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Chennai, Oct 22 (IANS) As the northeast monsoon caused heavy rains across the region, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has prepared a comprehensive flood-mitigation plan to protect both its operational network and ongoing construction sites.
The initiative aims to prevent waterlogging at major metro stations and protect the expensive tunneling machinery used for the Phase-2 expansion.
According to CMRL officials, sensitive stations in Phase-1 and its extensions – including Government Estate, Saidapet, Teynampet, St. Thomas Mount, Koyambedu, Arumbakkam, Tiruvottiyur and Toll Gate – have been prioritized for flood protection measures.
More than 1,000 sacks, 300 cement blocks and 20 fifty kilogram cement bags have already been stocked at these sites to prevent leakage and flooding.
CMRL Director (Projects) T. Archunan said the agency has categorized its flood-preparedness efforts into four areas – operational stations, under-construction sites, sensitive locations like OMR and Porur Junction, and coordination with line departments like the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).
“We have plans to mitigate flooding at all categories of sites. Operational stations have been equipped with necessary materials, and construction areas are being protected with walls and pumping systems. Coordination with the GCC ensures quick response in case of urban flooding,” he said.
Presently, tunneling work using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) and retrieving and launching shafts at several underground locations is in progress.
Heavy-duty pumps are deployed to prevent water ingress that could potentially damage machinery and cause significant financial losses.
Additionally, CMRL has deployed 603 water pumps of various capacities in its Phase-2 corridors for continuous monitoring of flooded areas and dewatering.
The deployment covers all three major corridors – Corridor-3: Madhavaram Milk Colony to Siruseri-SIPCOT; Corridor-4: Lighthouse to Poonamallee Depot; Corridor-5: Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur.
Officials said the Metro’s flood-response units are on round-the-clock alert, working closely with civic agencies to ensure uninterrupted operations even during heavy rains.
–IANS
AL/DPB