MoHUA seeks report from Chennai Metro Rail over 2024 derailment; review, testing of underground structures to begin in phase I extension
On December 23, 2024, a train carrying a large number of passengers left Wimco Nagar Metro Rail station bound for Chennai airport. Around 9:30 p.m., while the train was between New Washermanpet and Tondiarpet stations, there was a sudden spurt of sand and water from the diaphragm wall (station box). This forced the train operator to press the emergency brake, causing two wheels to slip off the track and resulting in a minor derailment.
Initially, the office of Commissioner of Rail Safety had sought a report and subsequently, the MoHUA expressed concerns. It strongly recommended that CMRL carry out steps to avert such incidents, and advised it to conduct a meticulous review, identifying the susceptible areas and safety measures that need to be put in place. The MoHUA has now asked CMRL to communicate what measures it has taken so far.
According to officials of CMRL, the MoHUA 'appreciated' the efforts taken to address the incident. 'We are going to carry out a comprehensive evaluation and perform what is called 'non-destructive testing' of the underground structures in the phase I extension network, within the tunnel, station box diaphragm walls, and station structures,' an official said.
CMRL will do a series of tests, including Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Testing, Ground Penetrating Radar Survey, and Multi-Channel Surface Waves Analysis to gauge the quality and strength of the structures and check the presence of any cracks. Sources said it will be ideal to extend the testing to the underground structures of the phase I network too, and not restrict it to the phase I extension network.
'Instead of questioning those who engaged in such poor-quality construction, it is a pity that the train operator alone was suspended from services for the derailment incident. In an underground stretch, how can a train operator be able to see beyond a certain point,' a staffer asked, pointing out that the train operator had applied an emergency brake in time, due to which the train stopped ahead of the location.
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