A sinkhole, measuring 1.5 meters in depth and diameter, appeared on Durgabai Deshmukh Road due to underground Chennai Metro Rail construction. The incident occurred during the construction of an underground network as part of the Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II project. This phase aims to connect Kellys to Taramani, part of corridor 3 within the project, with an estimated cost of 61,843 crore. The sinkhole developed during tunnel construction between Greenways Road and Adyar, affecting traffic and leading to efforts to fill and repair the hole. Similar incidents have occurred in the past during Chennai's metro construction projects.
A sinkhole measuring 1.5 meters in depth and diameter appeared on Durgabai Deshmukh Road on a Saturday as a result of the underground Chennai Metro Rail construction, according to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) authorities. In line with the Chennai Metro Rail's Phase II endeavour, an underground network is under construction, connecting Kellys to Taramani as part of corridor 3 within the project (Madhavaram to SIPCOT). This ambitious undertaking is estimated to cost 61,843 crore.
The sinkhole developed during the tunnel construction between Greenways Road and Adyar, part of the Kellys-Taramani segment. The tunnel boring machine (TBM) initiated drilling at Greenways Road in February of this year and has advanced approximately 400 meters. An official mentioned that they are examining the incident's cause, which might be linked to the pressure exerted on the TBM's face, either exceeding or falling short of the necessary levels. Following the incident, they promptly filled the hole with concrete and are implementing measures to maintain smooth traffic flow in the vicinity.
Following the incident, there was a significant traffic congestion in the vicinity of Adyar and Kotturpuram, causing considerable inconvenience for drivers. The situation particularly affected those traveling from Sardar Patel Road to Thiru Vi Ka Bridge in Adyar, leading to a substantial traffic jam in that area. Samay Singh Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic East, stated that in response to the incident, the police collaborated with CMRL and other relevant departments to cordon off the affected area, permitting traffic to flow in a one-way direction.
He explained that immediately, we redirected traffic at the Madhya Kailash junction, allowing only two-wheelers and four-wheelers to pass through. MTC buses and commercial vehicles were rerouted through Madhya Kailash and Kotturpuram to reach their destinations. Additionally, earth-mover machines were brought in to level the ground and fill the sinkhole with a concrete mixture.The traffic police intend to reintroduce regular traffic on the stretch after 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, once iron sheets have been placed over the repaired section.
The city has experienced sinkhole incidents in the past, notably during the construction of the phase I underground network. Additionally, work on two other phase II project corridors—Light House to Poonamallee (corridor 4) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (corridor 5)—is currently in progress in various parts of the city.
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