As the northeast monsoon brings intense rainfall to Tamil Nadu, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has implemented an extensive flood-mitigation plan to safeguard its operational network and construction sites from potential inundation.
The proactive measures aim to prevent waterlogging at key metro stations and protect costly tunnelling equipment involved in the ongoing Phase-2 expansion of the metro network.
According to CMRL officials, several vulnerable stations under Phase-1 and its extension — including Government Estate, Saidapet, Teynampet, St. Thomas Mount, Koyambedu, Arumbakkam, Tiruvottiyur, and Toll Gate — have been identified for priority flood-protection measures.
To strengthen defences, CMRL has pre-positioned over 1,000 gunny bags, 300 cement blocks, and 20 fifty-kilogram cement bags at these locations to curb seepage and flooding.
T. Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL, said the metro authority has structured its flood-preparedness plan into four key areas — operational stations, under-construction sites, flood-prone zones such as OMR and Porur Junction, and coordination with line departments like the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).
“We have put in place flood-mitigation measures across all categories of sites. Operational stations are equipped with essential materials, construction areas are secured with retaining structures and pumps, and we are coordinating with GCC for quick response during urban flooding,” Archunan said.
Currently, tunnelling work with Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and activities related to retrieval and launch shafts are underway at several underground stretches. To prevent water ingress that could damage equipment, heavy-duty pumps have been deployed across multiple locations.
CMRL has also stationed 603 water pumps of varying capacities along the Phase-2 corridors, ensuring real-time monitoring and quick dewatering in case of flooding.
The flood-preparedness deployment covers all three main corridors:
Corridor-3: Madhavaram Milk Colony to Siruseri-SIPCOT
Corridor-4: Lighthouse to Poonamallee Depot
Corridor-5: Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur
Officials confirmed that dedicated flood-response teams are on 24x7 standby, working closely with civic and disaster management agencies to maintain uninterrupted metro operations during the ongoing monsoon season.
