Latest news with #Chennaiites
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Photobooths, Chennai's new favourite experience
Talking about the manufacturing, both proprietors say their models were self-made. 'More than the software, I faced hardship with the making of a booth. Because it's a slotting system, which is from the US. But here I had to make it with the local vendors. And when I introduced the concept to the vendors, they didn't understand it. I wanted to make the entire booth in India rather than importing the Korean booths from China, because if any technical glitch happens, I cannot rely on them for rectification,' says Bhanu, for the manufacturing and R&D of his product. A keepsake Despite the boom, the novelty remains, and Chennaiites are drawn to it, as Sri Gayathri, a manager, says, 'When it comes to something that you can keep safe in your home or stick it on your wall, who doesn't want to miss out?' Every trip to a photobooth in a mall has first-timers, who are elated after the experience. One such is S Yashini Raja, who tried out a photobooth at a corporate event. She says, 'I have seen many reels where, in foreign countries, couples use it. That's how I got to know about the concept of a photobooth. The moment I received that photostrip instantly, I felt really nice.'
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Chennaiites are embracing Tai Chi to get fit holistically
'Compared to North India, cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad show a much stronger and more enthusiastic response toward tai chi,' shares Sifu George Thomas, who is a sixth generation master and the authentic Yang-style tai chi coach Chennaiites are embracing tai chi, the ancient Chinese martial art known for its meditative movements and inner energy flow, for its holistic approach — balancing body, mind, and spirit. Sifu George Thomas, who is a sixth generation master and the authentic Yang-style tai chi coach, states, 'It all began in 1995, when Dr Darel Johnson, an Australian who had come to India to learn traditional Indian martial arts, meditation, and medicine, visited my karate academy in Chennai. I had been teaching karate since 1977. There's a saying, 'When the student is ready, the teacher will appear'. At that time, no one in India was teaching tai chi. Back in 1983, during my trip to Malaysia and Singapore for karate grading, I witnessed people practicing tai chi in parks. Their graceful, wind-like movements deeply inspired me. That moment planted the seed to bring tai chi to Chennai. Over the past 30 years, I've taught around 40,000-50,000 students across India. In the last decade, I've been quietly teaching a soft form of tai chi. Today, I continue with a small, committed group in Kotturpuram.' 'People with depression, high BP have found noticeable improvements' 'Compared to North India, cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad show a much stronger and more enthusiastic response toward tai chi,' shares Sifu. 'The art form especially resonates with working professionals, as many of them are constantly under stress, and tai chi offers them a calming practice — free from the risk of injuries. People with depression, high blood pressure, chronic stress, and even those recovering from surgery have found noticeable improvements. Today, many doctors not only recommend tai chi to their patients but also come to learn it themselves,' he says. 'The magic of tai chi is like a full-body healing therapy disguised as an elegant dance' 'My blood pressure became normal, my sleep improved, and my chronic neck pain disappeared after six months of tai chi. No medications, no side effects — just movement and breath. That's the magic of tai chi. It's a full-body healing therapy disguised as an elegant dance. The world is obsessed with gym bodies and quick results, but tai chi shows that longevity, health, and inner harmony come from gentle consistency. You don't have to break your body to heal it — you can simply flow. That's why this practice is sacred,' shares S Rajalakshmi, a retired bank manager. 'Practising tai chi has been a journey of self-discovery' Christopher, who's in the real estate business, informs, 'Practising tai chi has been a journey of self-discovery. The gentle, flowing movements have improved my flexibility and balance. More importantly, focusing on my breathing reduces stress and helps me stay present. The community also provides me with a supportive and caring environment, enhancing both my physical and emotional well-being.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Hindu
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Key water treatment plants in Red Hills and Surapet set for major upgrades
The water treatment plant in Red Hills, key supplier for Chennai, is set to be revamped with enhanced treatment capacity. Chennai Metrowater will call for bids this month to expand the treatment capacity of Surapet plant too. After nearly 29 years since it was constructed with a capacity to treat 300 million litres a day, the water treatment plant in Red Hills would be renovated. Chennai Metrowater would float tenders this month for the ₹430.12-crore project that would be executed in public-private partnership mode. The plant, which was built adjacent to the Red Hills reservoir on an extent of 26 hectares, holds significance as it treats and supplies water to north, central and southern parts of the city. It supplied water to parts of north Chennai to offset the gap caused by drop in desalinated water supply from Minjur. Water is sent to various distribution stations in Kolathur, Valluvar Kottam, and to Ambattur and Avadi. Officials of Metrowater said the project would help increase the production from the existing 240 mld to 310 mld. While the existing treatment technology would be continued, all electro-mechanical equipment, filter media in gravity sand filters would be replaced along with renovation of civil structures. A clear water reservoir would be created to store treated water before distribution. A new intake tower to draw up to 390 mld from the Red Hills reservoir would be built by the Water Resources Department. The project would be completed in two years, officials said. On the overhauling of the Red Hills plant in 2013, officials noted that a portion of the works was carried out then, including replacement of filter media in filter beds and electrical panels in pretreatment units of plant. The 14 mld-capacity water treatment plant in Surapet would be revamped with an increased treatment capacity of 47 mld. It was originally constructed by Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board in 1965 and was taken over by Metrowater in 2009 to cater to urban demand. Once completed within two years, the plant would cater to areas like Shanmugapuram in Madhavaram zone and parts of Ambattur zone, including Kallikuppam, HVF, Avadi and 12 more bulk water consumers, officials said. While welcoming the move to renovate the treatment facilities, water conservation activists stressed that prevention of pollution at water source must be prioritised along with treatment upgrades. founder, Social Work Team Trust (SWOTT), based in Red Hills, said, 'It is imperative to improve water treatment facilities to ensure safe drinking water to Chennaiites. But the authorities concerned must also prioritise arresting pollution in Red Hills reservoir. The lake is vulnerable to raw sewage and solid waste in places like Padianallur, Thirumullaivoyal and Surapet.'
NDTV
29-04-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Chennai Metro Conducts Trial Of Driverless Train On 10 km Stretch
Chennai: The Chennai Metro Rail Limited has conducted a trial run of a driverless train on a 10 kilometre stretch, amid much cheer and excitement from commuters. The trial was held between Poonamallee and Porur metro stations as part of the Phase II project on Monday. The line is expected to be open to the public by December. Prior to this, the trial of a driverless train was held only on a three kilometre stretch, till Mullai Thottam. "Extension of testing and trials today marks a significant milestone in the progress of the Phase-2 project of CRML," said M. A. Siddique, who is the managing director of the project. The city already has a 54.1 km-long metro rail route. The Rs 63,246 crore ambitious phase 2 project aims to add a 118.9 km-metro line connecting more areas, including Madhavaram, Sholinganallur, Light House, Poonamallee and Siruseri. The project would have 76.3km elevated lines and 42.6km underground lines. The phase 1 of the metro connects Airport, Wimco Nagar, St Thomas Mount and Chennai Central. The daily passenger traffic touches 86.6 lakh every month. The phase II project will serve as a boon to lakhs of Chennaiites in densely populated pockets of the city, including the IT Corridor, the home for thousands of techies. Easwaran Ram, a software professional at a company in Porur, said: "When I went to Japan, I saw how people in Tokyo use the metro. I'd love to take a metro to travel to other places like the airport." Antony, an entrepreneur on the IT corridor said: "This morning, it took me 90 minutes to drive 21.4 km. The metro will definitely be faster and reliable".
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
T.N. govt. approves Chennai Metro Rail's Airport-Kilambakkam project, forwards proposal to Centre
After years of wait, the Tamil Nadu government has approved Chennai Metro Rail's Airport-Kilambakkam project and has forwarded the detailed project report (DPR) to the Centre. To be built at an estimated cost of ₹9,335 crore, the Airport-Kilambakkam corridor has been one of the most anticipated projects for Chennaiites, as it would significantly improve the commute for those residing in the city's southern areas, such as Chromepet, Pallavaram, Tambaram, and Perungalathur. The need for this corridor has become particularly essential after the opening of the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) in Kilambakkam in December 2023; thousands of people travel on this route to take buses from the terminus. The Airport-Kilambakkam corridor will be constructed entirely as an elevated stretch along GST Road, covering a distance of 15.46 km. Stations are to come up in the following locations: Pallavaram, Chromepet, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Tambaram, Irumbuliyur, Perungalathur, Vandalur, Anna Zoological Park, and Kilambakkam. Land acquisition Sources said the government has recommended the DPR to the Centre 'for its approval and funding under equity sharing basis.' The land acquisition and shifting of utilities will begin soon. 'To begin the land acquisition process, we need yet another notification, which will take six months. Once that comes through, the acquisition process can commence, but it could go on for at least a year and a half. But shifting of utilities can start within a few months,' a source said. The project will need approval from the Centre by then so that construction can begin. There were quite a lot of delays in this project due to design changes. Now, according to the final proposal, Chennai Metro Rail's Airport-Kilambakkam corridor is proposed at the second level and the elevated road at the first level. Commuters say those residing in the southern areas find it difficult to reach the nearest Chennai Metro Rail station — the Chennai airport station — due to lack of adequate last-mile connectivity vehicles. For some, it could cost as much as ₹100-200, based on the distance, if they take an auto. Dayanand Krishnan, a resident of Chitlapakkam said, people have waited for over four years for the approval of this project. In the meantime, the number of vehicles has gone up and congestion has increased manifold, especially after the opening of the Kilambakkam Bus Terminus. 'The design revisions and bureaucratic delays end up causing inconvenience to the public. I am glad that State's approval has come, but the Centre should also provide the final approval and funding without any further delays,' he said. He said, over the years, people have moved to areas like Chromepet, Tambaram, and Perungalathur, as paying rent and purchasing properties is affordable there in comparison to the core areas of the city. 'But when compared to the growth, the investment in infrastructure in these areas seems far too inadequate,' he added.
