Chennai Races to Fortify IT Corridor Against Flooding via Major Buckingham Canal Linkage
The Highways Department is accelerating the construction of two critical macro drains in Sholinganallur and Thoraipakkam. These projects aim to redirect floodwaters into the Buckingham Canal before the Northeast monsoon arrives.
Key takeaways
- The 47.25-crore macro drain project in Sholinganallur has reached 92% completion.
- A 1.7 km traffic diversion through ELCOT and the ECR-OMR Link Road is planned to facilitate road cuts.
- CMRL contractors are prioritizing the Thoraipakkam Radial Road extension to ensure flood readiness.
- The Pallikaranai marshland drain project is currently stalled pending revised state administrative sanctions.
Engineers Target Monsoon Deadline for IT Corridor Drainage
In an effort to shield South Chennai from seasonal inundation, the Highways Department has entered a high-velocity construction phase for two macro drains. These systems are designed to funnel storm water directly into the Buckingham Canal. Officials intend to finalize these arterial connections before the Northeast monsoon begins, prioritizing the protection of the city's vital IT Corridor.
Sholinganallur Infrastructure and Traffic Rerouting
The drainage project at Sholinganallur is nearing its final stages with 92% of the 47.25-crore INR venture already finished. To facilitate the remaining work, engineers must cut across Rajiv Gandhi Salai. This necessitates a significant traffic diversion strategy:
- A 1.7 km detour will redirect vehicles from the Medavakkam - Sholinganallur Road toward the ECR - OMR Link Road, also known as Kalaignar Karunanidhi Road.
- Commuters traveling from Medavakkam to Rajiv Gandhi Salai will utilize a temporary access road currently under construction through the ELCOT campus.
Thoraipakkam Progress and Pending Approvals
Work on the Thoraipakkam Radial Road drain is also advancing. While the segment from Pallavaram to the OMR junction is complete, crews are now focused on the extension toward the canal between OMR and ECR. Currently, 0.3 km of this 0.8 km stretch is finished. The Highways Department has instructed Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) contractors at the site to expedite this specific segment due to its importance for flood mitigation.
Despite these advances, some components of the regional flood plan face delays. A third proposed cut-and-cover macro drain was not executed. Additionally, the drainage line stretching from Anai Eri in Pallikaranai to the marshland requires revised administrative sanctions from the State government before it can move forward.
Source: The Hindu — National
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