Chennai Trunk Road caves in near Anna statue after pipe burst

Trichy: Chennai Trunk Road caved in near Anna statue on Monday after a major burst in the underground drainage (UGD) pipeline carrying sewage from Melachinthamani to Trichy corporation’s decanting station.

Trichy police have cordoned off the damaged portion of the highway and enforced traffic diversions for vehicles moving between Karur bypass road, Chathiram bus stand and Srirangam.A corporation official said a cement UGD pipeline carrying sewage from Melachinthamani residential areas runs across the Chennai Trunk Road, which connects Trichy mainland and the Srirangam island. The pipeline reaches the decanting station near the district sports stadium in Khajamalai.The pipeline, which is at least 20 years old, burst due to pressure differences, besides the usual wear and tear. Over a period, the soil around the pipeline loosened due to the seepage. A crater appeared on the road, stopping the vehicular movement on Monday. “The damaged portion of the pipeline and the road will be restored by Monday night. Top surfaces will be levelled with concrete mixture,” a corporation official said.