Open CMWSSB valve pit on Ramapuram road traps car during rain

On the evening of June 21, a car's wheel became trapped in an open pit containing a water flow shutoff valve on Sathya Nagar Main Road in Ramapuram, Chennai. The hazard, located along a dogleg link route that connects Butt Road and Arcot Road, was temporarily covered with two wooden logs but remains an active danger to motorists.

The incident occurred during a sudden burst of rain that hit parts of Chennai. Due to the poor visibility caused by the wet weather, the car drove into the pit and its wheel became stuck. The vehicle had to be pulled out of the hole before it was sent on its way.

The shutoff valve, which is necessary for turning the water supply on and off, was installed by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB).

An anonymous worker acquainted with the area pointed out that the incident occurred when the sudden rain shower hit. Following the vehicle getting stuck, two logs were placed over the pit where the shutoff valve is located to warn drivers.

However, road users warn that these two logs can easily get dislodged. Even if they remain in place, they can easily be missed along with the pit during times of poor visibility, such as at night or when the skies open up with sudden rain showers.

While the car involved in the June 21 incident maintained its stability on four wheels, keeping its occupants safe, there are severe concerns about the risk to two-wheelers. If a motorcyclist slips a wheel into the open pit, they might not get out of it the same, and the damage could be costly.

To make the stretch of road safe for all motorists, the pit requires proper masonry work with a sturdy metal grille placed on top. This grille must be strong enough to take the load of rolling wheels while still being able to be opened to access the CMWSSB shutoff valve.