Mishap at Ukkadam flyover site in Coimbatore worries locals

COIMBATORE:  The formwork, a mould used in construction sites, of the concrete base for the Ukkadam flyover loosened on Saturday evening when workers were pouring concrete. The up and down ramps are being built on the Sungam bypass road. The construction of the concrete bed is underway behind the Ukkadam bus stand, adjacent to  Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board (TNUDB) housing unit. Though highways department officials said it was a minor incident, people living in TNUDB tenements situated very close to the structure expressed fears regarding its stability.

“A mould was built using more than 300 rods to lay concrete bed of the flyover.  Even as wet concrete mix was being poured, a few rods gave way due to damage of the joints. Because of this, the mould loosened a bit. Officers who rushed to the spot ordered strengthening of the mould using additional iron rods, and the work resumed. Additional safety arrangements have been made in all areas to prevent any mishap,” said Sekar, a resident who witnessed the incident.

Rani, who lives in a flat next to the flyover, moved her family to a friend’s house fearing the incident would damage her house. She demanded that officials examine the quality of construction. “Construction of the flyover floor is taking place just two feet away from our apartment. This is making us anxious. The quality of the flyover should be inspected by authorities. It will give us the confidence to stay her peacefully,” she added.

When asked, a senior official from the highways department said, “The concrete mixture sets within a few hours. So, a temporary safety arrangement was needed at that time and it has been fixed now.” He added, “Because of the incident, a few people got scared and some of them moved out.  Now after realizing there is no issue, they returned to their homes. Even if the rods on which the floor was attached collapse, there would be no problem in the construction as replacement arrangements were made immediately.”

Construction of the Rs 280 crore, 3.8 km long Ukkadam- Athupalam flyover began in 2018 and is expected to be completed before 2024.