Jolarpet: Now, pipe leak delays water train’s arrival at Chennai

The trial run of pumping water from the GLR to the Parsanpet OHT was completed smoothly in the afternoon after officials switched on powerful motors. But, the decision to load all 50 wagons simultaneously with hose pipes that were 15 metres long and 1 foot wide failed when the water pressure dipped abruptly because of the leak.

Pumps were switched off immediately to prevent the leaking water from entering the wagons through the pipes. Generators and motors were procured to remove stagnant water from the leaking area before it could be sealed.

The pumping of water, however, did not resume immediately. Officials said it that it was important for the seal to dry and settle in so that it does not break under high water pressure. They also said that they were conducting another trial run and testing the pipes from the sealed location to the water train at yard 5. “During the trial run, the water cleared away any remaining dirt and debris in the new pipes,” said an official. With this delay, the chances of the water reaching Chennai on the same day were remote, he added.

A senior railway official in Chennai said, “The high water pressure may hae caused the leak. we are staying updated with the situation and expect the loading to be completed by Thursday.”

He added that the Railway ministry has been following the progress from New Delhi.

Earlier, the plan was held up when pipes had to be rerouted following a private land owner refusing ‘right of way’ for pipes across his land.