In an effort to keep its vehicular subways from getting flooded during the rain, the Highways Department plans to install higher-capacity motors and generators.
All vehicular subways maintained by the department have motors installed but many of them are old and need to be replaced. It has sought Rs. 10 crore to replace them with motors of 50 horsepower and above. “The generators will help us when there is no power. Even during summer months, water is continuously pumped out from the wells inside the subways to keep them dry as seepage from groundwater is common due to low level of the facilities,” said an official. Besides, 10 pumpsets that can be used on roads have been sought for use during emergencies.
The Highways Department is also constructing drains on Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial road, Medavakkam-Sholinganallur Road and on Tambaram-Velachery Road at spots where there was heavy water stagnation last year.
Meanwhile, K. Sarangadoss, president of KAMPERS Welfare Association, which represents various localities in Perumbakkam, said the construction of stormwater drains on the main road has left residents of several colonies in danger of marooning during rain.
