Chennai Monsoon Preparedness: GCC, Southern Railway to Expedite ₹20 Crore Canal Works

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Southern Railway will expedite works on three channels between Korattur and Pattravakkam at an estimated cost of ₹20 crore to facilitate the faster movement of surplus water from Ambattur Lake to Korattur Lake.

The three channels, including the Ambattur SIDCO Canal and DTP Colony Channel, are micro-canals forming part of the drainage network that connects the Ambattur and Korattur water systems.

The Ambattur SIDCO Canal carries surplus water from Ambattur Lake as well as rainwater from surrounding catchment areas, including Ambattur, SIDCO, Ambattur Estate, Pattravakkam and Menambedu. Earlier assessments had identified blockages and capacity constraints in the drainage network.

As part of Chennai`s monsoon preparedness measures, 28 culverts in railway-owned waterways within the Greater Chennai Corporation limits will also be desilted to improve water flow and reduce the risk of waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

Railway Infrastructure Works to Be Expedited

The elevated bridge being constructed at Ganeshapuram and work related to Ambattur Railway Level Crossing No. 6 will also be expedited, with the agencies ensuring proper coordination for the timely completion of the projects.

The railway foot overbridge at Alandur will be taken up on priority. At Nobel Street in Alandur, precast slab work for an additional canal within the railway area has already been completed. The push-through work will begin once approval is received from Railway Headquarters.

GCC-Southern Railway Coordination Meeting

To ensure the smooth progress of these projects, a coordination meeting was held at the Divisional Railway Manager`s office on September 2.

The meeting was chaired by Divisional Railway Manager Shailendra Singh and attended by Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran, Corporation Joint Commissioner (Works) C. Saravanan, and other officials.

The coordinated efforts are aimed at strengthening Chennai`s drainage infrastructure, improving the movement of surplus rainwater and enhancing monsoon preparedness in Chennai, particularly in areas connected to the Ambattur and Korattur water systems.