Chennai Metro Begins Repairs to Fix Tunnel Leakages
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Chennai Metro Begins Repairs to Fix Tunnel Leakages

Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has initiated essential repairs across its Phase I network to address increasing tunnel leakages. This decision follows incidents where minor seepages raised safety concerns, notably a case near Tondiarpet in December that resulted in sand and water entering a tunnel, leading to a train derailment. The incident underscored the need for proactive maintenance, prompting CMRL to conduct an assessment and implement corrective measures. A committee was formed to evaluate the issue, recommending immediate action to seal leaks, with findings submitted to the Commissioner of Rail Safety.

The Chennai Metro Phase I network spans 45 kilometre, with approximately 55 per cent consisting of underground tunnels. Additionally, a section of the Phase I extension, covering around 9 kilometre, also runs underground. The focus on tunnel maintenance intensified after multiple seepage incidents, such as one near Sir Theagaraya College Metro, highlighting the need for early intervention to prevent safety hazards.

To ensure passenger safety, CMRL has invited contractors to undertake the repair work. The plan involves sealing leaks using polyurethane injection resin grout, an effective waterproofing solution. The work will be carried out during off-peak hours, specifically at midnight and early morning, to minimise disruption to metro services. The repairs will extend across both Phase I and the extension network, targeting minor seepages to enhance structural integrity.

Preventive maintenance is crucial to safeguarding passenger safety and maintaining the metro’s infrastructure. While current leakages are minor, addressing them promptly prevents larger issues from emerging. This proactive approach helps mitigate future risks and reinforces the importance of regular monitoring and upkeep of public infrastructure.

The repair initiative also aligns with broader urban sustainability goals. As Chennai expands, maintaining critical transport infrastructure becomes vital for long-term efficiency and safety. Effective management of tunnel maintenance reduces resource consumption and prevents environmental degradation. Moreover, CMRL’s swift response demonstrates a commitment to civic responsibility, ensuring commuter confidence in the metro system. Urban transit systems require a balance between expansion and maintenance, and these efforts highlight the importance of sustainable infrastructure in a growing metropolis like Chennai.

News source: Urban Acres

Your next big infra connection is waiting at RAHSTA 2025 – Asia’s Biggest Roads & Highways Expo, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Don’t miss out!

Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has initiated essential repairs across its Phase I network to address increasing tunnel leakages. This decision follows incidents where minor seepages raised safety concerns, notably a case near Tondiarpet in December that resulted in sand and water entering a tunnel, leading to a train derailment. The incident underscored the need for proactive maintenance, prompting CMRL to conduct an assessment and implement corrective measures. A committee was formed to evaluate the issue, recommending immediate action to seal leaks, with findings submitted to the Commissioner of Rail Safety. The Chennai Metro Phase I network spans 45 kilometre, with approximately 55 per cent consisting of underground tunnels. Additionally, a section of the Phase I extension, covering around 9 kilometre, also runs underground. The focus on tunnel maintenance intensified after multiple seepage incidents, such as one near Sir Theagaraya College Metro, highlighting the need for early intervention to prevent safety hazards. To ensure passenger safety, CMRL has invited contractors to undertake the repair work. The plan involves sealing leaks using polyurethane injection resin grout, an effective waterproofing solution. The work will be carried out during off-peak hours, specifically at midnight and early morning, to minimise disruption to metro services. The repairs will extend across both Phase I and the extension network, targeting minor seepages to enhance structural integrity. Preventive maintenance is crucial to safeguarding passenger safety and maintaining the metro’s infrastructure. While current leakages are minor, addressing them promptly prevents larger issues from emerging. This proactive approach helps mitigate future risks and reinforces the importance of regular monitoring and upkeep of public infrastructure. The repair initiative also aligns with broader urban sustainability goals. As Chennai expands, maintaining critical transport infrastructure becomes vital for long-term efficiency and safety. Effective management of tunnel maintenance reduces resource consumption and prevents environmental degradation. Moreover, CMRL’s swift response demonstrates a commitment to civic responsibility, ensuring commuter confidence in the metro system. Urban transit systems require a balance between expansion and maintenance, and these efforts highlight the importance of sustainable infrastructure in a growing metropolis like Chennai. News source: Urban Acres

Next Story
Real Estate

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?