Wed Jan 07 09:26:06 UTC 2026: # Chennai Metro Rail to Reconstruct Virugambakkam-Arumbakkam Canal Bridge for Flood Mitigation

The Story: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will begin demolishing and reconstructing the bridge across the Virugambakkam-Arumbakkam canal on Kaliamman Koil Street. This initiative aims to enhance water flow during monsoon seasons and mitigate flooding in the area. The decision follows discussions with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) regarding city-wide flood prevention measures related to the ongoing Phase II project work in Virugambakkam and Kaliamman Koil Street.

Key Points:

  • CMRL will demolish and rebuild the bridge on Kaliamman Koil Street over the Virugambakkam-Arumbakkam canal.
  • The reconstruction aims to improve water flow and mitigate flooding during monsoons.
  • The existing bridge’s dimensions will be increased: width from 14.86 meters to 24 meters, and length from 19 meters to 24.73 meters. The height will increase by 1.264 meters.
  • The reconstruction is expected to take about six months.
  • The contract will be awarded in approximately two months after bids are floated.
  • Traffic management and utility diversions present key challenges during the project.
  • The carrying capacity of the canal will increase by 1,216 cubic meters.

Key Takeaways:

  • CMRL is actively involved in flood mitigation efforts in Chennai, going beyond just transportation infrastructure.
  • The reconstruction highlights the need to adapt existing infrastructure to cope with increasingly severe weather events.
  • Traffic management during the project will be a critical concern for residents and commuters in the area.
  • The project demonstrates inter-agency cooperation between CMRL and the GCC.

Impact Analysis:

This project is likely to have several long-term impacts:

  • Reduced Flood Risk: The wider and higher bridge should significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the Virugambakkam and Arumbakkam areas during heavy rainfall.
  • Improved Infrastructure: The upgraded bridge will enhance the overall infrastructure of the city.
  • Potential Traffic Disruptions: The construction period will likely cause traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters, requiring careful planning and communication from CMRL.
  • Precedent for Future Projects: This project may serve as a model for future infrastructure upgrades designed to mitigate climate-related risks in other parts of Chennai and other cities.

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