CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has decided to install flood-proof doors in underground stations in the phase I and phase I extension projects to brace from monsoons. This decision is a welcome step as seven years since the Metro began operations, its stations have suffered from leakages and flooding during heavy showers. These flood-proof doors would be integrated into the entry/exit points to enable quick installation and removal, officials said.
According to CMRL officials, the bids were floated to install flood-proof doors in five underground stations which are Saidapet, Anna Nagar East, Thousand Lights, Tondiarpet and Sir Theagaraya College. In 2021, CMRL installed the 1-1.2-m-tall doors on a pilot basis in a few stations which include Government Estate and AG-DMS.
According to the official, there were some issues related to the entry of water into stations each year which was even worse last year. It is the reason why we wanted this facility to be in place at five more stations, where this issue is recurring, before the monsoon this year.
In 2015, the tunnels of the under-construction Saidapet station which is closely located to Adyar river carried flood water to many parts and created several issues. After that, rainwater has entered a few underground stations, including Government Estate, Anna Nagar East and AG-DMS many times.
