JOIN USNow, encroachment of SWDs threatens safety of Metro stations
Heavy rain over the last few days has exposed the poor planning around Metro stations in Majestic, Cubbon Park and a few other places where encroachment of stormwater drains (SWDs) has led to waterlogging and increased seepage inside stations.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Metro staff had a tough job clearing water from platform number 2 (towards Mysuru Road) at Kempegowda interchange station as water seeped in through the walls. Sources who witnessed the exercise said officials initially thought underground water was the source and took time to realise that it was the direct effect of waterlogging.
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) managing director Pradeep Singh Kharola said he was aware of seepage and steps were being taken and grouting (using fluid concrete to block leaks) works were under way. “I am not aware of the waterlogging issues. I will ask the officials to look into it,” he said.
The wide space between Kempegowda Metro station and KSRTC bus station virtually turns into a lake every time there is moderate rain. A drain under the Tank Bund Road
allowed the stormwater to
flow into the Chikkalalbagh side previously.
“However, seepage inside the station increased after residents in Chikkalalbagh blocked the drain as stormwater mixed with sewage entered houses in the low-lying area,” a Metro staffer said.
A senior BBMP official said that though underground water led to seepage earlier, waterlogging was the reason for the situation turning worse. “Tank Bund Road is the starting point for the SWD network to the Koramangala valley. It will be improved in the SWD upgrade project. The drain has been encroached upon right from Tank Bund Road to K R Market. We have asked for a survey following which encroachments should be cleared,” he said.
The official noted that safety of sophisticated infrastructure such as the Namma Metro will be in danger if allied works are not completed.
Apart from these, blocked drains have come as another headache for Metro officials. “Over the last few days, the Cubbon Park Metro station entrance near the HAL office was flooded every time there was heavy rain. Though officials were informed about blocked drains, they are yet to take steps to provide a permanent solution,” sources said.
Previously, Chickpet, K R Market and Kempegwoda Metro stations have seen seepage. “Grouting works have been successful in arresting seepage in many of these stations. Now, the elevated stations such as MG Road and Indiranagar face water leakages. These will be fixed soon,” a BMRCL source said.