Chennai: Every time it rains, visuals float around of cars and buses submerged in subways. This is exactly what GCC wants to prevent by installing AI-based boom barriers to prevent accidents during inundation.
On Wednesday, GCC floated tenders worth 1 crore to install access-controlled barriers in about a dozen subways, including Rangarajapuram, Duraisamy Subway, Madley, MC Road and Ganesapuram subways, among others. The barriers will have a six-metre-long electric arm which will be activated automatically if water levels reach three feet in the middle of the subway. The barriers will be in place by Dec-end.
The tenders mandate the contractor to also install a display at the subway indicating water levels, receding time, voice announcements and an alarm system. Live data from the barriers and cameras will be monitored from GCC's integrated control and command centre, while manual access to lift or close the barriers will be given to assistant engineers. A two-way communication unit will also be installed in the barriers for officials to coordinate with headquarters.
GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran said two-wheelers often enter inundated subways and get caught. "We have sensors fitted in the subways and barriers will be connected to them. They will open once stagnant water is less than one foot," he said.
In Chennai, 17 of 22 subways are marked as critical zones posing a risk of accidents. Officials said vehicles tend to miscalculate the water depth in the middle. "Bus drivers mostly assume they can power through the water, but the vehicles break down in four feet of water. Bikes too misjudge water in the central part and get caught. It may look like two feet, but it usually is more. Most subways have scales now, yet people take risks," said A S Murugan, zonal officer, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar.
Some subways, like Arangananathan Subway and Perambur Subway, get inundated for more than 24 hours because water only recedes when levels in adjoining Mambalam and Otteri Nullah recede. "In T Nagar and Saidapet, water recedes from the subway only if higher-level areas get cleared off. Hence, barriers will help to restrict traffic and prevent damage to vehicles or loss of life," said deputy mayor Mahesh Kumar, adding that GCC will coordinate with traffic police to provide alternative routes.