India: Nine internal migrant workers die at Chennai thermal power station; co-workers demand proper compensation; incl. comment from main contractor, Bharat Heavy Electrical
Photo: zhaojiankang from Getty Images Pro, sourced from Canva
In October 2025, it was reported that nine migrant workers from Assam died in a scaffolding collapse at the construction site of Ennore Special Economic Zone thermal power project in Chennai, India. At least 10 other workers were injured in the incident.
The government has announced compensation for the deceased and injured workers. Coworkers are demanding both state authorities and contractors ensure proper compensation and workplace safety in future projects.
The main contractor at the site was Bharat Heavy Electrical. The company's safety team "expressed shock" at the incident, and said safety protocols were in place.
Trade unions have demanded that the Assam government pay the workers' families compensation, saying it is the responsibility of the Assam government to ensure the security of migrant workers who migrate from the state. The unions' statement also highlights abuse in Special Economic Zones in India.