Residents say a portion of the storm-water drain along the service road, which lies within the CMRL worksite (in picture), was demolished, leaving the road prone to inundation.
For residents of Indira Nagar Second Avenue, it is not just damaged roads that have been troubling them. They have also been grappling with frequent sewage issues and waterlogging due to Chennai Metro Rail’s work on the phase II project.Residents allege that a portion of the storm-water drain that runs along the service road of the Second Avenue, which lies within the CMRL worksite, has been demolished.As a result, water from the neighbouring localities flows into the service road, causing heavy waterlogging even during moderate rainfall, says Radha, a resident.Since an alternative stormwater drain to divert rainwater into the Buckingham Canal was not created, residents say they experienced flooding even during the intermittent heavy showers that occurred in April this year. Subsequently, Chennai Metro Rail’s contractors pumped out the water.Himachalan A., another resident, said the underground drainage network’s flow too had been affected due to the ongoing work.“As the sewer line has been affected by the work, we have experienced sewage overflow in our house on quite a few occasions. Every time, we have to run to them (Chennai Metro Rail contractors) to set it right. Why can’t they fix these issues permanently,” he said.Officials of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited say the stormwater drainage and sewer issues will be rectified.“There is an issue with the gradient of the drain too, and hence, the waterlogging occurs. We need some time, but we will definitely resolve it,” an official said. Published - June 21, 2026 11:51 pm IST
