Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has shot off letters to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), Kochi Metro’s implementing agency, seeking steps to prevent water from the metro viaduct falling on road users.
This follows a slew of complaints sent recently to the two metro agencies by members of the general public by mail and on social media. The Bi-Wheelers’ Association of South India and Siji Jose, a commuter on the 18-km-long Aluva-Maharaja’s College Ground metro corridor, had sent letters to the agencies, cautioning against the danger posed by water falling from the metro viaduct.
The worst affected were two-wheeler riders and pedestrians who had to inflate their umbrella even during non-rainy weather to travel beneath the metro corridor, they pointed out.
Ms. Jose said the gush of water from the metro viaduct is common every 25 metres (mostly at the point where two adjacent girders meet), including in many parts of the city hub. “Water from pier caps too is seen falling on the road. It is a very serious safety issue. Sudden fall of water can take riders by surprise and also hamper their vision. As for users of cars and other light vehicles, fall of water on the windscreen will result in blurred vision,” she said.
Repair work on
Speaking on the issue, KMRL Managing Director Elias George said the DMRC had been asked to install ‘omega joints’ at places from where water falls on motorists and pedestrians.
KMRL had also asked the DMRC to plug leaks on the roof and louvres in a few metro stations.
Workers were at the job to plug leaks in a couple of stations and on the viaduct.
