Chennai Metro Rail to raze and rebuild bridge across Virugambakkam-Arumbakkam canal

Chennai Metro Rail will soon begin the demolition and reconstruction of the bridge across the Virugambakkam-Arumbakkam canal on Kaliamman Koil Street so as to ensure the smooth flow of water during the monsoon season.

According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), a few months ago, extensive discussions were held with the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) regarding flood mitigation measures to be taken up in the city. As part of this, it was decided that CMRL will raze and rebuild this bridge. CMRL has been executing phase II project work in areas such as Virugambakkam and Kaliamman Koil Street and building the viaduct and stations

The existing bridge is narrow and therefore, CMRL was asked to increase the height and widen it, an official said.

“This is because, when there are torrential rains and floods, water sometimes gushes onto the bridge. The width of the existing bridge is 14.86 metres, and its length is 19 metres. After we reconstruct it, the width and length will increase to 24 metres and 24.73 metres, respectively. Also, the height will go up 1.264 metres. When this is done, the carrying capacity of the canal will increase by 1,216 cubic metres,” an official said.

CMRL officials said it will take about six months for them to tear down the bridge and reconstruct it. They have floated bids, and in about two months, they will award the contract to a firm for this task. “One of the key challenges in executing this work is traffic management and utility diversions on both sides of the bridge, near the ramp portion,” the official added.