus was significantly into strengthening operations in China and India also had a place in our expansion plans. With the growth of economy in India, we expect our expansion operations would be balanced in case of China and India,” said Timken.

Timken said the company would commence its third phase of capacity expansion at the Chennai plant. It would set up facilities to manufacture bearings of 12 to 18 inch especially for power transmission equipment industry.

The company is looking to invest around Rs 80-100 crore in the third phase and almost the same amount for the second phase of capacity expansion, said Ajay Das, managing director, Timken India Manufacturing Pvt Ltd and Timken India.

“We have aggressive expansion plans for near future in India and we would be investing Rs 200 crore for additional sales capacity at Chennai,” he said.

The Timken Company also has plans to invest in its Jamshedpur facility, operating under the listed entity, Timken India Ltd. The company has invested almost $1 million in the facility earlier, and would look at investing in around the same range in future, said Ajay Das. However, he refused to comment on the future plans in Jamshedpur facility and Timken India Ltd.

The parent company also has plans to invest in Indonasia and some of the South East Asian countries, said Timken. “We are also willing to invest in our engineering centre in Bangalore,” he added. The company has a 100 per cent owned research subsidiary, Timken Engineering and Research India Pvt Ltd.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/brigade-close-to-clinching-20-acre-deal-in-chennai/431866/

Bangalore-based real estate company, Brigade Enterprises is close to clinching a land deal in Chennai under joint development arrangement as part of its initiative to increase its presence in the southern region.

The company is in final stages to close in 20 acres of land in the city with a development prospects of two million sq ft in the near future.

“The company should get an significant revenue upside of around Rs 1000 crore if the deal is closed by the realtor,” industry sources familiar with the development said. However, deal specifics of this proposed joint development is not known. Brigade, earlier, acquired around 21 acres of property in the city in the last fiscal.

“Brigade is looking at Chennai as the next growth area for the company. So, they are aggressively looking at joint development model to acquire land assets,” an industry expert said.

Brigade Enterprises,which has presence in residential, commercial and retail segment of the real estate industry, plans to launch around 9.2 million sq ft of new projects in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai along with some of the tier-II cities of Karnataka like Mangalore, Mysore among others.

Meanwhile, the company is also in the process of leasing its commercial properties.

“Out of the total three million sq ft of commercial space, Brigade has already leased around 30 per cent and the rest will be leased in the current financial year,” a company source said.

The realtor is also planning to launch two affordable projects in the near future. Brigade Enterprises has registered 9.8 times rise in its net profit to Rs 58.12 crore in the third quarter ending December of the current financial year on the back of higher income from sound growth in sales.

Total income of the company rose by 2.2 times to Rs 144.23 crore as compared to Rs 65.31 crore registered in the corresponding period last year.

During October-December, operating profit of the company increased by 6.79 times to Rs 94.28 crore as compared to Rs 13.88 crore reported in the same period last year.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article1691528.ece

French power equipment maker Alstom may tie-up with state-owned BHEL for manufacturing locomotives for Indian railways.

“For refurbishment or new loco projects we intend to go with a local partner,” Alstom Chairman and CEO Mr Patrick Kron told reporters here.

On being asked whether the company is looking to tie-up with BHEL for the same, Mr Kron said, “It (BHEL) is the only one in the business then why ask, but I am not naming any company.”

The company has already signed an agreement with BHEL and Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) for setting up nuclear power projects in India.

If the locomotive joint venture (JV) goes through it would be the French company’s second JV with BHEL.

French firm would also set up a wind power equipment manufacturing facility in India.

However, Mr Kron did not divulge the companies it is in talks with for the wind power manufacturing unit and neither the location of the proposed facility.

“We are looking at considering a possibility to build wind power equipment manufacturing unit here,” Mr Kron said adding, “We are already manufacturing 1.6-3 MW onshore wind turbine and we have a manufacturing facility in the US.”

The company may join hands with a partner for setting up this manufacturing facility.

Alstom is building a manufacturing unit in Chennai to supply coaches for the Chennai Metro, which would be commissioned in the next two years.

“Chennai manufacturing facility would be completed by early 2013,” he added.

Alstom completed its 100 year in India this year and is hopeful of another glorious 100 years here in India, Mr Kron said.

“We have competition, we have opportunities, in the next 100 years we are going to generate more opportunities than the previous 100 years,” he said.

^^ Why did you put the title as Sri city news when the link title says something else? Is it official that Alstom is coming up @ Sricity?

Yes, Alstom are setting up factory at sri city.

^^ Why did you put the title as Sri city news when the link title says something else? Is it official that Alstom is coming up @ Sricity?

Yes. Almost, based on the remarks of Alstom executive remarks that the project will be located in Sri City.I think the news was in business standard.

If Chennai is new york, sricity and sriperumbudur are new jersey...lol

Presently Chennai is not Big Apple.:)

May be we can call it the big Mango or Big Manga :lol:

Presently Chennai is not Big Apple.:)

True. In an ideal scenario, TN, AP and KA could sign an MoU. TN would develop Hosur, (near Bangalore) AP Chitoor and Anantapur (Chennai and Bangalore) and KA would develop Bidar (close to Hyderabad). All three benefit and importantly binds the economies of the three states much closer. Of course, that's dreaming.

chitoor, anantapur and bidar are not even near the capitals.

http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/article1693985.ece

Looking to consolidate its footing in the strongly emerging Indian market, Alstom S.A.’s CEO and chairman, Patrick Kron, said the company was looking towards increased demand for nuclear business from India and China.

Alstom has marked the completion of 100 years in India this year and Mr. Kron is here for the celebrations. He said the company would set up a factory in Tamil Nadu to manufacture rolling stock for the Chennai Metro project and also announced its intention to bid for metro projects all over the country. “The nuclear accident in Japan will certainly slow down the decision making process for choice of nuclear power in various countries but it is unlikely to restrict the demand for it. India and China will continue to see demand for nuclear power in the long run,” he remarked in an interaction here.

Bullish about business in the renewable energy segment, Mr. Kron said Alstom had presence across all the segments of electricity generation equipment - thermal, hydro, nuclear and renewables – therefore qualifying for meeting the requirements of virtually all the players in the energy sector. Currently, one out of every three nuclear plants in the world runs on turbines supplied by Alstom, which is the third-largest power-equipment maker globally after U.S.-based General Electric and Germany's Siemens.

The company CEO said Alstom had bagged a Rs. 1,471-crore contract to design, manufacture and commission coaches for the Chennai Metro rail project and had decided to set up a manufacturing facility there to supply coaches. “The Chennai manufacturing facility would be completed by early 2013 and we are also looking at setting up manufacturing facilities for meeting rising demand in the wind power sector,” he added. The company has set up a Joint Venture with Bharat Forge for manufacturing steam turbines at Mundra in Gujarat.Mr. Kron said that during his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday, he was told India was giving a big thrust to the infrastructure sector. Alstom also has a three-way agreement with State-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) to make large sized turbines for upcoming nuclear projects. “The venture is on track and gearing up to execute orders. It has already got an order to build two turbine generators with a capacity of 700 MW each that will be installed at Kalpakkam,” he remarked.

Hinting that Alstom was open to acquisitions, Mr. Kron said the company was looking at railway projects all over the country including orders for new locomotive projects and refurbishment orders from the Indian Railways.

http://www.mydigitalfc.com/news/wonderla-plans-resorts-pump-rs-300-crore-410

South India focused amusement park operator, Wonderla Holidays, which has parks in Kochi and Bangalore, is now eyeing the hospitality sector and is planning to set up resorts across major cities in the southern part of the country. It is also planning to set up two more amusement parks with an investment of about Rs 300 crore.

Commenting on the company’s new foray plans, Arun K Chittilappilly, executive director, Wonderla Holidays, said that the move to the hospitality sector is a natural extension to the company’s line of business. “We are following the business pattern practised globally and will add a resort and convention centre in all our amusement parks. So, going forward, all our projects will have staying facilities,” he added.

The company has planned a capex of more than Rs 300 crore for the amusement park and resort projects but did not immediately disclose the mode of funding.

“Each resort will cost around Rs 25-30 crore, and very soon we will be coming up with such facilities in our Bangalore and Kochi parks. Further, we are also planning to develop two more amusement parks, one each in Chennai and Hyderabad, which are scheduled to start operations from 2014,” he said.

According to Chittilappilly, the company will look at northern part of India after five years, once they gain a strong foothold in the south. “The entertainment industry is seeing a lot of traction and there has been a significant rise in spending as well over the last few years. Wonderla, alone, is seeing a demand growth of 20-25 per cent as a result of this,” he pointed out.

Wonderla posted a revenue of Rs 91 crore for the financial year ended March 2011 and expects this number to increase by 15-20 per cent in the current fiscal.

[QUOTE=Chennai lover;76002769]http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/article1693985.ece

Looking to consolidate its footing in the strongly emerging Indian market, Alstom S.A.’s CEO and chairman, Patrick Kron, said the company was looking towards increased demand for nuclear business from India and China.

Alstom has marked the completion of 100 years in India this year and Mr. Kron is here for the celebrations. He said the company would set up a factory in Tamil Nadu to manufacture rolling stock for the Chennai Metro project and also announced its intention to bid for metro projects all over the country. “The nuclear accident in Japan will certainly slow down the decision making process for choice of nuclear power in various countries but it is unlikely to restrict the demand for it. India and China will continue to see demand for nuclear power in the long run,” he remarked in an interaction here.

QUOTE]

THIS IS THE ONE THAT IS GOING TO COME IN SRI CITY RIGHT. WHEN DOES LOCATION OF SRI CITY BECAME TAMIL NADU!!!!!!! . I don't know whether what I understood is correct ot not:nuts:

THIS IS THE ONE THAT IS GOING TO COME IN SRI CITY RIGHT. WHEN DOES LOCATION OF SRI CITY BECAME TAMIL NADU!!!!!!! . I don't know whether what I understood is correct ot not:nuts:

Sricity as location was quoted in none of the newspapers AFAIK. If the Hindu article is correct(which I presume to be), then the factory will be in Chennai(TN) and not any crap city(edit: sorry sri city).

There are bunch of sricity sympathizers(or promoters may be) in this forum and they are one of the reasons for all these confusions.

[QUOTE=Chennai lover;76002769]http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/article1693985.ece

Looking to consolidate its footing in the strongly emerging Indian market, Alstom S.A.’s CEO and chairman, Patrick Kron, said the company was looking towards increased demand for nuclear business from India and China.

Alstom has marked the completion of 100 years in India this year and Mr. Kron is here for the celebrations. He said the company would set up a factory in Tamil Nadu to manufacture rolling stock for the Chennai Metro project and also announced its intention to bid for metro projects all over the country. “The nuclear accident in Japan will certainly slow down the decision making process for choice of nuclear power in various countries but it is unlikely to restrict the demand for it. India and China will continue to see demand for nuclear power in the long run,” he remarked in an interaction here.

QUOTE]

THIS IS THE ONE THAT IS GOING TO COME IN SRI CITY RIGHT. WHEN DOES LOCATION OF SRI CITY BECAME TAMIL NADU!!!!!!! . I don't know whether what I understood is correct ot not:nuts:

lol..i think its total confusion, the ceo tells about setting up a factory in chennai.....so the reporter who doesn't know what the ceo meant was actually in AP (sricity), assumed that chennai is in TN which is correct!

[QUOTE=Chennai lover;76002769]http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/article1693985.ece

Looking to consolidate its footing in the strongly emerging Indian market, Alstom S.A.’s CEO and chairman, Patrick Kron, said the company was looking towards increased demand for nuclear business from India and China.

Alstom has marked the completion of 100 years in India this year and Mr. Kron is here for the celebrations. He said the company would set up a factory in Tamil Nadu to manufacture rolling stock for the Chennai Metro project and also announced its intention to bid for metro projects all over the country. “The nuclear accident in Japan will certainly slow down the decision making process for choice of nuclear power in various countries but it is unlikely to restrict the demand for it. India and China will continue to see demand for nuclear power in the long run,” he remarked in an interaction here.

QUOTE]

THIS IS THE ONE THAT IS GOING TO COME IN SRI CITY RIGHT. WHEN DOES LOCATION OF SRI CITY BECAME TAMIL NADU!!!!!!! . I don't know whether what I understood is correct ot not:nuts:




Logically speaking .....one must accept SRI CITY as a part or in fact suburb of Chennai....... no body from Hyderabad or Bangalore would come to nellore or chitoore to work....so any company comming to SRI CITY is actually coming to Chennai itself...

http://voicendata.ciol.com/content/news1/111041401.asp

Orckit-Corrigent Ltd has inaugurated a research and development (R&D) branch in Chennai in India. The new facility includes multiple research labs and has been established to strengthen research and development efforts of Orckit-Corrigent's packet transport network (PTN) solutions for Indian customers and also to extend company's global R&D efforts. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has opted for Orckit's solutions for a nationwide broadband network.

Oren Tepper, Vice President, Corporate Sales at Orckit-Corrigent tells, "The new R&D team will help improve responsiveness to customer requirements around the world as well as enhance our coverage”. He adds, “Currently, multiple prospects in the public, private and defense sectors are in different phases of evaluating our technologies and products and we believe that Orckit's new R&D branch will provide the company with a unique competitive advantage."

Yossi Barsheshet, Vice President of R&D at Orckit-Corrigent says, "We welcome the new team in India and are confident that with our new extended capabilities, Orckit-Corrigent will continue to deliver the most scalable and cost effective PTN solutions."

SRI CITY NEWS

http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5120009

Japanese construction equipment manufacturer Kobelco Construction Machinery today inaugurated its ninth global facility at Sri City Special Economic Zone, about 90 kms from here.
Kobelco Construction Equipment India (KCEI) is a joint venture between Kobelco Construction Machinery and the ITOCHU Group. Kobelco holds 95 per cent stake in the entity.
The company with a sales of Rs 112.6 billion (in 2009) currently has manufacturing facilities at eight locations worldwide, its officials said.
The Indian plant inaugurated today is spread across 68,000 square meters at Sri City SEZ in Tada. It would help the company to meet the growing demand in the Indian market.
"We entered India in 2006 and have 16 offices here.. In 2009, we decided to set up our factory in India," Kobelco Construction Equipment India Managing Director and CEO Vikram Sharma told reporters here.
According to him, the Indian market demand for excavators grew by 40 per cent from 7,650 units in 2009 to 10,742 units in 2010.
He said for the new facility the company had invested Rs 70 crore so far. "It is expected to cross Rs 100 crore."
"The plant will have a capacity to produce 1,200 units of excavators including 20 tonne hydraulic excavators..", he said and added they would also manufacture 14 tonne and 35 tonne excavators from the plant.
According to Kobelco Construction Equipment India Plant operations-Director Takeshi Akiyama the plant would initially produce 600 units which would be doubled by end of 2012 end.
The capacity of the plant can also be increased to 2,400 units which according to him was likely to happen after 2014.
The products from the plant would have 50 per cent localisation as majority of the components like engine, electronics would continue to be imported from Japan and Thailand, he said.
However, over the years the localisation level would increase to 65 per cent, he said.
Sharma later said they sold over 400 units last year and this year they were expecting to double it. The company also proposed to double the investments in the second phase.
On exports, he said they would initially look for the domestic market. However, he remained affirmative saying it would also be considered for exporting to "neighbouring countries" in future.
Kobelco Construction Equipment India currently has 52 outlets and 16 company offices across the country.

[QUOTE=Raji7373;76028929]




Logically speaking .....one must accept SRI CITY as a part or in fact suburb of Chennai....... no body from Hyderabad or Bangalore would come to nellore or chitoore to work....so any company comming to SRI CITY is actually coming to Chennai itself...

But its still quite far, around 80 kms from city.

Bono, post all sri city news in AP regional threads please. Do not post project news un-related to Chennai in this thread pls.

Having to wait one month for election results simply defeats the purpose of having a electronic voting system. Results were even faster when we had ballot papers for voting. I see no logic in the election commission's statement that results of few states that have gone for polls will be announced together. What is the need to so ?. Most of us can sense something fishy out there, perhaps an hidden agenda, but to whose advantage is the question???. No amount of strong rooms, sealed locks, CCTVs and around the clock 2 tier to 3 tier Guarded Securities can do no good before India's most corrupted money politics. There are chances for altering votes. All Parties electoral candidates should go to sleep with eyes open.

^^ :lol: As T Rajendar said, "Idaiyil Oru Maasam, Yaen indha Avagasam ? Makkale Sindhiyungal Sindhiyungal Titakk Titakk Titakk !! "

Having to wait one month for election results simply defeats the purpose of having a electronic voting system. Results were even faster when we had ballot papers for voting. I see no logic in the election commission's statement that results of few states that have gone for polls will be announced together. What is the need to so ?. Most of us can sense something fishy out there, perhaps an hidden agenda, but to whose advantage is the question???. No amount of strong rooms, sealed locks, CCTVs and around the clock 2 tier to 3 tier Guarded Securities can do no good before India's most corrupted money politics. There are chances for altering votes. All Parties electoral candidates should go to sleep with eyes open.

Don't harbour such fears/doubts.EC in India is well administered.EVM are kept sealed and well protected.Why one month it can be stored for much longer time.EVMs are manufactured in ECIL Hyderabad and they are tamper proof.I have observed the demonstrations conducted by ECIL (A public sector undertaking)

^^ :lol: As T Rajendar said, "Idaiyil Oru Maasam, Yaen indha Avagasam ? Makkale Sindhiyungal Sindhiyungal Titakk Titakk Titakk !! "

T.Rajender komalithanamavum kindalavum pesuvar.Oru masam porthukamudiyada?.Makkal oru masam porumaya irupanga sindhika onnum ille.

During Lok Sabha elections, the results of one state may affect the the outcome of the polls in other states if the results are announced in between.

But in State Assembly elections, it hardly matters (probably except for All India parties like CPM or Congress - in Kerala & WBengal).

The wait is agonising.

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http://i.imgur.com/xJhL8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/hW58F.jpg

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http://i.imgur.com/1BcyC.jpg

http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/launch-of-residential-project-announced/649612.html

Chennai-based S and P Foundation today announced the launch of its residential project in Mogappair West Extension here. Talking to reporters here, S Prabakar, Managing Director, S and P Foundation said the work on the first phase of the project would cover 10.91 acres with 592 apartments and it would start soon. "The firm with a large land bank of over 370 acres worth Rs 2,000 crores has three projects in hand and is planning to work one after another", he said. The land bank, Prabakar said, was predominantly in Chennai and in Madurai-Tuticorin highroad. The projected cost of the 500 to 550 sq feet apartments of the Mogappair West prject was between Rs 15 and Rs 70 lakhs, he said. The project once completed will have 2,400 apartments and 300 villas. S and P plans to complete the first phase within 18 months and will work on a 150-acre project soon in Tambaram.
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The Chennai-based S&P Foundation Pvt. Ltd. on Friday announced the launch of three residential projects in three different locations within Chennai with a total investment of nearly Rs.4,000 crore. Two projects would come up at Mogappair and the third one at Tamabaram.

Addressing a press conference here on Friday, S. Prabakar, Managing Director, said to begin with, the company would be launching its first project at the Mogappair West Extension. Christened as S&P Living Spaces, it would come up in 80 acres. The first phase would come up in 11 acres and would have a built-up area of 7 lakh sq.ft. There would be 592 apartments in the first phase and it would be completed in 18-20 months, he said.

He said the entire 80 acres would be developed in five years and would have 2,800 apartments and 300 villas. The total cost of the project would be Rs.1,800 crore.

On the two other projects, he said, the company was awaiting approval. However, in these two projects, he said an 18-acre residential project would come up, also at Mogappair West. The total cost of the project would be Rs.1,200 crore. In the first phase, it would take up construction only on 9 acres and have 1,200 apartments, the investment being Rs.600 crore.

The proposed third project would come up at Tamabaram. It would be a township on 150 acres. The first phase would cost Rs.450 crore. Both these projects would take off after getting the requisite approval, he said.

Mr. Prabakar said the company already had over 400 acres both in Chennai and Madurai. However, on the initial investment, he said there were many high net worth individual investors who were funding these projects. So far, the company had received Rs.50 crore for its first project and hoped to get similar support for the rest of its projects, he said.

On its S&P Living Spaces, he said the apartments would come in three different sizes — 3BHK, 2BHK and 1BHK ranging from 555 sq. ft. to 1,790 sq. ft. — and the cost of the flat would be between Rs.18 lakh and Rs.60 lakh.

Another set of lowrises!! :ohno::ohno:

^^

Cities like Chandigarh, Amsterdam and Stuttgart look good with lowrises
:)

The projected cost of the 500 to 550 sq feet apartments of the Mogappair West prject was between Rs 15 and Rs 70 lakhs, he said.

Maybe he meant 15-17 lakhs?

70L seems impractical for a 500 sqft flat in Mogappair West - works out to Rs. 14,000 per sqft!

I like how colourful and cheery those apartments look btw.. And looks like a HUGE project!

Maybe he meant 15-17 lakhs?

70L seems impractical for a 500 sqft flat in Mogappair West - works out to Rs. 14,000 per sqft!

I like how colourful and cheery those apartments look btw.. And looks like a HUGE project!

70 L for 3 BHK flat (1690Sqft) you can refer last para statement.
S & P has huge land bank in mugapair west/Nolambur and already executed villa type residential colony.

S and P: These guys were running the teaser ad in all leading dailies asking suggestions to change chennai. I thought S&P is a NGO and i was fasinated by those ads. But its yet another real estate company. Why did they run this campaign? What happened to all those suggestions?

MUMBAI: India Factoring and Finance Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (IFFSL), a joint venture of Punjab National Bank with Malta-based FIMBank Plc., Italy-based Banca IFIS and Mumbai based Blend Financial Services, is extending its factoring business to Tamil Nadu with the opening of its second branch in Chennai this month. IFFSL commenced commercial operations simultaneously in New Delhi and Mumbai in January this year.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/16/stories/2011041655151700.htm

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/1090352/898699386/name/City_MS.pdf

Guys - Look at this report - cross posted from Bangalore thread.

Chennai 6th / 7th

http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5124114

Despite security concerns raised about the use of Chinese telecom equipment in India, ZTE Corporation today said it is mulling a manufacturing plant in the country to tap into the growing market, especially 3G services.
"We are planning to build a manufacturing plant in India, but the plan is still at feasibility stage," said ZTE Corporation Director Qiu Shaoling.
"The most preferable place to set-up the plant would be in Chennai, which is well connected, but all this depends on the regulatory approvals from the Government of India and demand of the industry," Shaoling added.
ZTE, a leading global provider of telecom equipment and network solutions, has a wholly owned subsidiary ZTE India.
On whether the manufacturing plant will only cater to the Indian market, Shaoling said, "Primarily it will be for the Indian market and later on it might be used for exports."
Last year, the government had banned Chinese telecom equipment manufacturer Huawei and ZTE due to security concerns. Later, however, they were allowed to sell telecom equipment to Indian operators.
The telecom ministry has created a list of core equipment for mandatory security clearance such as call servers, firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, LAN switches, media gateways, MSC servers, mobile switching centres and routers.
The security issue was initially raised by the Home Ministry, which voiced concerns that Chinese telecom equipment for India may have embedded spyware, giving intelligence agencies in that country access to India''s telecom networks.
ZTE started operations in India in 1999, offering products for wireline, wireless and other services. It has a very wide product range in India, including fixed/wireless network, terminals and services.
Products with technologies likes Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and DSL broadband have 50 and 30 per cent market share in India.
Its GSM products are used by operators like Reliance, Tata, Idea, Aircel, among others.

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/fertiliser-min-mulls-polymer-r&d-centres-in-chennai-pune/777824/0

The Union ministry of chemicals and fertilisers is keen on setting up centres of excellence (CoEs) on polymer sciences in Chennai and Pune in the forthcoming 12th Plan period, said Neelkamal Darbari, joint secretary, department of chemicals and petrochemicals.

“In the 12th Plan period we hope to get more funds towards various developmental activities including possible setting up of two CoEs in Chennai and Pune. Chennai already has a CoE level institution— Central Institute of Plastic Engineering Technology (CIPET) that is teaching, training and undertaking research projects in plastic and polymer technologies. The mission of the petro-chemical ministry is to build and strengthen the CoEs to play a pivotal role in promoting brand India as a destination of polymer and plastic related technologies,” she told FE.

Wherever feasible, the CoE could also be operated as public private partnership institution (PPP) with a possible collaborative tie-ups with institutes and industry, she pointed out. More on the role of CoEs, Darbari added CoEs will be involved in cutting-edge projects like developing bio-polymer and bio-degradable polymer and innovative recycling process technology to minimise the usage of non-biodegradable plastic.

On the likely investment in each of the CoE proposed, she said it is too premature to comment on the allocation of funds as the proposal is in the very early stage with the various modalities.

Darbari said the ministry is keen on setting up plastic park with common facilities to attract domestic and overseas investments that would synergise and consolidate the capacities in plastic sector through cluster development.

http://i.imgur.com/nS7in.jpg
A view of the roller skating rink being developed by Alandur Municipality in Nanganallur.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1710389.ece

A roller skating rink being developed by the Alandur Municipality in Nanganallur is fast nearing completion.

Though the facility was “formally inaugurated” in February, ahead of the elections, a few works still remain, including fixing of tiles. It is likely to be thrown open to public by June-end.

A sum of Rs.31 lakh is being spent on creating the rink. While Rs.15 lakh was sanctioned from the constituency development fund of T.M. Anbarasan, Alandur MLA and Labour Minister, the rest is from educational cess collected by the municipality.

A. Duraivelu, Alandur Municipal Chairman, said children could use the rink free of cost.

N. Mahesan, municipal engineer, said the rink, located on a sprawling piece of land on 100 Feet Road opposite Civil Aviation Colony, measured 325 feet long and 30 feet wide, making it among the biggest of such facilities in Chennai.

The remaining works included fixing of tiles, building store rooms and other facilities. He said these would be completed by the end of June.

Nanganallur Roller Skaters Development Association had submitted a petition to Mr. Anbarasan sometime ago seeking government nod for creating the skating rink, according to its secretary B. Hariprasad.

The rink was the longest in Tamil Nadu, he said, adding that children aged above two-and-a-half years would be allowed to use it.

An office-bearer of the Kancheepuram District Roller Skating Association said the rink would give a fillip to the sport and encourage children to perform better. He pointed out that children from the southern suburbs of Chennai had consistently excelled in roller skating at State and national-level tournaments.

At present, about two dozen children from Nanganallur and areas around it were being trained by a coach on the space between Thillaiganga Nagar subway and GST Road opposite the Officers Training Academy in St. Thomas Mount.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/italian-joint-venture-starts-operation-in-india/432907/

Global leaders in Power Transmission Equipments for Industrial Applications aim for Rs.35 crore turnover in 3 years

Two Italian majors in the Power Transmission Equipments industry, with a combined legacy of over 123 years and operations in more than 60 countries, have joined their hands to set foot in India. With a combined investment of 1 million Euros (Rs. 6 crore, approx.), MGM Mottori Elettrici SpA and Varvel SpA today announced the start of operations of their joint venture, MGM-Varvel Power Transmission Pvt. Ltd in Chennai. The factory is located at Indus Valley Logistics Park in Mel Ayanambakkam. The joint venture aims for Rs. 35 crore turnover in 3 years, with exports contributing 30% to it.

Entities are expecting to double their respective revenues by the year 2013 catering consistent growth in India in multiple sectors like Construction, Material Handling, Wind Energy, Food, Packaging, Textile, Chemical, Pharma and Ceramics. MGM-Varvel will be a key player in India supplying highly efficient Brake Motors and Gearboxes.

Mr. Edaordo Ghieri, President, MGM Motori Elettrici SpA said, “We chose India as the location for MGM-Varvel recognising the excellent technically trained resources here. India also has a quality infrastructure and allows us to develop a business with growth rates higher than those of western countries.”

Mr. Francesco Berselli, President, Varvel SpA said, “We firmly believe that the only way to develop new markets is by creating a network. We joined forces with MGM, to exploit our desire to give a new impulse to the production catering the demand existing in India. India represents a new opportunity for us. Prominent growth of this dynamic emerging country promises a lot. We are looking forward to grow exponentially here.”

Mr. Krishnamurthy Ravi, General Manager, MGM-Varvel Power Transmission Pvt. Ltd. said, “With high optimisation of resources, MGM-Varvel bring a level of competency, efficiency and scalability to cater the market in India and abroad.”

“The land occupied in October 2010, is strategically located to cater our customers in India and outside. With easy access to ports, the facility will be a strategic logistical pole in India for our global operations. We look forward to start our exporting from the year 2012.” Mr. Krishnamurthy Ravi added.

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/SSWL-commissions-second-phase-expansion-in-Chennai/3654528955

Capital Market / 12:01 , Apr 20, 2011

Steel Strips Wheels has commissioned its second phase production facility on 19th April at Chennai. With this new line, the production capacity at SSWL Chennai has now been increased to 6 million wheels per annum from present capacity of 2.5 million wheels per annum.
This increased capacity shall enable SSWL to further penetrate into the export market of South America, Europe and also increase sales to Domestic customers e.g. Hyundai, etc.
In addition, SSWL shall also explore the possibility of exports to South East Asia from Chennai plant. The South East Asia has so far not been effectively catered by SSWL and this increased capacity shall now give the required edge to SSWL for this market.
The company made this announcement during the trading hours today, 20 April 2011.

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Source=Find&Key=ETBG/2011/04/20/5/Ar00500%2Exml&CollName=ET_BANGALORE_DAILY_2007&DOCID=390185&Keyword=%28%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Eascendas%29&skin=ETNEW&AppName=1&PageLabel=5%20&ViewMode=HTML

Proposal to Tax SEZ Units Cause for Concern, Says Ascendas’ India Chief Teo
Singapore-based developer Ascendas considers
India its key market, and has an asset size of Rs 5,900 crore under its belt. However, it is concerned about the budget proposal on taxing units in SEZs and is currently reviewing the implications in detail. In an interview with Sanjay Vijayakumar and V Balasubramanian, the company’s new India head Thomas Teo says India should also be cautious not to lose its competitive edge in attracting investors as other countries in the region are also becoming attractive for investment by other foreign investors. Excerpts:

How important is the Indian market for Ascendas and what are your plans to increase your footprint here?
India is one of our key markets and we have the advantage of having been in the country for close to two decades. In addition to IT parks, we are now focusing on developing integrated projects with sector-specific SEZs, commercial, residential and supporting social amenities like retail, hospitalities and institutions.
How many projects have you developed (extent of area) so far in India and how many are in the pipeline?
Currently, we are managing about 7.9 million sq ft of completed business space catering to over 250 clients and 64,000 professionals in our parks in Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. We manage an asset size valued at SGD 1.7 billion (Rs 5,900 crore). Our parks enjoy an occupancy rate of over 95% .
What is the update on your integrated township project in Chennai for Japanese companies?
Master planning is in progress for an integrated township around Chennai comprising industrial, IT & business parks clubbed with social infrastructure and amenities. We would like to start promoting the project next year.
There are reports that you may defer your Indian plans due to the taxation norms? Will India continue to remain a key market for you?
Ascendas believes in India’s growth story by staying committed to India and would like to continue to grow in the country. However, we are concerned about the budget proposal on taxing units in SEZs and are currently reviewing the implications in detail.
What would be the future of development of parks in India, given the ever-changing tax structure?
With its high growth rate and effective policies, India will continue to be an attractive investment destination. However, India should also be cautious not to lose its edge in attracting investors as other regional countries are also becoming an attractive place for investment for foreign investors. We like to believe the Indian government will understand and do what is needed for India to grow further.
What are the plans for Ascendas India Trust (a-iTrust) in India? Is it looking for more buys? What would be the focus areas?
Currently, Ascendas manages two India-specific funds, Ascendas India Trust, Asia’s first-listed Indian property trust listed on 1 August 2007, and Ascendas India Development Trust, a private development fund for larger integrated greenfield developments closed in May 2007. We recently announced a conditional agreement with Phoenix Infocity developers to acquire its portfolio of five buildings within the Hitec City 2 SEZ in Hyderabad. This will be the third IT Park in Hyderabad and fifth IT Park in India to be owned by a-iTrust. It will continue to explore more projects across the country and expand its portfolio in a commercially sensible manner.
With the tax sops for STPI not being extended, what would be the impact on the Indian market and a developer like you?
We have diversified our portfolio to include SEZs and other real estate classes. As an investor, we would need to constantly review our position and may have to adjust our strategies with each major policy change.

Any ideas sagas, about what happened to the Taynampet signal under construction 12 storied building that has a huge green curtain hanging from top? Is it sealed by the corporation due to infringements of CMDA masterplan/guidelines/FSI?

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-company/earnings/earnings-news/mahindra-lifespace-developers-q4-net-profit-up-29-at-rs-3049-crore/articleshow/8065880.cms

A plunge pool, for the first time in India.

jrF_7l0HIYE

2MvY_zW0IkE

http://i.imgur.com/6MWpu.jpg

Ford Business Services to make Chennai centre of excellence


CHENNAI: Ford Business Services, a 100 per cent subsidiary of US-headquartered Ford Motor Corporation , plans to make Chennai a Centre of Excellence " for its operations in India, a top company official said.

"For the benefit of Ford, we are leveraging on the big talent pool we have in India. We want to make Chennai a 'Centre of Excellence'. This is the journey we are on," Ford Business Services President and Managing Director Joginder P Singh said.

The company also plans to ramp up its facility in Coimbatore as part of pan-India expansion plans.

Ford Business Services offers various services to Ford Motor Corporation, including IT, accounting and engineering services, besides many others.

The company has three units in Chennai and Coimbatore employing about 1,500 people.

Singh said Ford has been growing at 30 per cent every year in terms of manpower, an example of which was in Coimbatore, where 350 people were added last year. "By the end of this year, it will be increased to 500," he said.

"Currently, we have 5,000 employees in the shared services division and another 5,000 in manufacturing," he said.

Ford Business Services works globally for Ford, particulary in areas like Information Technology. "It has become the second largest application development centre for Ford and in the accounting services division, we have about 700-800 people," he said.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/automobiles/ford-business-services-to-make-chennai-centre-of-excellence/articleshow/8098155.cms

.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/lancor-chalks-out-rs-2500-cr-investment/433704/

Chennai-based Lancor Holdings Ltd, previously known as DBS Properties Ltd, would invest around Rs 100 crore in various residential projects.

Lancor managing director RV Shekar said that its total projects to be implemented over the next six years were around Rs 2,500 crore. These include at a Rs 250-crore residential project at Potheri with 670 apartments, a Rs 70-crore project at Vallasaravakam with 92 apartments. At Nanganallur the company is planning to construct a 60-apartment property, with a sale value of Rs 65 crore.

The company also entered into a joint venture agreement for developing a residential project, which would be spread over 17 acres, the value of which would be around Rs 450 crore.

The BSE-listed company is planning to acquire 95 acres at Sriperumbudur, where it is planning to develop Rs 1,000-crore worth of residential project over 4-5 years.

“Overall, by 2015, the company is planning to develop residential projects 6 million sft,” he said. All these projects would help the company to reach a turnover of around Rs 400-500 crore, added Mallika Ravi, chief executive officer, Lancor Holdings Ltd.

During the year ended March 31, 2011, the company reported a turnover of around Rs 200 crore and it would remain the same in 2011-12. The growth would come from the fiscal after that, she added.

Any update on the Financial City Project pls?

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/2667/03thhall621461f.jpg
A view of the Victoria Public Hall.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1986368.ece

The Victoria Public Hall will be thrown open to the public by July with the Chennai Corporation set to complete the project to restore the heritage structure by June.

The project, to restore the nearly 110-year-old building to its original glory, was taken up a year ago at a cost of Rs.3.96 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

Mayor M.Subramanian, who inspected the restoration work on Monday, said the damaged roof has been replaced and work on the wooden flooring and staircase is in progress.

Once the work is finished, sound and light show would be conducted on the ground floor, whose built-up area is 13,342 sq.ft. The first floor, which has a built-up area of 12, 541 sq.ft., would be used to conduct cultural programmes. The hall would have a seating capacity of 600 persons.

Archaeological Survey of India, Anna University and Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, a voluntary organisation, are some of the agencies that conduct periodical review of the restoration work.

A press release from the Corporation said that the Victoria Public Hall, which is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, was built by Namperumal Chetty in 1890. Renovation work of the hall was first carried out in 1967 and the then Chief Minister C.N.Annadurai dedicated it for public use.

After a few years, the building remained closed for over 40 years. Several eminent personalities, including Mahatma Gandhi and Swami Vivekananda, have visited the hall.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9203/03thmarsh621462f.jpg
Pallikaranai marsh, which was once a scenic wetland has lost its charm, mainly on account of rapid urbanisation.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article1986369.ece

An adaptive Pallikaranai marshland management plan, which proposes to strongly regulate solid waste disposal, establish a wetland centre and encourage nature-based learning and recreation is likely to be put in place soon.

Estimated to cost around Rs.15 crore, the plan recommends setting up digital boards, depictive murals, viewing decks and towers connected through walkways, aquaria, viewing telescopes, night-vision cameras and camera traps.

High-level inspections conducted

Two high-level inspections were conducted recently. The inspection team included the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Secretary since a large part of the marsh is currently being used for solid waste dumping by Chennai Corporation, said a senior official of the Environment and Forest Department.

A lot needs to be done to preserve the ecologically sensitive area. A plan has been evolved. It will be announced once the model code of conduct is withdrawn, the official said. A report ‘Adaptive Management Plan for the Conservation of Pallikaranai Marsh', submitted by Care Earth, a non-government organisation, has been sent to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to seek its approval. Broadening the scope of the debate beyond habitat preservation, the report establishes a clear link between the degradation of the Pallikaranai marsh and the recurrent floods that have plagued south Chennai.

Citing the research of an Indo-German team, which has been conducting a study for the past five years, the report states that though the average annual precipitation has remained consistent with the overall trend of the last 200 years, incidents of flooding in south Chennai have drastically increased, especially since 2001-2002.

A large part of south Chennai was historically a flood plain, which spread over 50 sq. km, comprised of a large marsh (Pallikaranai marsh), smaller satellite wetlands, large tracts of pasture land and patches of dry forests.

The original expanse of the marsh, estimated on the basis of the Survey of India toposheets (1972) and aerial photographs (Corona) of the year 1965 was about 5,500 ha, which has currently been reduced to about 600 ha.

Chief Wildlife Warden (Chennai) Gautam Dey said that the proximity to the IT corridor and unbridled real estate development are major threats to the marsh. “We are currently spending Rs.60 lakh to set up a green belt, signboards and other facilities.”

Jayasree Vencatesan of Care Earth said that apart from negotiating for the protection of wetlands, the aim of the report was to demand a better quality of life for the city's residents. “Recurrent floods and poor availability of potable water are major problems.

The marsh serves as a flood mitigation zone as well as groundwater recharge area. Also, more species have been recorded in Pallikaranai than in any other marshland in south India. It has to be converted into a usable green space for the residents of the city,” she said.

^^

Gosh , I do hope they preserve this wonderful piece of marshland . Pallikaranai along with Vedanthangal and Poondi is a huge treasure trove for Chennai and a haven for migratory birds :)

AFTER DELAYS, STALIN SAYS IT WILL BE READY BY JUNE, RESIDENTS SCEPTICAL

May 2: Residents of Villivakkam have no idea when the much-awaited subway will be completed at the Villivakkam level crossing.
Deputy chief minister M.K. Stalin, who inspected the subway work on Sunday, announced that the work would be completed by June end, but for the residents, seeing would be believing. The city corporation, which is jointly executing the project with the Southern Railways, has set many deadlines in the past too.

Apart from mayor M. Subramanian, Mr Stalin and Union textiles minister Dayanidhi Maran had inspected the project quite a few times and set deadlines for its completion. The civic body had earlier set a target of completing the project by April 2010 and then revised it to April 2011.

“Now Mr Stalin says that the project will be completed by next month. I do not know how they are going to complete the work on schedule as they did not adhere to the deadlines in the past,“ said K. Ramanujam, a resident of Villivakkam.

S. Aishwarya, an IT professional, said that the project was progressing at a snail's pace. “The work on the subway began in 2008,“ she said, adding that the Corporation had announced that it would construct a railway over-bridge to replace the level crossing number one at Villivakkam.

The opening of the subway to traffic would help motorists in Villivakkam and Kolathur. The 448metre long and 13-metre wide subway is supposed to be constructed at a cost of `34.16 crore. It will also have separate bicycle lanes.

A senior corporation official said that the project had got delayed due to the failure of the Railways to execute works. He added that the project would be completed as announced by Mr Stalin.

http://www.dc-epaper.com/Publications/DC/DCC/2011/05/03/INDEX.SHTML?ArtId=005_049&Search=Y

http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article1988205.ece?homepage=true

The RPG Group on Tuesday announced its plans to set up a carbon black project in Tamil Nadu which may be its biggest Indian capacity at a proposed annual production of 1.5 lakh tonnes.

Company chairman Sanjiv Goenka said that SIPCOT authorities have made an in-principle allotment of 60 acres at the SIPCOT Industrial park in Thervoy Kandigai in Tamil Nadu near the Ennore port. “We have applied for environmental clearances,” he said.

Indicating that there may be other projects in the South, he said that Tamil Nadu was chosen first as it is emerging as the country’s automobile capital. He said that the capacity may be set up at one go but in a modular fashion.

Mr. Goenka was unwilling to declare the intended investment for the project but said that together with a 20 MW power plant, the project may need an investment of about Rs. 450 crore.

The city-based PCBL now has units in Durgapur in West Bengal, Kochi in Kerala and Mundhra in Gujarat which is newest plant in India. It is also setting up a greenfield unit in Vietnam and is pursuing an acquisition in Germany.

The RPG Group on Tuesday announced its plans to set up a carbon black project in Tamil Nadu which may be its biggest Indian capacity at a proposed annual production of 1.5 lakh tonnes.

Company chairman Sanjiv Goenka said that SIPCOT authorities have made an in-principle allotment of 60 acres at the SIPCOT Industrial park in Thervoy Kandigai in Tamil Nadu near the Ennore port. “We have applied for environmental clearances,” he said.

Indicating that there may be other projects in the South, he said that Tamil Nadu was chosen first as it is emerging as the country’s automobile capital. He said that the capacity may be set up at one go but in a modular fashion.

Mr. Goenka was unwilling to declare the intended investment for the project but said that together with a 20 MW power plant, the project may need an investment of about Rs. 450 crore.

SRC: http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article1988205.ece

where does Carbon Black finds utility??

^^Wikipedia: "The most common use (70%) of carbon black is as a pigment and reinforcing phase in automobile tires. Carbon black also helps conduct heat away from the tread and belt area of the tire, reducing thermal damage and increasing tire life. Carbon black particles are also employed in some radar absorbent materials and in photocopier and laser printer toner."

http://www.gasworld.com/news.php?a=5624

Cryolor recently announced the formal inauguration of its new cryogenic equipment manufacturing plant in Chennai, southern India, having commenced production in November 2010.

With the first cryogenic tanks now ready for dispatch to its customers, Cryolor plans a grand ceremony on 20th May 2011.

Cryolor’s investment in this new state-of-the-art facility, with 15,000 m² surface area, has industrial stages similar to its European manufacturing plant, with improvements derived from its experience of more than 25 years. The new plant is capable of manufacturing 300 tanks per year, of different sizes.

For its inauguration event, Cryolor Asia Pacific will host numerous guests, including representative state officials from Europe and India, as well as many regional customers and partners.

Ravin Mirchandani, Managing Director of Cryolor Asia Pacific, indicated he was delighted to present his team and world class factory to the international gas industry. “Our facility has been built to be expanded and easily scaled up in size in the future. We are looking forward to offering our full product range to meet the requirements of our industrial gas and LNG industry customers in the region.”

Hadi MOUSSAVI, Managing Director of the Cryolor group, said, “This new investment will allow us to be closer to our customers, and to reinforce our market position in the spectacularly growing Asia Pacific. All products manufactured and services proposed by Cryolor Asia Pacific will comply with Cryolor’s ‘best in class’ safety and quality standards that provide the value for customer we are known for.”

SARE to launch second project at Kolathur

http://news.chennaionline.com/newsitem.aspx?NEWSID=de2fdfe6-6b96-4a87-98a4-976b62be8b49&CATEGORYNAME=CHN

Chennai, May 4 : Buoyed by tremendous success of its maiden project in the IT corridor of OMR, the South Asian Real Estate (SARE), an FDI organisation, will launch its second project in Chennai City at Kolathur in the next one month.

The project involved construction of about 2,000 apartments and villa type houses on a 61.4 acre area at an investment of Rs 500 crore. SARE Executive Director (Operations) David Walker told reporters here today the company was happy that more than 1000 units were sold in the first project at OMR.

The first and second phases were completely sold out and the company would start handing over the possession by the end of this year. The OMR project involved construction of about 4,000 units on an 112 acre area. The third and fourth phase construction would commence soon.

Considering that Chennai was the most vibrant market with good mix of IT, ITES and manufacturing bases, the second project at Kolathur, an integrated township, would be targeted at the middle income group. It would be executed in three phases. he added.

SARE Country Business Manager Sandeep Menon, who was also present, said the company was planning to sell a total of 6.2 million sq ft spread over 173 acre in the two projects before looking at micro cities like Madurai and Coimbatore to become a leading player in residential space in Tamil Nadu.

-

Isha Homes, a leader in the niche villa homes segment, which entered budget apartments last year, is planning to develop three more projects, including villas and budget apartments with a project cost of Rs.500 crore.

Launching the second phase of Isha Yara project, Suresh Krishn, Managing Director, said the company would develop gated community villas spread over 10 acres off OMR (near Chennai) and would be launched by July this year. An affordable apartments project would come up near Tambaram spread over 12 acres.

As part of the company's expansion plans in the Tier-II cities, it would develop a gated community villas at Coimbatore spread over 20 acres. He said both Tambaram and Coimbatore projects were likely to be introduced by March 2012 and January 2012 respectively.

The Managing Director said Isha Yara spread over 5.91 acres in Medavakkam near here would house 444 budget apartments with a total built-up area of 4.28 lakh sq. ft. The Rs.80 crore first phase of the project, consisting 288 flats was nearing completion and keys would be handed over in six months.

Mr. Krishn said the company launched Isha Yara second phase on May 4. The size of each unit would be between 531 sq. ft. and 1,211 sq. ft. Work on the second phase would begin by June and would be completed in 15 months.

He said the Rs.65 crore phase-II would house a total of 156 budget apartments consisting 80 single, 28 two-bedroom and 48-three bedroom flats. The inaugural offer price was Rs.3,575 per sq. ft and a gold coin for every booking, he added.

Mr. Krishn said since its inception in 2004, the company had delivered three lakh sq. ft. of completed projects. As on date, the company had a land bank of 45 acres in Tamil Nadu. He said the company, which had a turnover of Rs.80 crore in 2010-11, was targeting Rs.110 crore in 2011-12.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703992704576304891732049986.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Shalimar is looking to expand capacities at the existing manufacturing plants by around 25%, according to a company presentation to shareholders in March. It has three plants with an installed capacity of 57,000 tons per annum and is in the process of setting up fourth plant with a capacity of 18,000 tons in Chennai.

To all of Chennai real estate viewers a new hidden corridor close to city(chrompet) is starting to develop and it is taking the advantage of being close to city ie. 6 kms from Pallavaram GST road and the under construction 400' OUTER RING ROAD. This corridor is the Pallavaram - thiruneermalai - thirumudivakkam- kundrathur belt.Barren land till now which is very close to city compared to development taken place beyound thiruporur on Omr and guduvancherry on GST road. Real effect will come out only after ORR completes in another 1 or 1.5 years.Already many builders started proposing huge projects on this streach.

Jains alpine meadows- 40 acre township
amarprakash Heritage- 172 units
Amarprakash Royal castle(mini township)- 1088 units with school and clinis.
Navins accquires 12 acres .
Ashram school as plans to construct residential school and huge board as been erected and still more to come

you can get apartment for 2600 to 3500 in this streach which is about 5 kms from pallavaram Gst road and it is fast increasing since due to ORR.But compared to OMR AND GST ROAD you get for these rates in very far distance and no scope of value increase.
http://amarprakash.in/images/royal_location.jpg
http://amarprakash.in/images/eflayer.pdf

This pdf as clearly given the facts and figures how this corridor will be a good investment in another 3 years.

http://amarprakash.in/images/eflayer.pdf

Murugappa group draws up Rs.1,500-crore capex plan
The Murugappa group has drawn up a Rs. 1,500-crore capital expenditure (capex) programme for 2011-12. It incurred a capital expenditure of Rs.410 crore in 2010-11.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, A. Vellayan, Executive Chairman of the group, said the Rs.1,500-crore capex commitment would mainly go to consolidate the group's position in dominant sectors with a focus on organic growth. Much of the capex would be spent on three companies — Coromandel International, Tube Investments of India and Corborundum Universal (CUMI).

The group reported a 25 per cent growth in turnover during 2010-11 at Rs. 17,051 crore, up from Rs. 13,617 crore in the preceding year. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation grew by 20 per cent to Rs.2,247 crore (Rs.1,879 crore). The profit before tax was up by 20 per cent at Rs.1,657 crore (Rs.1,382 crore).

Mr. Vellayan said the group was geared to achieve $7.2 billion turnover by 2013-14. A robust GDP (gross domestic product) growth, upbeat customer sentiment, initiatives on the efficiency front, capacity expansion and customer-focussed product innovation had all had positive impact on the growth story of the group, he said. The three acquisitions — Sadashiva Sugars, SEDIS and GMR Industries — had contributed Rs.463 crore to the turnover of the group in 2010-11.

Sales of Coromandel International grew by 18 per cent (at Rs.7,585 crore), Tube Investments by 35 per cent (Rs.3,308 crore), CUMI by 26 per cent (Rs.1,676 crore), EID Parry by 46 per cent (Rs.1,750 crore), Cholamandalam Investment by 28 per cent (Rs.1,222 crore), Cholamandalam MS General Insurance by 23 per cent (Rs.968 crore) and others by 15 per cent (Rs.543 crore).

Mr. Vellayan said Coromandel was well placed to take advantage of the new nutrient-based subsidy policy introduced by the government in April 2010.

The company, he said, also ventured into non-subsidy-based business such as speciality nutrient as a part of the de-risk strategy.

He said the focus now was to make all the acquired sugar facilities profit-making units. Eventually, they would be integrated with EID Parry. Silk Road Refinery, a joint venture with Cargill, had commenced production.

However, the plant was running at lower capacity due to partial gas allocation. He said the books of Cholamandalam Finance were totally cleaned up ever since the group's disengagement with DBS.

The company was now gearing up to the gold loan space. The group, he said, was looking at a growth of 25-30 per cent during 2011-12.
Link - http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article1994171.ece

check this also
This pdf as clearly given the facts and figures how this corridor will be a good investment in another 3 years.

http://amarprakash.in/images/eflayer.pdf


^^^^

Good One . Once ORR becomes operative , I am sure there is bound to be a slew of development here .


:)

http://www.plasticstoday.com/imm/articles/mahle-opens-injection-molding-plant-india05092011

Mahle Group (Stuttgart, Germany) has opened a purpose-built 3300-sq-m manufacturing plant near Chennai, India that the company says will serve as a competence center for its injection molding in the country. The company currently outsources much of its injection molding in India with only its Gurgaon location overmolding air-filter elements.

Mahle held a ground-breaking ceremony for the new plant in June 2010, with the building completed by December. Installation of production equipment and basic facilities was finalized at the end of January 2011. The factory is located two hours drive from Chennai.

The facility will start production of air-filter systems, intake modules, and cylinder head covers with integrated oil mist separation in the new plant. Mahle says it has already received "large-scale" orders for these product groups to supply automobile manufacturers in the Chennai area.

Mahle currently has 80 employees in Chennai, with plans to boost that number to 150 in the medium term. The first intake modules and air filters are expected to ship starting in August. Mahle operates six plants in India, primarily producing filter systems, with additional production of pistons and engine components. The facilities are located in Gurgaon, Maralmalainagar, Parwanoo, Pithampur, and Pune, in addition to the new Chennai site.

Heinz K. Junker, Mahle Group's chairman, said the Chennai facility will be held up to the company's other Indian sites as an example for best practices in injection molding. "[Chennai] will play a model role for the other Mahle filter factories in India," Junker said in a release, "as we do no in-house injection molding there so far."

Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and with its preponderance of automobile manufacturing, it is known as the Detroit of Asia. There are 13 major automotive manufacturers located in the region, including Nissan, Renault, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Ford, Daimler, and BMW, in addition to several domestic producers.

Chennai is the fourth largest city in India and with its preponderance of automobile manufacturing, it is known as the Detroit of Asia. There are 13 major automotive manufacturers located in the region, including Nissan, Renault, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Ford, Daimler, and BMW, in addition to several domestic producers.

IS Mitsubishi plant in chennai??

^^Yes, they are manufactured in Hindustan motor's plant.

http://i.imgur.com/di3L1.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/business/companies/article1996944.ece

The demand for luxury housing segment is gaining momentum mainly in Tier-I cities, after a dip in the last two years, and the Chennai-based Landmark Construction has started tapping the segment again. Landmark, a player in all segments in apartments and villas from affordable homes to super luxury ultra premium lifestyle homes, launched ‘Vertica', high-end premium apartments on the auspicious Akshaya Tritiya day.

Addressing presspersons here on Friday, T. Udayakumar, Managing Director, said the project was located on Peters Road in the heart of the city. The premium apartment would have 17 floors and 82 units. There would be four two-bedroom flats of 2,000 sq. ft. each (Rs.2.89 crore), 64 three-bedroom flats of 2,350 sq. ft. each (Rs.3.61 crore) and 14 four-bedroom (Duplex) flats of 4,300 sq. ft each (Rs.6.25 crore).

This premium project is priced at Rs. 14,000 per sq. ft.

Vertica will have amenities such as a 1,600 sq. ft. infinity pool, mini theatre, billiards and games room, gents and ladies spa, aerobics and gym on the 16th floor. It will have a mechanised 4-stack puzzle car parking facility to park around 200 cars. Each of the entertainment facilities at Vertica has been aptly named to suit its utilities.

Mr. Udayakumar said the Rs.261-crore project would be completed by November 2013. Already the company had 12 bookings. It was targeting non-resident Indians and high networth individuals.

The Managing Director said the company, established in 2000, so far completed 20 projects and delivered 5.5 lakh sq. ft. of projects. It had sizable land bank and would announce more projects in the next two years. Landmark, which clocked a turnover of Rs. 95 crore in 2010-11, is expected to record a Rs.250-crore turnover in 2011-12.

17 floors! Not bad...

http://www.gasworld.com/news.php?a=5624

Cryolor recently announced the formal inauguration of its new cryogenic equipment manufacturing plant in Chennai, southern India, having commenced production in November 2010.

With the first cryogenic tanks now ready for dispatch to its customers, Cryolor plans a grand ceremony on 20th May 2011.

Cryolor’s investment in this new state-of-the-art facility, with 15,000 m² surface area, has industrial stages similar to its European manufacturing plant, with improvements derived from its experience of more than 25 years. The new plant is capable of manufacturing 300 tanks per year, of different sizes.

For its inauguration event, Cryolor Asia Pacific will host numerous guests, including representative state officials from Europe and India, as well as many regional customers and partners.

Ravin Mirchandani, Managing Director of Cryolor Asia Pacific, indicated he was delighted to present his team and world class factory to the international gas industry. “Our facility has been built to be expanded and easily scaled up in size in the future. We are looking forward to offering our full product range to meet the requirements of our industrial gas and LNG industry customers in the region.”

Hadi MOUSSAVI, Managing Director of the Cryolor group, said, “This new investment will allow us to be closer to our customers, and to reinforce our market position in the spectacularly growing Asia Pacific. All products manufactured and services proposed by Cryolor Asia Pacific will comply with Cryolor’s ‘best in class’ safety and quality standards that provide the value for customer we are known for.”

Cryolor plant is located between Melmaruvathur and Tindivanam in the GST.

17 floors! Not bad...
This design with 2 horns in the top looks sad! They could ve opted for a better exterior. The brown or beige whatever u call, looks dull & creates a vacuum.

The Tiruvottiyur May 7: The Tiruvottiyur High Road widening project has once again hit a roadblock due to delay in land acquisition.
Though the work on the 5-km section of the road from Toll Gate to Eranavur had started in 2007, delay in land acquisition on a narrow stretch in the Theradi Market area has brought the road-widening project to a standstill.

The project conceives of widening the road from the existing 30 to 40 feet to 60 feet with four lanes including a median, box culverts, side drains and seepage pipes.

“We have widened the road from the Toll Gate to Kaladipet stretch and from Sugam Hospital near Theradi Market to Eranavoor,” said a highways department official.

“We are facing a problem with land acquisition on the Sugam HospitalKaladipet stretch because of which the work has been affected.“

MOre here - http://www.dc-epaper.com/Publications/DC/DCC/2011/05/08/INDEX.SHTML?ArtId=004_037&Search=Y

This situation was faced by OMR when it was being built but they did not stop the project they continued to build the roads and left the places with acquisition as it is but eventually they completed the project. The same must be continued in this project too. Otherwise waiting for the acquisition will take more than 10 years if I can be conservative.

The Tiruvottiyur May 7: The Tiruvottiyur High Road widening project has once again hit a roadblock due to delay in land acquisition.
Though the work on the 5-km section of the road from Toll Gate to Eranavur had started in 2007, delay in land acquisition on a narrow stretch in the Theradi Market area has brought the road-widening project to a standstill.

The project conceives of widening the road from the existing 30 to 40 feet to 60 feet with four lanes including a median, box culverts, side drains and seepage pipes.

“We have widened the road from the Toll Gate to Kaladipet stretch and from Sugam Hospital near Theradi Market to Eranavoor,” said a highways department official.

“We are facing a problem with land acquisition on the Sugam HospitalKaladipet stretch because of which the work has been affected.“

MOre here - http://www.dc-epaper.com/Publications/DC/DCC/2011/05/08/INDEX.SHTML?ArtId=004_037&Search=Y

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Massive-afforestation-drive-to-begin-in-Chennai/articleshow/8200770.cms


CHENNAI: If the state forest department is successful, Chennai may well become a green gotham. Instead of monster buildings, tall trees will block sunlight in more streets, and provide shade to residents beaten down by the scorching heat.

In a massive afforestation drive, the urban forestry department is all set to distribute over one lakh tree saplings for Chennai city and suburbs. The saplings will be sourced from the satellite nurseries of the department's five ranges in greater Chennai region, and the project is expected to increase the green cover of Chennai by at least 5%.

Mimosaps, Trumpet tree, Tulip tree, Terminalia Arjuna, Neem tree, Country Badam tree and Guazuma are some of the saplings that will be planted. Portia tree and Alexandrian Laurel will be planted in the coastal region.

All these saplings will be planted in July of this year before the rains start. The department has spent Rs 32 to Rs 40 from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department Fund for the preparation of each sapling.

Chennai has an estimated 4.5% of its area under green cover. Large closed campuses of industries, private and public institutions are expected to take part in the project. The saplings will be available at Velchery, Anna Nagar, Padappai, Perungalathur and Madhavaram forest range divisions.

Experts say that highly polluting establishments such as Chennai port should create a green boundary to reduce pollution affecting the surrounding areas. "Corporates can adopt degraded quarry sites and hillocks in city suburbs and plant thousands of saplings, which would possibly survive as all the varieties that would be distributed are suitable for the entire Chennai region," said Dr D Narasimhan, a senior environmental consultant and professor of Madras Christian College.

S Soundararajan, district forest officer, said that the department will distribute the tree saplings free of cost mainly to educational and commercial institutions and industries. "The survival of atleast 80% saplings has to be assured and the department will give technical advise and help for the further protection of these saplings," he said.

http://www.indiaretailing.com/news.aspx?topic=1&Id=5641


Megamart, the value retail chain of Arvind Brands, has opened a 5,000-sq.ft. showroom in Chennai. The store at Adyar has on offer a wide range of apparel and accessories for men, women and children. It offers numerous domestic and international brands, including Lee, Wrangler, Flying Machine, Cherokee, Excalibur and Newport, among others.

For the first time in Chennai, Megamart has introduced new categories – Fashion Mart, Home Mart and Travel Mart – in its neighbourhood store format, making it a complete shopping destination for the entire family.

On the store launch, K E Venkatachalapathy, CEO, Arvind Retail Ltd, said, “This is one of our first neighbourhood stores in Chennai wherein we have introduced new categories – Fashion Mart, Home Mart and Travel Mart. Now, our customers can visit us not only for clothes but for much more.”

Megamart currently has over 200 stores spread across 82 cities in India.

– IndiaRetailing Bureau

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/new-rinks-for-roller-skating-enthusiasts/272927.html

V Gangadharan

CHENNAI: In Nanganallur, children and youngsters are excited about the soon to be opened roller skating rink in their neighbourhood.
The facility on 100 Feet Road near the Civil Aviation Colony is being developed on a 12,000 square foot open ground by the Alandur Municipality. It will be opened to the users in two weeks. Now, workers are fixing Kota stone tiles and giving finishing touches to the facility.
School students Ashwin Prasad and Sriram expressed their excitement about the upcoming rink to City Express. “We used to practice on the main roads despite the maddening traffic and safety concerns. Now, we will be getting a dedicated facility. This would go a long way in developing our roller skating skills, besides giving a fillip to the sport,” they said.
S Sugumaran, a young software professional, said the facility was a boon, especially to battle stress. “I believe that this sport can be a good stress buster.”
VR Kannan, a resident of Kannan Nagar in Madipakkam, said that the upcoming rink was the first-of-its-kind in Kanchipuram district.
“My children, like many others, practice in an open space between the Thillaiganga Nagar subway and GST Road, opposite to the Officers Training Academy in St Thomas Mount. We used to be concerned about the heavy traffic movement in these areas. Now, we are relieved.”
According to N Chandran, vice-chairman, Alandur Municipality, the facility is being set up at a cost of Rs 31 lakhs.
“State labour minister TM Anbarasan, who is also the local MLA, has given Rs 15 lakh from his constituency development fund and the rest has been funded by the municipality,” he said, adding that the rink could be used free of cost by all those who were interested in the sport.
Denying reports of delay from some quarters in the completion of the rink, Chandran said, “We completed a whole lot of things in a record short time, including the transfer of assets (overhead lines and cables) of the TNEB from the premises. The project is pretty much on schedule.”
B Hariprasad, secretary of the Nanganallur Roller Skaters Development Association, said that the State government and the local municipality had promptly acted on the association’s plea for setting up a rink.
“The rink is 325 feet long and 30 feet wide and it is the longest in the whole of Tamil Nadu. The facility will have two dressing rooms, toilets and an office room, making it complete in all respects,” he said adding that the skater body had appealed to the local body to hand over the facility to it for better management and maintenance.

http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?Type=aALL&ID=201105100019

Taipei-based Delta Electronics Inc., the world's largest provider of switching power supplies, said Tuesday that its new plant planned for the Indian city of Chennai is expected to begin production in April 2012.

Delta Electronics Chairman Bruce Cheng announced that the company will set up its fourth plant in India to produce solar power switching supplies, investing US$15 million in the first phase.

Construction of the Chennai plant is scheduled to begin in the second quarter or third quarter of this year and is expected to be finished in March 2012, Cheng said.

He made the announcement while presiding over the inauguration of a "green building" at Delta Electronics' India headquarters located in Gurgaon, close to New Delhi.

Cheng said the Chennai plant is aimed at India's domestic market, as well as the export market, and added that the new factory is expected to alleviate the impact from a peak-season production shortage in the company's facilities in Thailand.

In the initial phase, the plant will hire 1,000 employees, a number that will rise to 5,000 when its production capacity is fully utilized.

Delta Electronics, which has invested US$45 million in India, currently runs three plants in the subcontinent, producing mainly telecom power systems, uninterrupted power systems, display solutions and industrial automation.

Cheng said his company has faith in the earnings outlook of the Indian subsidiary, as India is a booming economy with a great deal of high-tech research and development talent.

"I'm impressed with the rapid economic development in the subcontinent," Cheng said.

The Indian economy grew 8.6 percent during the fiscal year of 2010-2011 and the market in general expects the economic growth in the 2011-2012 fiscal year to range between 8 percent and 8.5 percent.

In 2003, Delta Electronics (India) posted US$8.9 million in sales and revenue had risen to US$200 million as of 2010.

After the Chennai plant begins operations, the Indian operation is expected to generate US$300 million in 2012, Delta Electronics said.

Harsha Exito, a part of the Harsha Group in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), will soon start construction of its Rs 2,100-crore facility in State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) Industrial Park at Thervoy Kandigai, Gummidipoondi, according to a senior State Government official.

The company will manufacture heavy engineering equipment in the facility for the oil and gas, sugar, cement, steel plant and material handling industries.

In 2009 the company signed an agreement with the State Government to start the facility at Sipcot's Pillaipakkam industrial park in Irungattukottai near Sriperumbudur at cost of Rs 1,500 crore.

However, the agreement was revised and the facility will now come up in Thervoy Kandigai, according to Mr M. Velmurugan, Executive Vice-Chairman, Guidance Bureau, Industries Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Sipcot has allotted 100 acres to Harsha Group in Thervoy Kandigai industrial park, located nearly 60 km north of Chennai. The facility will be spread over an area of 102,000 sq m. It will comprise 35,000 sq. ft of office space to house the engineering, design, administration and HR and finance departments.

The manufacturing area in phase one will include a shop floor of 40,000 sq ft to manufacture heavy engineering equipment fully equipped with quality control labs and pilot test areas, according to information available on the company's Web site. When fully operational, the facility can employ around 1,000 people, said Mr Velmurugan.

The Harsha Group, a diversified entity promoted by Non-Resident Indians in the UAE, operates five companies under two lines of business – mechanical division comprising manufacturing and services and civil division comprising construction, landscaping and interiors.

The group started its operations in 1987 from India and moved to the UAE in 2002.

Recently the group divested 55 per cent of its stake in its mechanical division to ‘ALSA Group', a leading engineering and contracting company in the oil and gas sector in Abu Dhabi.

With India becoming one of the fastest growing economies, the Group decided to re-enter the Indian market with Harsha Exito Engineering Private Ltd carrying out its Indian operations, the group's Web site says.

src: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article1996500.ece

IndiaFirst Life sets up financial planning centre

IndiaFirst Life Insurance has announced the opening of its first financial planning centre (FPC) in Chennai which will offer its entire range of services to policyholders.

Addressing presspersons here on Wednesday, P. Nandagopal, Managing Director and CEO, said 12 more centres would be opened soon across important cities. The plan was to establish 100 such centres over a period. Each centre would have 1,000 advisors attached to it along with IndiaFirst employees. With the launch of FPCs the company expected its advisors to contribute 30-40 per cent of the business over a period of 3-4 years.

Commenting on the performance Mr. Nandagopal said the company could cross the Rs. 900 crore mark in news business premium within 500 days of its operations with a customer base of two lakh covering 1.2 million lives. It was hopeful to reach the Rs. 1,400 crore mark in respect of new business premium in the current financial year, he said.

The company, a joint venture between Bank of Baroda and Andhra Bank along with Legal & General (U.K.'s leading risk, wealth and investment company), has a range of 12 products and plans to launch a pension scheme soon. Capitalised at Rs. 455 crore at present, the insurance company plans to infuse another Rs. 125 crore with the promoters bringing in additional capital.

Presently Bank of Baroda, Andhra Bank and Legal General have 44 per cent, 30 per cent and 26 per cent stake respectively in the insurance venture.

Tata Housing plans affordable homes in four cities

Tata Housing Development Co. on Friday said it would develop ‘Subh Grah' projects in at least four cities — Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Mumbai — in the current fiscal to meet the low-cost housing needs of people. The Tata Group company is also looking at entering international markets through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

“So far, we have developed three affordable housing projects that have been successful. In 2011-12, we will be doing four such new projects. There is huge demand for low cost housing, particularly in metros and State capitals, which we can meet in partnership with the government. If the government provides us land, we can deliver smart-value homes and low-cost projects to meet housing needs of people,” Tata Housing Managing Director and CEO Brotin Banerjee told journalists here.

Tata Housing, which also announced the launch of luxury housing project Primanti in Gurgaon, comprising 1,100 units, said in the current fiscal, it would invest Rs.1,000 crore towards developing land bank and another Rs.2,000 crore towards construction.

“Last year, we did around 9,000 homes while this fiscal we plan to double this. We will launch 8-10 new projects this year…we are also looking at two new lines of business related to land development,” he said. Notably, Tata Housing is growing at an over 100 per cent CAGR (compound annual growth rate) for the past three years.

Referring to the realty firm's proposed global foray, Mr. Banerjee said: “We are looking for partners to enter into two countries in the SAARC region through the PPP model. Our focus will be affordable housing projects to meet shortage of housing.”

Talking about the Primanti project, Mr. Banerjee said: “The project will be spread in 36 acres and comprise world-class villas and executive floors and apartments, with prices starting at Rs.1.50 crore.”

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article2019487.ece

It was inaugurated as part of 2,600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi celebrations

Mahabodhi Nikethanaya, a lodging facility for Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka, was inaugurated here on Saturday at the Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Centre in Egmore.

The event was part of the celebrations of the 2,600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi by the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission.

Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi commemorates Buddha's enlightenment.

Speaking at the inauguration of the facility, Banagala Upathissa Thero, president, Society of Sri Lanka Mahabodhi, said the facility would be of help to a large number of Buddhist pilgrims who visit India.

Over two lakh Buddhist pilgrims visit India every year, he added.

“The Sri Lanka Mahabodhi Centre in Chennai is a monument of friendship between Sri Lanka and India,” he said.

He stressed the need for creating more such 21st century monuments in India like the stupas, viharas and ashrams built by Emperor Ashoka many centuries ago. Chennai is a gateway for many of the Buddhist pilgrims coming to States such as Uttar Pradesh.

...

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2023948.ece

Four major projects – the aero park; the sports city; the financial city; and the media and entertainment park – could possibly come under review with new Government taking over in Tamil Nadu.

Industry sources feel these projects will help the State move from being a ‘strong manufacturing base to knowledge industry.' But, the fear among industry is that some of the projects like aero park though initiated by the industry were considered to be ‘pet projects' of the former Deputy Chief Minister, Mr M.K. Stalin, who took keen interest in their implementation, and could (therefore or otherwise) be shelved. :lol: Excellent!!
“Politics should not come in the way of industrial development. If the projects were good, it should be taken up by the incumbent government,” said an industry source. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (Tidco) was given the responsibility of these projects, which are under various stages, including appointment of consultants.

Aerospace ecosystem
The aerospace ecosystem that has potential to create direct and indirect employment for one lakh highly skilled resources and can attract an investment of nearly $10 billion was in fact mooted by the Confederation of Indian Industry. This ecosystem will enable global players to design, manufacture and maintain all types of aircraft for both civilian and defence needs.

PPP mode The State Government had earlier announced that the aerospace park will be established through Public Private Partnership model to facilitate the growth of aerospace industries utilising the strengths and capabilities in engineering, auto and IT sector in the State.

The ecosystem will have dedicated runways, design and engineering city, manufacturing complex, satellite MRO facility, research and development centre and test laboratories, training/ simulators complex, aviation university, warehouse complex and MRO complex. In addition, there will be software and IT complex, pilots aid complex, international convention centre, global residential village, captive power generation complex, hospital, schools and other integrated amenities.

On the sports city, the Tamil Nadu Government identified Thiruvidanthai on the East Coast Road (ECR) and eight other nearby villages to establish Chennai Sports City in 1,500 acres in the Kancheepuram district. Due to the fast development of employment opportunities on the Rajiv Gandhi Salai (IT Corridor), there is need to develop social infrastructure in nearby areas.

In the proposed Chennai Sports City, multi-purpose outdoor and indoor stadia, training schools, sports facilities, hostels for sports persons and sports medical centre have been proposed to be created.

Even as the Financial City is planned in Sholinganallur and Perumbakkam villages on the southern fringes of the city, the State Government wanted to develop a Media and Entertainment Park there to give a thrust on digital post-production, animation and manpower development. The park will house integrated post-production complexes, animation zones, broadcasting and motion capture and visualisation studios.

Assertiveness
According to Mr Subu D. Subramanian, CEO, Defiance Technologies, a group company of Ashok Leyland, the new projects will help the government broad base the industrial sector and look beyond manufacturing sector in which the State is quite strong.

“With a strong majority, this government has lot more assertiveness. We cannot miss this opportunity in areas such as aero park, and media and entertainment,” said Mr Subramanian who has taken keen interest in the aero park in CII.

With more Defence companies, including the French company EADS, looking at India, it is time that Tamil Nadu moved fast in the aero park project. It is a similar situation with the media and entertainment industry with the State becoming a large sourcing for 2D and 3D work for global industry, he said.

Man.. My fears r coming true!! Goddd...

Man.. My fears r coming true!! Goddd...

Don't be scared! This is expected based on past 2 terms. So sit back and enjoy the show (no show) for the next 5 years. :) TN don't need industries.

Thatha promised satellite city for chennai. So chennai wont getting it atleast for next 5 yrs

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2023948.ece

Four major projects – the aero park; the sports city; the financial city; and the media and entertainment park – could possibly come under review with new Government taking over in Tamil Nadu.

Industry sources feel these projects will help the State move from being a ‘strong manufacturing base to knowledge industry.' But, the fear among industry is that some of the projects like aero park though initiated by the industry were considered to be ‘pet projects' of the former Deputy Chief Minister, Mr M.K. Stalin, who took keen interest in their implementation, and could (therefore or otherwise) be shelved. :lol: Excellent!!
“Politics should not come in the way of industrial development. If the projects were good, it should be taken up by the incumbent government,” said an industry source. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (Tidco) was given the responsibility of these projects, which are under various stages, including appointment of consultants.

Aerospace ecosystem
The aerospace ecosystem that has potential to create direct and indirect employment for one lakh highly skilled resources and can attract an investment of nearly $10 billion was in fact mooted by the Confederation of Indian Industry. This ecosystem will enable global players to design, manufacture and maintain all types of aircraft for both civilian and defence needs.

PPP mode The State Government had earlier announced that the aerospace park will be established through Public Private Partnership model to facilitate the growth of aerospace industries utilising the strengths and capabilities in engineering, auto and IT sector in the State.

The ecosystem will have dedicated runways, design and engineering city, manufacturing complex, satellite MRO facility, research and development centre and test laboratories, training/ simulators complex, aviation university, warehouse complex and MRO complex. In addition, there will be software and IT complex, pilots aid complex, international convention centre, global residential village, captive power generation complex, hospital, schools and other integrated amenities.

On the sports city, the Tamil Nadu Government identified Thiruvidanthai on the East Coast Road (ECR) and eight other nearby villages to establish Chennai Sports City in 1,500 acres in the Kancheepuram district. Due to the fast development of employment opportunities on the Rajiv Gandhi Salai (IT Corridor), there is need to develop social infrastructure in nearby areas.

In the proposed Chennai Sports City, multi-purpose outdoor and indoor stadia, training schools, sports facilities, hostels for sports persons and sports medical centre have been proposed to be created.

Even as the Financial City is planned in Sholinganallur and Perumbakkam villages on the southern fringes of the city, the State Government wanted to develop a Media and Entertainment Park there to give a thrust on digital post-production, animation and manpower development. The park will house integrated post-production complexes, animation zones, broadcasting and motion capture and visualisation studios.

Assertiveness
According to Mr Subu D. Subramanian, CEO, Defiance Technologies, a group company of Ashok Leyland, the new projects will help the government broad base the industrial sector and look beyond manufacturing sector in which the State is quite strong.

“With a strong majority, this government has lot more assertiveness. We cannot miss this opportunity in areas such as aero park, and media and entertainment,” said Mr Subramanian who has taken keen interest in the aero park in CII.

With more Defence companies, including the French company EADS, looking at India, it is time that Tamil Nadu moved fast in the aero park project. It is a similar situation with the media and entertainment industry with the State becoming a large sourcing for 2D and 3D work for global industry, he said.

She can change the location or increase the size... For her rigidness; if she thinks; she can easily establish the projects like green field airport, satelite city and any that requires lots of land.

Don't be scared! This is expected based on past 2 terms. So sit back and enjoy the show (no show) for the next 5 years. :) TN don't need industries.

The past 5 years we had a huge volume of investments and we were cribbing that many are in chennai etc... probably now there will be nothing to crib over.. as the entire state will not get them

SIGH. And this is why I always maintained that DMK is way better. But lets not jump the gun, these are rumours.

Why doesn't she think like " I will complete these projects and take credit for it" !! Like she did with the Koyambedu Bus stand..

Still fingers crossed.. Its all speculation as of now, right!!

SIGH. And this is why I always maintained that DMK is way better. But lets not jump the gun, these are rumours.

I sincerely hope they are rumours but have my own pessimism based on past experience. After all, Chennai voted massively for her because most people didn't like these industrial projects.

Man.. My fears r coming true!! Goddd...

May be we can suggest mods to lock Chennai and TN threads for 5 years.:lol:

I sincerely hope they are rumours but have my own pessimism based on past experience. After all, Chennai voted massively for her because most people didn't like these industrial projects.

Why? People just want to live their lifes just earning 10 to 15K a month without MNC organized sector than they are not smart.:)

May be we can suggest mods to lock Chennai and TN threads for 5 years.:lol:

Just lock the project threads :lol: Keep the arattai arangam whch is buzzing with activitiy.

I sincerely hope they are rumours but have my own pessimism based on past experience. After all, Chennai voted massively for her because most people didn't like these industrial projects.

Is it?? I think Chennai voted for her coz of DMK's corruption and nepotism just like other places..
2G issue would have had the deepest impact in Chennai..

Why? People just want to live their lifes just earning 10 to 15K a month without MNC organized sector than they are not smart.:)

We might soon see lots of migration to cities like Bangalore & Hyd

Do these Industry people have any influence at all??

Do these Industry people have any influence at all??

Let me give my perspective. Few other forummers like Kannan have the same opinion. It is very difficult to access the current CM. The previous government had regular meetings with CII-Chennai and many new proposals like Financial City and Aero Park came from the industry body.
If these interactions can happen, then these projects will be saved. If the industry bodies cannot access the CM, then sorry, hard luck!

Let me give my perspective. Few other forummers like Kannan have the same opinion. It is very difficult to access the current CM. The previous government had regular meetings with CII-Chennai and many new proposals like Financial City and Aero Park came from the industry body.
If these interactions can happen, then these projects will be saved. If the industry bodies cannot access the CM, then sorry, hard luck!

I agree but she seem to show some change and made a deal with Journalist to meet them once a week instead of chasing her.
anyways, In my opinion she will change everything that is going to DMK enthusiasts or dmk friendly companies but instead would prefer ADMK friendly companies. At the end of the day State needs revenues, Industrialization is the need for the hour to bring jobs there by increase expenditure of individual tax payers. Most industrialist will throw some money over to Poes garden and make it work in their favor.

What was the major industrial development that was initiated by DMK govt was cut in 2001-06?

SIGH. And this is why I always maintained that DMK is way better.
are you fine with looting of crores and crores of rupees? 2006-2011 was the worst period of this country also...
Just look at how much DMK ministers looted...
just industrialization alone will not help....

are you fine with looting of crores and crores of rupees? 2006-2011 was the worst period of this country also...
Just look at how much DMK ministers looted...
just industrialization alone will not help....

That was the problem.. DMK sans Corruption is better than ADMK..
Really hoping for Stalin to come strong!!

And I dunno whether 2006-11 is the worst for the country.. I kinda feel it looks worse coz everything is coming out in the open... coz of RTI, vocal media... Who knows what kind of things happened in the past!! But yes, the money involved is huge..

But, I believe all these scams coming out of the closet is for the better.. This has made public more aware and angry and the demands of people are going up! The politicians have realized votes can't be bought with money or booze etc.. People want development.. If u can show development, u will be rewarded.. Good examples are Nitish in Bihar and Modi..

Eventually, these would lead to reforms and regulations and coming up of better institutions which would hopefully make India a better place to live in!! Its not like it has not happened before.. Hongkong was extremely corrupt in 1970's which led to formation of Independent Commission Against Corruption(ICAC) which has done wonders!! I believe We r in the threshold of something like that right now!! Fingers crossed!!!

That was the problem.. DMK sans Corruption is better than ADMK..
Really hoping for Stalin to come strong!!
2016 there will be 4 fronts
1. ADMK+alliance
2. DMDK+Congress+Maran Brothers
3. K-DMK (under Stalin) DMK+alliance
4.ANDMK(Anja Nenjan) DMK+alliance:lol:

^^
Don't come to conclusion just based on her previous regimes.She is a changed person receptive to advise ,ideas of others.Despite huge scams like the 2G ,nepotism and exclusive family rule if the DMK is elected to power it will be the biggest insult to the people of TN and tamils all over the world. All the four projects like Aero park,Financial city etc are still on paper and consultants were yet to be appointed then how can one say that she will shelve these projects.The new Govt has the right to review all the projects which are yet to be grounded.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/5729119315_c4eec1bbbc_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35164268@N02/5729119315/)
Chennai (http://www.flickr.com/photos/35164268@N02/5729119315/) by VinTN (http://www.flickr.com/people/35164268@N02/), on Flickr

The buildings are roughly 4-5 km south of Kelambakkam. Any idea what this is?

Man.. My fears r coming true!! Goddd...

Even my worst fears are coming true... I was one among 7 crore people who thought JJ will shed her ego this time and work for the welfare of the people but when i saw her shifting the secretariat to FORT George i lost my hope.

GOD SAVE TAMIL NADU.

Even my worst fears are coming true... I was one among 7 crore people who thought JJ will shed her ego this time and work for the welfare of the people but when i saw her shifting the secretariat to FORT George i lost my hope.

GOD SAVE TAMIL NADU.

She is truly a kannagi solely focussed on vendetta bringing down the state.

Guys.. I think Chennai Aero Park has no chance at all.. ADMK manifesto clearly says an Aero Park will be created in South TN.. So expecting one to come up at Madurai area.. If at all, she is gonna keep her promises!!

Rather than scraping the project let her bring that in South no problem.

I dont know few people know the reason behind few projects...
Simply implementing projects that were just announced in paper by prev Govt is not the case. Everyone knows DMK is corrupt...so they would have plan to swindle a lot by implementing the projects in the next time. Thank God, that they did not come to power.
It is the next Govt has to look into these paper projects and take a call on that.

what did DMK do to develop IT Corridor?
what did DMK do to get the railway line for Hyundai and other companies in the auto -zone?


if we ourself asks 1000 questions on shifting the assembly from the new one, definetely she will have some plans to justify it.. just wait and watch

I agree that DMK is corrupt but at the same time they will concentrate more on infra developments compare to AIADMK.

Take chennai alone...

The no. of bridges and underpasses constructed by DMK between 1996-2000 and 2006-2011.

Can you mentioned few road development projects done by AIADMK in chennai during 1991-1995 and 2001-2005

:nuts:

I agree that DMK is corrupt but at the same time they will concentrate more on infra developments compare to AIADMK.

Take chennai alone...

The no. of bridges and underpasses constructed by DMK between 1996-2000 and 2006-2011.

Can you mentioned few road development projects done by AIADMK in chennai during 1991-1995 and 2001-2005

:nuts:
^^
+1

During the DMK regime, the Mayor and Deputy CM seemed to share a vision .Be it Adayar Poonga or the bridges or other infrastructure based projects like Aero City and other Cities . Just when we figure ( despite the looting )that Chennai is finally headed in a good direction , Amma comes along and the first thing she does is move back to Fort St George .
May be it is too early in this regime to predict anything but I am really keeping my fingers crossed . :nuts:

Coffee culture is gathering steam here in India. Global coffee giant, Lavazza, expects India to be its biggest revenue generator, after Italy, in the coming years. CNBC-TV18’s Tanvi Shukla and Vidhi Godiawala share that the company is setting up an Rs 120 crore facility in Chennai that will not only help source coffee but also function as an export hub. :cheers:

Attilio Capuano, the company’s director for Asia Pacific, says that the company believes India will be capable of providing service and products to neighbouring countries in the Asian Region. “The plant we've bought is 40000 sq mtrs of land but we are building only on 6000 and it'll be a modular plant to meet current Indian market needs. However, as demand for export increasing we can build it up in phases,” he adds. :cheers:

As the coffee culture gathers steam in India, the company hopes to push up the country's contribution to its overall global revenues from 3% to 10%. Capuano says, “We do it by becoming by becoming suppliers to all office channels, food services outlets, cafes, hotels in order to allow consumers to start experiencing coffee in a proper way.”

With giants like Starbucks planning to enter India, the competition seems intense. However, Capuano says, “We are not concerned and are looking closely at what is happening. Competition is getting tougher but it also means that if Starbucks is coming then market has potential.” If there are lesser players, he says, “we'll fight bigger number of players in a tough market.”

Lavazza will also open its global café format called ‘Expression’ soon in India.

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/cnbc-tv18comments/lavazzabrewsbigplansforindiatosetuprs120crhub_544328.html

^^
+1

During the DMK regime, the Mayor and Deputy CM seemed to share a vision .Be it Adayar Poonga or the bridges or other infrastructure based projects like Aero City and other Cities . Just when we figure ( despite the looting )that Chennai is finally headed in a good direction , Amma comes along and the first thing she does is move back to Fort St George .
May be it is too early in this regime to predict anything but I am really keeping my fingers crossed . :nuts:

Despite that DMK got drubbing even in chennai in the recent elections.What happened?

Even my worst fears are coming true... I was one among 7 crore people who thought JJ will shed her ego this time and work for the welfare of the people but when i saw her shifting the secretariat to FORT George i lost my hope.

GOD SAVE TAMIL NADU.

After the shift to the new assembly building DMK lost the election so badly that they are not even the main opposition party.Jaya is not only egoist but superstitious and she will not dare now to function from the new assembly.:lol:

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Shoppers-Stop-opens-new-store-in-Chennai/5156959808

Shopper's Stop Ltd said that the Company has opened one "Shoppers Stop" store at Shyamala, Chennai. With the opening of this store, the Company has now 41 "Shoppers Stop" stores (including two airport stores) under its operation.

The shares of Shopper’s Stop are currently trading down by 1% at Rs 361 with the loss of Rs 4 as against its previous close of Rs 365.

It had earlier opened at the day’s high of Rs 366 and low of Rs 361, stating the total traded quantity at 0.07 lakh shares on the BSE.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-17/chennai/29551721_1_aicte-nadu-engineering-admission-professor-jawahar

Over 2 lakh forms for engineering admissions will be sold

The counseling process will begin in July. The university expects to dole out more seats through the single window counseling process than last year. Anna University vice-chancellor P Mannar Jawahar said earlier that several colleges under the National Accreditation Board had sought approval for increased student intake in existing courses. Also, many self-financing colleges had applied for approval to start additional courses.

Professor Jawahar is confident that 1.5 lakh seats will be filled through the single window counseling system this year. Last year the number was 1.2 lakh. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has received around 400 applications to start new engineering colleges. A team from the AICTE will visit these colleges to inspect the facilities this week before giving approval. The number of seats will be finalized before counseling begins.

Professor Uthariaraj said that most of those seeking admission to an engineering college will be able to do so through the government quota this year. "In addition to the likely increase in the number of seats in colleges and new courses, by the end of the counseling session some self-financing colleges will surrender more than the mandatory 65% seats to us. In some courses they may even surrender 100% of the seats," he said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Missing-child-bureau-closed-for-4-years-but-not-on-govt-website/articleshow/8401334.cms

CHENNAI: The government's Missing Child Bureau has not been functioning since 2007 but the social justice ministry's website and policy reports continue to say that the bureau works with the police to track missing children. Child rights activist say that the bureau could have helped in tracking down five-year-old Tamanna who has been missing for a week ago.

"Under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme, every state must have a Child Missing Bureau," said child rights activist M Shanmugam. "Tamil Nadu's Missing Child Bureau maintained a website with details of missing children till 2007. We don't know why they closed it," he said.

The bureau was started under department of social justice in 2001 to share information on missing children and co-ordinate with the police to locate them. Sources from the department said the bureau was closed down in 2007. "Senior officials asked us to close the bureau because there were not enough funds to run it. The single-man unit was closed in 2007," said an officer.

The social justice ministry's website still carries an address for the bureau. It also has an inactive link to the Missing Child Bureau'. Government policy reports from 2008-09 and 2010-11 also say that the bureau is working closely with the police to deal with the issue of missing children.

"We need a common platform to track missing childern. Police, NGOs, families and others working to find missing children need to share information and coordinate with one another," said head of southern region resource centre, Childline India Foundation, Anuradha Vidyashankar. "Unless we have an inter-state network, it is not easy to re-unite children and parents. We find many children from Bihar and Andhra Pradesh here," she added. The state crime record bureau monthly report of March said 493 of the 706 children who went missing up to March 2011 were traced.

Amusement parks look to cut power costs

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Amusement-parks-look-to-cut-power-costs/articleshow/8401333.cms

CHENNAI: Bogged down by high electricity bills, amusement parks in the state have opted for energy conservation. The owners are planning to approach the new government seeking reduction of cost per unit of electricity.

Most of the rides and shows in these parks consume huge amounts of electricity. There are 30 amusement parks in the state, of which six are spread over 50 or more acres.

The average power consumption of an amusement park is one lakh units bi-monthly and their bills run to about Rs one crore. They come under the commercial tariff and pay Rs 7 per unit. "We asked the previous government for a change in the tariff. Now, we will be submitting a representation to the AIADMK government," said V G P Ravidas, managing director of VGP group of companies.

Amusement parks want to be categorised as industry consumers' and be provided power at Rs 5 per unit. "Due to high cost of power many small theme parks are planning to shut down," said a source.

Jose Punnose, managing director of Kishkintha amusement park, said that in Kerala, the government considers tourism as an industry and provides many benefits related to power. "We have met government officials many times but nothing has happened," he said.

Amusement parks are also adopting energy conservation methods. "We are replacing all incandescent bulbs with CFLs and LEDs and we are seeing a difference in the bill," said Ravidas adding that he was considering using renewable energy.

T K Thothadri, director - technical Kishkintha amusement park, said power is the raw material of any entertainment industry. He was planning to use wind energy as a source of power for the park. "We even met the wind generation companies. Now they are reluctant as the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) has not paid them," he said.

Senior TNEB officials said that there was a representation from the amusement parks. "If we put a park under the industry category, we will also have to do the same for the restaurants associated with it as it gets power from the same sub-station. The parks can send a petition to the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission and based on the judgement given, necessary action can be taken," said an official.

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Shoppers-Stop-opens-new-store-in-Chennai/5156959808

Shopper's Stop Ltd said that the Company has opened one "Shoppers Stop" store at Shyamala, Chennai. With the opening of this store, the Company has now 41 "Shoppers Stop" stores (including two airport stores) under its operation.

The shares of Shopper’s Stop are currently trading down by 1% at Rs 361 with the loss of Rs 4 as against its previous close of Rs 365.

It had earlier opened at the day’s high of Rs 366 and low of Rs 361, stating the total traded quantity at 0.07 lakh shares on the BSE.

http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/18/stories/2011051855860100.htm

Direct Health Reporting System all set to go online

Aloysius Xavier Lopez
CHENNAI: A Direct Health Reporting System under which all the hospitals in the city are required to provide details of the patients on a daily basis to the Chennai Corporation is all set to go online.

The civic body is making provisions on its website for hosting the system, which would help it track the public health on a daily basis and take quick remedial measures.

All the hospitals and health posts of the Corporation, private hospitals, clinics and laboratories will in the next few days be directed to register with the civic body's Health Department.

Each of the hospitals or laboratories registered with the civic body would be given a unique login that would be accessed daily by the reporting officer of the hospital concerned.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-17/chennai/29551721_1_aicte-nadu-engineering-admission-professor-jawahar

Over 2 lakh forms for engineering admissions will be sold

The counseling process will begin in July. The university expects to dole out more seats through the single window counseling process than last year. Anna University vice-chancellor P Mannar Jawahar said earlier that several colleges under the National Accreditation Board had sought approval for increased student intake in existing courses. Also, many self-financing colleges had applied for approval to start additional courses.

Professor Jawahar is confident that 1.5 lakh seats will be filled through the single window counseling system this year. Last year the number was 1.2 lakh. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has received around 400 applications to start new engineering colleges. A team from the AICTE will visit these colleges to inspect the facilities this week before giving approval. The number of seats will be finalized before counseling begins.

Professor Uthariaraj said that most of those seeking admission to an engineering college will be able to do so through the government quota this year. "In addition to the likely increase in the number of seats in colleges and new courses, by the end of the counseling session some self-financing colleges will surrender more than the mandatory 65% seats to us. In some courses they may even surrender 100% of the seats," he said.

Where is this???????


http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Shoppers-Stop-opens-new-store-in-Chennai/5156959808

Shopper's Stop Ltd said that the Company has opened one "Shoppers Stop" store at Shyamala, Chennai. With the opening of this store, the Company has now 41 "Shoppers Stop" stores (including two airport stores) under its operation.

The shares of Shopper’s Stop are currently trading down by 1% at Rs 361 with the loss of Rs 4 as against its previous close of Rs 365.

It had earlier opened at the day’s high of Rs 366 and low of Rs 361, stating the total traded quantity at 0.07 lakh shares on the BSE.

^^ New Shoppers Stop has been opened in virugambakkam, near avichi school in a commercial complex.

^^Cosmicbliss,
Kindly refrain from posting general news and news related to departmental stores in Chennai projects thread. If you wish, Chennai discussions thread could be used.
thank you.

Folks

Any idea on who is replacing the current Industries Secratary, Rajeev Ranjan? There are few critical projects in the pipeline and hope we don't miss it.

1) Peugeot-Citroen (4000 crores + )
2) Hyundai Diesel Engine (1200 crores +)
3) Saint-Gobain Glass (1000 crores +)
4) Ford's second plant (??)