Chennai Latest News Today on October 28th, 2026: Cyclone Arnab Impact, Auto Fares Revised & Minister Arrest
Chennai is on high alert due to Cyclone Arnab, leading to flight cancellations and coastal flooding. Auto fares have been revised, an ex-minister arrested, and other key city updates for October 28th.
Chennai: Chennai is navigating the impacts of Cyclone Arnab today, with coastal areas on high alert and flight operations affected. Residents are also adjusting to newly revised auto fares, a significant change after over a decade. Meanwhile, the city's civic and economic landscapes see developments ranging from a port record to ongoing investigations into financial irregularities.
Top Stories
Cyclone Arnab Brings Coastal Alerts and Flight Cancellations to Chennai
On Wednesday, October 28, Cyclone Arnab led to significant disruptions in Chennai. High waves battered the north Chennai coast, including the Ennore Expressway, prompting the closure of a coastal road and traffic diversions. The Greater Chennai Corporation and four coastal districts were placed on heightened alert. Additionally, twelve IndiGo flights connecting Chennai with three destinations in Andhra Pradesh were cancelled, affecting passengers at Chennai airport. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of strong winds along the Tamil Nadu coast as the cyclone is expected to make landfall near Yanam in Andhra Pradesh. Delhi Latest News Today on October 28th, 2026: 'Poor' AQI, Traffic Advisory & Hoax Bomb Threats.
Tamil Nadu Revises Auto Fares After 13 Years
The Tamil Nadu government has revised auto-rickshaw fares across the state, including Chennai, effective October 27. The minimum fare has been doubled to ₹50, a significant change after 13 years. This revision aims to address long-standing demands from auto drivers while impacting daily commuters.
Former Minister Anbil Mahesh Arrested in Alleged Corruption Case
Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested by the Greater Chennai Police on October 26th. The arrest is in connection with an alleged ₹100-crore private school approval scam. He has since been remanded to judicial custody until November 6th.
Civic & Local Government
Swachh Bharat Staff Await October Salaries
Swachh Bharat staff working under the Greater Chennai Corporation have reportedly not received their salaries for October. This situation, reported on October 28, highlights ongoing concerns regarding the timely disbursement of payments to civic workers in the city.
Digital Payments Mandatory for Large Liquor Purchases from November 1
Chennai is set to implement a new rule making digital payments mandatory for liquor purchases exceeding ₹1,000, starting November 1st. This move by the Tamil Nadu government, reported on October 27, aims to promote cashless transactions and enhance financial transparency.
Tamil Nadu Eases Building Norms, Raises Height Limit
The Tamil Nadu government has eased building norms, raising the height limit for non-high-rise structures to 19.5 metres. These revised rules, announced on October 27, are expected to unlock more office space, particularly in central Chennai, and stimulate real estate development.
Tenders Invited for OMR–ECR Link Road DPR
The Tamil Nadu Highways Department has invited tenders for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the proposed OMR–ECR link road. This development, announced on October 27, signifies progress towards improving connectivity between Old Mahabalipuram Road and East Coast Road.
Vijay Inspects Chennai Reservoir Amid Flood Concerns
Actor and politician Vijay inspected a Chennai reservoir on October 27, issuing a warning against a repeat of the devastating 2015 floods. His visit underscores the ongoing concern for flood preparedness in the city, especially with the monsoon season approaching.
Business & Economy
Petrol and Diesel Prices Remain Unchanged on October 28
On Wednesday, October 28, the prices of petrol and diesel in Chennai remained stable. One litre of petrol continues to be sold at ₹107.77, while diesel is priced at ₹99.55 per litre.
Chennai Port Achieves Five-Year High in Container Handling
Chennai Port recorded its highest daily container throughput in five years, handling 9,929 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) on October 25. This achievement, reported on October 27, reflects rising annual container traffic and ongoing efforts to enhance port efficiency.
Aavin Increases Prices of Milk-Based Products
Ahead of the Deepavali festival, Aavin, the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation, has increased the prices of approximately 25 milk-based products. This price hike, reported on October 27, will impact consumers across the state.
Tamil Nadu Coir Industry Faces Layoffs, Seeks Government Aid
The coir industry in Tamil Nadu is reportedly facing significant layoffs due to a slowdown in exports. Industry representatives are seeking urgent government aid to mitigate the impact and support the sector, as reported on October 27.
Crime & Safety
Look Out Circular Issued Against Archana Veeramani
The Greater Chennai Police have issued a Look Out Circular against Archana Veeramani, daughter of Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani. The circular, issued on October 27, restricts her from traveling abroad as she is being questioned in connection with suspicious money transactions related to her father's alleged POCSO Act cases.
Finance Influencer's Suicide Blames Fellow Creator
Finance influencer V Harish reportedly died by suicide in Chennai, with his final video allegedly blaming fellow creator Samuel for threatening to block his accounts. This incident, reported on October 27, has led to Samuel's arrest as police investigate the circumstances.
MTC Bus Hits Multiple Cars Near Madras High Court
A Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus collided with at least seven cars outside the Madras High Court in Chennai on October 27. While several vehicles sustained damage, no injuries were reported, with officials suspecting possible brake failure as the cause.
Education & Technology
IIT Madras to Host Symposium on Microbiomes
IIT Madras is hosting a symposium to explore the crucial role of microbiomes in health, the environment, and space. The event, scheduled for October 28, brings together experts to discuss cutting-edge research and advancements in this interdisciplinary field.
Regional & State Affairs
Tamil Nadu Moves SC in Cauvery Row, Accuses Karnataka of Defiance
Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court, accusing Karnataka of defying the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) order regarding water release. This legal action, initiated on October 27, reignites the long-standing inter-state water dispute.
Environment & Air Quality
Chennai Air Quality Index at 143
On October 27, Chennai recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 143. While better than some other metro cities, this moderate level indicates that sensitive individuals may experience respiratory discomfort.
Weather & Outlook
Mainly overcast skies expected across Chennai, high near 33°C
Chennai is experiencing clear skies and a temperature of 27.6°C this morning. The forecast for today, October 28th, predicts mainly overcast conditions with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 33°C. Residents should be prepared for potential strong winds along the coast due to Cyclone Arnab and stay updated on weather advisories. Mumbai Latest News Today on October 28th, 2026: Air Quality Action, Farmers' Protest Ends & Crime Crackdown.
Weather: Clear sky — 27.6°C. Today: Overcast, 24°C – 33°C.
Chennai Weather Live Tracker Map on Windy
As Chennai continues to monitor the cyclonic conditions and adapt to new civic regulations, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and addressing key economic concerns. The coming days will likely see further developments in these areas, shaping the city's immediate future.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2026 09:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
