GCC Builds ₹184.88 Crore Stormwater Drain in Sholinganallur

The Greater Chennai Corporation is executing a ₹184.88-crore stormwater drain project in Sholinganallur aimed at tackling severe monsoon flooding in nearby Semmancheri. The major civic infrastructure undertaking is designed to construct a dedicated drainage link along Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and TNHB Main Road to channel floodwaters safely out of residential areas.

Funded by the international institution Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), the project involves the construction of a 4,235-metre-long stormwater drain. The new drain will establish a direct outlet connecting the Semmancheri-Arasankazhani canal to the Buckingham Canal, creating a clear pathway for stormwater evacuation.

The primary objective of the new drain construction is to improve the movement of excess rainwater from the Semmancheri-Arasankazhani canal towards the Buckingham Canal. By facilitating quicker drainage during heavy weather, the project is expected to significantly reduce water stagnation across surrounding residential neighborhoods along the corridor.

This project forms a crucial component of the Greater Chennai Corporation’s broader strategy to strengthen stormwater infrastructure in flood-prone zones. By expanding the capacity to clear rainwater during heavy spells, the civic body aims to reduce the overall impact of monsoon flooding on local residents.

The infrastructure upgrade is particularly significant for Semmancheri, where rapid urbanisation and increased built-up areas have placed intense additional pressure on existing drainage channels over recent years. The expanded development has outpaced the capability of older systems, leading to severe water accumulation during storms.

Residents across the locality have reported that flooding and prolonged waterlogging are a recurring problem during heavy rain. The standing water frequently affects general movement and restricts daily activities for people living in the area.

Sharing the community's experience, V. Malathi, a resident of Annai Sathya street along OMR, stated that water stagnates severely on several streets every monsoon. Malathi noted that even after the rain stops, the water remains for a long time, making it difficult for residents to get around and conduct their daily routines.