The Kochi Metro track at Kaloor near which a buidling had collapsed on Thursday. Photo: ManoramaKochi: Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) authorities have said that the pillars of the elevated track can withstand even earthquakes and they were only complying with a safety rule when they partially suspended services after a building caved in near Kaloor.
The KMRL halted services beyond Palarivattom after a building under construction caved in close to the metro track between Kaloor and the Lisie Hospital Junction on Thursday evening. The pillars were not harmed. The metro services were uninterrupted between Palarivattom and Aluva. The services were resumed later on Friday.
A building under construction caved in close to the metro track between Kaloor and the Lisie Hospital Junction Thursday. Photo: ManoramaOfficials said that a crater had formed on the roadside, close to the section where metro pillars were erected. The under-construction building collapsed when piling works were being carried out near Gokulam Park. Pumping of water from Aluva has been halted as the water pipe belonging to the Kerala Water Authority was ruptured following the incident.
Traffic diverted
The police have diverted traffic to other roads. Vehicles from Kaloor to Ernakulam are being diverted through St Sebastian Road and Lisie Hospital. Vehicles from Ernakulam North to Kaloor can go through Manappatti Parambu and Perandur. Those who proceed from the SA Road to Kaloor can use the Kathrukkadavu Road.
The police had initially suspended vehicular traffic along the Kaloor road.The metro services will resume after the public works department officials wind up their examination of the arterial road and surroundings.
The KMRL authorities said that the metro pillars were 40 feet deep and they could withstand even strong earthquakes. Yet they were bound by a rule that calls for a halt of services in the event of any strange happenings near the tracks or any other metro structures.
The KMRL halted services beyond Palarivattom after the building collapse at Kaloor.An expert team appointed by the district collector is conducting checks on the site of the cave-in. The team includes public works superintendent engineer T K Baldev, public works executive engineer M T Shabu, public works executive engineer Rejina Biwi, KMRL MGM Abdul Kalam, Cochin University of Science and Technology professor emeritus Dr Babu and structural engineering expert Dr Anil Joseph. They are expected to submit a report on Friday evening.
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