The repair work on the high speed Airport Express Metro line is nearing completion, but water seepage in the tunnel continues to be a concern for the authorities. The Reliance-backed operator, Delhi Airport Metro Express Private Limited (DAMEPL), in a presentation made on the leakage in the tunnel, showed that there is no marked difference in the comparative seepage data.

The presentation was made at a recent review meeting on the repairs before the officials from Urban Development Ministry, Delhi Metro, Railway and others.

“From the pictures, it appears that the tunnels now bear a cleaner and drier look. However, there is no marked difference in the comparative seepage data as regards to measured water seepage in the tunnel and the number of times the leakage rate exceeded the permissible level,” the presentation said.

As on September 17, the seepage was 17 times more than the permissible limit, while after the repairs till October 29 the seepage was found to be 14 times more than the permissible limit.

The presentation, made by Director of DAMEPL N S Shekhawat through photographs and a schematic diagram measurement of the tunnel between the New Delhi station and Shivaji Stadium station, did a comparative study on the amount of seepage in the tunnel in a gap of 40 days from September to October.

The Delhi Metro said the tunnel between New Delhi station and Shivaji Stadium is at the deepest point due to which slight oozing of water has been witnessed. “There is a high water table between the two underground stations. There isn’t a problem of seepage, but only oozing of water at the cross-section. Proper drainage channels have been provided for its outlet,” DMRC spokesperson said.

He said this phenomenon

will not affect Metro operations in the line.

The services of the 22.7-km Airport Metro were suspended for repairs after structural defects were witnessed. The line was shut on July 8 after bearing and clippings were found damaged and seepage was noticed in the underground tunnel.

“The repair work on the corridor is on. Necessary precautions are also being taken. Minor seepage is an internationally witnessed phenomenon and solutions are being worked out,” the DMRC official said.