Separate drainage for Metro could ease waterlogging

After changing the face of intra-city transport, Delhi Metro could play a pivotal role in reducing waterlogging on city roads and minimising road damage.

After changing the face of intra-city transport, Delhi Metro could play a pivotal role in reducing waterlogging on city roads and minimising road damage. The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and International Road Federation (IRF) are of the view that Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) should construct a separate drainage system under all elevated tracks and channelise rain water through them towards suitably located water harvesting pits.

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This, according to them, would reduce waterlogging to a great extent. Out of its existing network of 190km, Delhi Metro has elevated tracks over a distance of 130km.

S Gangopadhyay, director, CRRI, said: “A drainage system to channelise rainwater released from the Metro's elevated tracks can save roads from being damaged and also help in water harvesting.”

On Thursday, IRF Chairman KK Kapila wrote to DMRC chief E Sreedharan, requesting him to construct drains to similarly channelise rainwater. The letter reads: “(It) will help in utilising such drainage water for improving the water table, thereby augmenting the requirement of water for the city...”

“Delhi Metro's elevated tracks are adding to the city's drainage problems, as rainwater from the elevated structures flows with force on roads, creating more problems for choked city drains and causing hazards to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Proper disposal of this water would reduce waterlogging on several stretches in the city,” said Kapila.

Some roads that have elevated Metro tracks and get flooded during the rains include stretches in Vikas Marg, Pusa Road, Rajouri Garden, Dilshad Garden, Dwarka and Rithala, among others.