Chennai, July 10, 2025 — Panic gripped residents of Perungudi on Monday evening after a massive crack, stretching up to 70 meters, split a key residential road near the Perungudi Railway Station. The incident, which unfolded with a loud, explosion-like sound, has rendered the road unusable and disrupted the daily commute for hundreds of motorists, office-goers, and students who rely on the stretch to reach the railway station and nearby areas.
Construction Activity Under Scrutiny
Preliminary investigations suggest that the ongoing construction of a multi-storey building adjacent to Sheshadripuram 1st Main Road in Annai Indira Nagar, Velachery, is the likely cause. The foundation work for the building, which extends nearly 60 meters below ground level, is suspected to have destabilised the road. Officials point to vibrations from heavy machinery and deep excavation as contributing factors in the formation of the crack, which some witnesses described as resembling a sinkhole.
Immediate Response and Official Action
Regional Deputy Commissioner Altaf Rasool, along with senior officials from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), inspected the site soon after the incident. Barricades were swiftly erected to block vehicular movement and prevent accidents, while residents were urged to avoid the area.
A technical team from IIT Madras and Anna University has been tasked with conducting a detailed inspection to determine the precise cause and recommend preventive measures. The Deputy Commissioner ordered an immediate halt to all construction activities in the vicinity until the area is declared structurally safe.
Builder Faces Legal Action
The incident has prompted the GCC to file a police complaint against the builder responsible for the ongoing construction. According to S Baskaran, councillor for Ward 178, the contractor is now required to repair the damaged road, stormwater drains, and sewage pipelines. Despite initial assurances from the builder, authorities reported a lack of further response, leading to the formal complaint at the J7 police station in Velachery.
Safety Concerns Intensify
This is the second such incident in the area in recent weeks. Just days earlier, a cab had sunk into a sinkhole at a nearby location, with all passengers narrowly escaping harm. The recent crack, coupled with a recent electrocution death in the vicinity, has heightened concerns over the safety of Chennai’s urban infrastructure and the oversight of construction activities.
Residents are demanding a thorough investigation and stricter enforcement of safety regulations. “We are worried for our safety and want the authorities to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” said a local resident.
Ongoing Monitoring
Authorities have assured the public that the site is under continuous monitoring and that restoration of the damaged road will be prioritised. Construction work in the area will remain suspended until experts confirm that it is safe to proceed.
