Chennai Faces Water Supply Halt Amid Metro Expansion

Chennai residents in zones 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 are set to face a 36-hour disruption in drinking water supply starting from July 12, 2024, at 10 a.m. until July 13, 2024, at 6 p.m.

This suspension, necessitated by Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s (CMRL) ongoing construction activities, aims to facilitate crucial connection works along Purasaiwalkam Main Road in Zone 5. The metro line construction directly impacts the drinking water pipeline originating from Kilpauk Water Treatment Plant, prompting Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) to suspend services across several key areas. The CMWSSB has advised residents to make adequate arrangements for storing drinking water and to utilize the metro water helpline available on their website for emergency water supply needs.

Areas to be affected include Thiruvika Nagar, Anna Nagar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam, and other localities falling within the designated zones. Residents in Purasaiwalkam, Periyamet, Sowcarpet, George Town, Muthialpet, Walltax Road, Egmore, Chintadripet, Pudupet, Chepauk, Kondithope, and Otteri will experience interrupted water supply during the specified period. Similarly, Ayanavaram, Sembium, Perambur (Zone 6), Kilpauk, Villivakkam, Kellys (Zone 8), Tiruvallikeni (Zone 9), and T Nagar, Saidapet (Zone 10) are also included in the suspension.

The board ensures that areas without direct pipeline connections and those susceptible to water scarcity due to low elevation will continue to receive water through tankers without interruption. The CMRL’s metro line expansion is part of Chennai’s ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation infrastructure, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and improve connectivity across the city.  Chennai’s civic authorities remain committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring that alternative arrangements are in place to mitigate the impact on residents’ daily lives during infrastructure upgrades.