Restoration work on the two churches that developed cracks due to Metro Rail work has still not begun.
The delay has been caushed because Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials and church authorities are yet to reach a consensus on the kind of work to be carried out and when it can begin. CMRL sources said work may only begin by the end of this week.
Two churches — 152-year-old CSI Tamil Wesley Aalayam and 121-year-old Arcot Lutheran Church — on Prakasam Salai in Broadway developed cracks last week, when a tunnel-boring machine excavated underneath the buildings. Both have been classified as ‘Grade 2A’ heritage structures by the Justice E. Padmanabhan Committee report that lists heritage buildings in Chennai.
A team from IIT-Madras, who inspected the churches after they were damaged, submitted a report to CMRL on Saturday. Church authorities received the report on Monday.
“We received the report just a few hours ago. Engineers from our diocese will read the recommendations of the IIT experts and hold discussions with CMRL officials and then decide on the work to be carried out and when it will begin. If all goes well, it may begin before the end of the week,” said a member of the CSI Tamil Wesley Aalayam.
CMRL officials said they would only begin restoration work with the consent of the church authorities. “We can’t disclose the recommendation of the IIT experts now. When we reach a consensus with the church authorities we will begin repair work,” said an official.
