CHENNAI: A section of Perambur Barracks Road caved in on Tuesday afternoon, leaving behind a massive sinkhole nearly 20 feet deep. This is the third such cave-in on this stretch since 2022. It was caused by a burst in the ageing gravity sewer line running beneath the road. Officials told TNIE that they don’t plan to overhaul the ageing pipeline for at least another 1.5 years, as metro rail work is still under way.
The 1.2 m RCC gravity main sewer pipeline, which is nearly 40 years old, was damaged over a length of 10 m and sent commuters and residents into a panic. This, coupled with the ongoing metro work, led to traffic disruptions, which would continue for nearly three days until the restoration work is complete, according to CMWSSB officials.
Three metro water pipelines pass along the stretch. The damage to the main sewer line, leading to the Purasaiwalkam old sewage pumping station, was less than 100 m away from the sinkhole. The pipeline, carrying sewage from Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar and parts of Anna Nagar and Royapuram, ends at the Kodungaiyur sewage plant.
“Due to its age, the pipeline needs a complete revamp and the proposal is awaiting approval,” another official said. However, the work can’t be taken up until the metro rail works are completed, he added. CMWSSB, in an official statement, said that it will replace or repair the damaged section depending on the extent of the damage.
The official added that all previous cave-in witnessed on the road have been along the same pipeline, though at different points within 300 m of each other. The first cave-in occurred in 2022 near Astabujam Road, followed by another in October 2025 near KM Garden.
“We fear travelling on this stretch. Fortunately, no one was injured in any of the three incidents, but will we be so lucky next time? The sewer pipeline must be overhauled soon,” said Khader MI (63), a resident.
Raghukumar Choodamani, Convener of the Perambur Neighborhood Development Forum, said that, “During the previous government, nearly `934 crore under Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam was allocated to revamp the sewer drains in Tondiarpet, Royapuram, and Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar zones. However, the works are still ongoing. This road must be included under the project,” he said.