Minister of Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, E.V. Velu, Inspects Roads and Drainage Facilities Affected by the Northeast Monsoon

Chennai : As per the directions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Hon’ble Minister of Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, Mr. E.V. Velu, inspected the roads and drainage facilities affected by the northeast monsoon in various areas of Chennai, including Rajiv Gandhi Road, Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Road, Pallikaranai Marsh, and the Inner Ring Road at Virugambakkam.

Following the heavy rains over the past two days due to the intense northeast monsoon, the minister visited locations such as Rajiv Gandhi Road, particularly Central Lechub, SRP Tools Junction, Karapakkam, Thoraipakkam, and Okkiyam Maduvu, to inspect the stormwater drainage and dewatering works. At Okkiyam Maduvu, he inspected a 100-meter existing channel, which is being upgraded to a 200-meter long channel as part of the Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) project.

He also reviewed the cleaning works of 16 small channels along Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Road, Pallikaranai Marsh Road, and the Pallavaram to Chromepet areas. At the Thillai Ganga Nagar subway, he inspected the water pumping facilities, which include a 300 HP electric motor pump and a 300 KVA generator, and instructed that the system be monitored 24/7.

The minister further inspected the Virugambakkam Canal along the Inner Ring Road in Chennai. Due to the rise in water levels above the road during heavy rains, there are disruptions in transportation. He called for a thorough investigation and prompt action to prevent this.

The inspection extended to Buckingham Canal, where drainage work has been completed near the E.V.R. Road, Chennai City Police Headquarters, and Andrew’s Church, continuing across the railway bridge.

On Waltax Road, he checked the recently cleaned stormwater drains. Officials from the Highways Department were instructed to be prepared and monitor the situation as the northeast monsoon continues.

The inspection was attended by the Secretary of the Public Works and Highways Department, Dr. R. Selvaraj, I.A.S., Project Director Mr. C.A. Raman, I.A.S., Chief Engineer (Technical) Mr. R. Chandrasekar, Chief Engineer Mr. K.G. Sathyaprakash, and Chief Maintenance Engineer Mr. Palanivel, along with other related officials.

Released by: Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Chennai-9