Rainwater Leaks Hit New Poonamallee-Vadapalani Metro Stations Ahead Of Inauguration

Several newly constructed Chennai Metro Rail stations on the 14.6-km Phase II stretch from Poonamallee to Vadapalani, via Porur, have experienced significant rainwater leaks ahead of their upcoming inauguration. The leaks have raised serious concerns regarding construction quality and design flaws at multiple stations, including Mullaithottam, Karayanchavadi, Kumananchavadi, Porur Bypass, Kattupakkam, and Thelliyaragaram.

The water leakage has affected key passenger and operational areas within these newly built facilities. According to sources, rainwater leaked directly into station concourses, ticket issuing spaces, and equipment storage rooms. Furthermore, rainwater was reported to have reached the platforms where computer systems are stationed, posing potential risks to the equipment.

The 14.6-km stretch has been plagued by delays since February but finally received its final approval last month. Local commuters have been waiting for the launch of the line, which is expected to be inaugurated soon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the recent short, intense spells of rain have exposed structural vulnerabilities before the official opening.

Sources close to the project questioned the timing and quality of the construction. A source pointed out that there was ample time from March until June to complete all the work properly. The source questioned how such leaks could still occur after crores of rupees had been spent on constructing the buildings, comparing the situation to a newly built house where such flaws would never be accepted by the residents.

This is not the first time that rainwater leakage has plagued the stations between Poonamallee and Vadapalani. In April, heavy rainwater leakage was observed at some of these stations, which prompted subsequent repair works.

In response to the latest incidents, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials confirmed that they have already started the work to plug the leaks. A CMRL official stated that the contractors have been informed and they are currently identifying ways to ensure such leaks do not occur again. The official assured that the repair work will be completed at the earliest.