A lawyer has moved the Madras High Court alleging a persistent water leakage problem in the C P Pavala Vannan Subway in Saidapet, causing significant hardship to commuters. The petitioner claimed that two-wheeler riders and cyclists using the subway face immense difficulties and inconvenience while passing through the underpass.
Petition Admitted by Court
On Monday, Justice Abdul Quddhose admitted the petition and directed the Southern Railway, Greater Chennai Corporation, and Metrowater to respond to the plea within four weeks. The court's intervention comes after the petitioner, S P Chockalingam, highlighted the severe issues caused by the leakage.
Details of the Problem
According to the petitioner, dirty water dripping from the viaduct of the subway falls on pedestrians, riders, and pillion riders crossing the subway. To avoid the dripping water, riders often maneuver abruptly at the spot, leading to traffic snarls and an increased risk of accidents.
"Water seeps in from all sides. This weakens the foundations, erodes and corrodes the materials inside, and deteriorates the structural integrity of the subway," Chockalingam stated. He further noted that unit trains, express trains, and superfast trains ply over the subway throughout the day, while a continuous stream of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers moves underneath.
The petitioner warned that if corrective action is not taken soon, a heavy price may have to be paid. He also alleged that the authorities are passing the buck from one to another without addressing the issue effectively.
