Chennai's Karukku Main Road Hit by Second Major Cave-In in Four Months
Morning commuters in Chennai faced severe disruptions on Monday as traffic on Karukku Main Road near Ambattur ground slowed to a crawl following a sudden road cave-in. This incident marks the second such collapse on the same stretch within the past four months, highlighting persistent infrastructure failures that have plagued the area.
Root Cause: Corroded Underground Sewage Line
The latest cave-in, measuring nearly 4 meters in depth, was triggered by corrosion and damage to an old underground sewage line. According to officials, the sewer's crown corrosion led to the structural failure, causing the road surface to give way unexpectedly. This recurring issue has been attributed primarily to aging and damaged underground sewers, with multiple similar incidents reported since 2023.
Metrowater managing director T G Vinay explained the situation, stating, "Since this is an old line, crown corrosion occurred in the underground sewage line. Once the rectification work is completed, we plan to prepare an estimate to replace the entire sewer along this stretch." Officials have announced plans to replace the concrete sewer line with a more durable metal one, with repair work expected to be completed within two days.
Residents Express Frustration Over Recurring Problems
Local residents have voiced growing concerns over the frequent infrastructure failures that disrupt daily life. S Jayachandran of the Ambattur residents association highlighted the broader impact, noting, "This route is used by thousands of commuters every day. The repair work often drags on, worsening the situation. Despite identifying the root cause, Metrowater is yet to replace the sewage line."
Each previous incident on this stretch has necessitated traffic diversions lasting approximately two weeks, compounding congestion and inconvenience for commuters. Karukku Main Road serves as a key arterial route connecting important areas such as Ambattur Industrial Estate, Padi, and Korattur, making its functionality critical for the local economy and daily travel.
Broader Implications for Chennai's Infrastructure
The repeated cave-ins underscore broader challenges in maintaining aging urban infrastructure in Chennai. While immediate repairs are underway, the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the sewage system along this corridor remains urgent to prevent future disruptions. Residents and commuters alike await long-term solutions that address the root causes rather than temporary fixes.
As authorities work to restore normalcy, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance in rapidly growing urban centers like Chennai.
