Chennai Metro Rail Worker Falls 60 Feet to Death in Perumbakkam on August 15

Two workers fell 60 feet at a Chennai Metro construction site in Perumbakkam on August 15, and both workers died. This is a serious safety issue.
By Newsroom | Accidents, Infrastructure |

Recent incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns at elevated construction zones, prompting scrutiny of safety protocols and accountability.

Construction worker dies after falling from Chennai Metro Rail viaduct near Valasaravakkam - 1

A series of accidents at Chennai Metro Rail construction sites has resulted in multiple fatalities, drawing attention to the safety of workers and the public. The incidents, involving falls from heights and structural collapses, have occurred across different phases of the metro's expansion. Investigations into these events are underway, with authorities examining the circumstances that led to the loss of life and the imposition of penalties on contractors.

Construction worker dies after falling from Chennai Metro Rail viaduct near Valasaravakkam - 2

Background of Incidents

Multiple incidents have been reported concerning worker safety and structural integrity on the Chennai Metro Rail project:

Construction worker dies after falling from Chennai Metro Rail viaduct near Valasaravakkam - 3

  • June 13, 2025: A section of an under-construction metro track in Valasaravakkam collapsed, resulting in the death of Ramesh, a 43-year-old worker from Nagercoil. This event was attributed to the slipping of supporting A-frames for two I-girders that had been erected a week prior near the Larsen & Toubro Head Office.

  • June 13, 2025: On the same day, another incident occurred in the Ramapuram area, where two steel girders collapsed during civil works on Corridor 4 of Phase II. This collapse led to the death of a motorcyclist on the road below. Similar incidents were reported near DLF Ramapuram and on Mount Poonamallee Road, involving the collapse of under-construction track sections and I-girders, causing the death of a motorcyclist.

  • August 15, 2025: Two 23-year-old workers, Bikee Paswan and Santosh Lohara, both from Jharkhand, fell approximately 60 feet from an elevated structure while installing new Metro rail tracks in Perumbakkam. Both sustained severe head injuries and were taken to a private hospital.

  • Recent Incident (Date unclear, implied recent): A 23-year-old worker from Jharkhand died after falling from the Chennai Metro Rail’s viaduct near Valasaravakkam on the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch. The accident occurred at pillar number 185 on Arcot Road.

Evidence of Fatalities and Injuries

The following evidence has been gathered from reported incidents:

Construction worker dies after falling from Chennai Metro Rail viaduct near Valasaravakkam - 4

  • Valasaravakkam Viaduct Fall:

  • A 23-year-old worker from Jharkhand died after falling from the Chennai Metro Rail viaduct near Valasaravakkam.

  • The accident happened at pillar number 185 on Arcot Road while the worker was engaged in construction on the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch.

  • Police sources indicated the worker lost his balance and fell, sustaining severe head injuries.

  • Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials stated the worker was wearing a harness during duty.

  • Compensation for the family is pending.

  • Perumbakkam Construction Site Fall:

  • Two workers, Bikee Paswan (23) and Santosh Lohara (23), from Jharkhand, fell from a height of about 60 feet.

  • The incident occurred while they were installing new Metro rail tracks on the Perumbakkam Semmozhi Salai stretch.

  • Both workers slipped and fell, sustaining severe head injuries.

  • They were rushed to a private hospital in Perumbakkam.

  • Manapakkam Girder Collapse:

  • A concrete structure of an under-construction metro track collapsed near a residential area.

  • One person, identified as Ramesh, a 43-year-old worker from Nagercoil, died.

  • The collapse involved two I-girders erected near the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Head Office in Manapakkam.

  • CMRL stated a supporting frame slipped, causing the girders to fall.

  • Ramapuram Girder Collapse:

  • Two recently installed steel girders collapsed during civil works on Corridor 4 of Chennai Metro’s Phase II project in Ramapuram.

  • A motorcyclist on the road below died instantly due to the collapse.

  • CMRL confirmed the death of one motorcyclist.

  • It is suspected that motorcyclists on the road below might have been trapped under the fallen concrete structures.

  • Mount Poonamallee Road Collapse:

  • A section of the Chennai Metro Rail phase II corridor collapsed near DLF Ramapuram on Mount Poonamalle Road.

  • One person was crushed under the debris.

  • The incident involved the collapse of two I-girders at Manapakkam, which fell from the viaduct around 9:45 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Safety Protocol and Accountability Measures

Following the incidents, authorities and CMRL have implemented or announced specific measures:

  • Valasaravakkam Incident: CMRL officials claim the worker was wearing a harness. Compensation is stated to be processed.

  • Manapakkam Girder Collapse:

  • CMRL ordered an investigation into the incident.

  • CMRL imposed a Rs 1 crore penalty on its contractor, Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

  • CMRL provided financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to the victim's family; L&T contributed Rs 20 lakh.

  • CMRL pledged to reinforce safety oversight and ensure stricter accountability.

  • Ramapuram/DLF Ramapuram Incidents:

  • CMRL ordered a safety audit of all erected components on Corridor 4, including temporary systems like staging frames and shuttering.

  • CMRL directed all contractors involved in Phase II to immediately review safety procedures and re-assess the stability of temporary structures like A-frames.

Contrasting Perspectives on Safety

  • Official Statements vs. Incident Outcomes: CMRL officials have stated that workers were wearing safety harnesses during construction at the Valasaravakkam site. However, a worker still fell and died. This raises questions about the effectiveness or consistent use of these safety measures.

  • Contractor Accountability: The imposition of a ₹1 crore penalty on Larsen & Toubro (L&T) following the Manapakkam girder collapse indicates a failure in adherence to safety standards by the contractor. CMRL's statement about reinforcing safety oversight suggests a broader systemic issue that needs addressing across all contractors.

  • Nature of Accidents: Incidents include both worker falls from heights and structural collapses. Falls suggest potential issues with personal protective equipment, work procedures at elevation, or site supervision. Structural collapses point towards potential problems in design, material integrity, or the erection and support systems of the construction elements.

Expert Analysis and Implications

"The recurrence of fatal accidents at construction sites, especially on large-scale infrastructure projects like the Chennai Metro, demands a comprehensive review of safety management systems. It is imperative to understand whether these are isolated failures or indicative of systemic deficiencies in training, supervision, and the implementation of safety protocols by all parties involved."

The implications of these incidents are significant:

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  • Worker Welfare: The primary concern is the loss of life and the impact on the families of the deceased workers. Ensuring the safety of all personnel on site is a fundamental obligation.

  • Public Safety: Girder collapses impacting roads below, as seen in Ramapuram and Manapakkam, highlight the risks to the general public. Mitigation strategies for such risks are crucial.

  • Project Timelines and Costs: Investigations, penalties, and subsequent safety audits can potentially lead to delays in project completion and increased costs for both the metro authority and its contractors.

  • Reputational Damage: Repeated accidents can affect public trust in the safety and efficiency of the Chennai Metro Rail project.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The series of fatalities on Chennai Metro Rail construction sites underscores critical safety concerns. While CMRL officials have indicated safety measures were in place in some instances, the outcomes suggest potential gaps in their execution or efficacy. The imposition of penalties and the order for safety audits are steps toward accountability.

  • Further Investigation: Detailed investigation reports into each incident are needed to pinpoint the exact causes, whether human error, equipment failure, or procedural lapses.

  • Enhanced Oversight: CMRL must demonstrably enhance its oversight mechanisms to ensure all contractors strictly adhere to safety regulations and best practices.

  • Worker Training and Awareness: There is a need to evaluate and possibly upgrade the training programs for construction workers, focusing on hazard identification and the correct use of safety equipment.

  • Public Safety Measures: Strategies to protect the public from falling debris or structural failures during construction on or near public areas need to be rigorously assessed and implemented.

  • Accountability and Transparency: Clear communication of findings and subsequent actions taken will be essential to rebuild confidence in the project's safety standards.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many workers died in the Perumbakkam Chennai Metro construction accident on August 15?
Two workers, Bikee Paswan and Santosh Lohara, both 23 years old, died after falling about 60 feet from an elevated structure at the Chennai Metro Rail construction site in Perumbakkam on August 15, 2025. They were installing new Metro rail tracks when they fell.
Q: What caused the deaths of the two workers at the Perumbakkam Chennai Metro site on August 15?
The two workers, Bikee Paswan and Santosh Lohara, fell approximately 60 feet while installing new Metro rail tracks in Perumbakkam on August 15, 2025. They sustained severe head injuries and died. The exact reason for the fall is being investigated, but reports suggest they slipped.
Q: Where exactly did the fatal fall happen at the Chennai Metro construction site in Perumbakkam on August 15?
The fatal fall happened at the Chennai Metro Rail construction site in Perumbakkam on the Perumbakkam Semmozhi Salai stretch on August 15, 2025. The two workers fell from an elevated structure while they were installing new Metro rail tracks.
Q: What happened to the workers who fell at the Perumbakkam Chennai Metro site on August 15?
Two workers, Bikee Paswan and Santosh Lohara, fell about 60 feet at the Perumbakkam construction site on August 15, 2025. They suffered serious head injuries and sadly passed away. They were taken to a private hospital after the fall.
Q: What are the safety concerns raised by the August 15 deaths at the Chennai Metro construction site in Perumbakkam?
The deaths of two workers who fell 60 feet on August 15 highlight serious safety concerns at Chennai Metro construction sites. It raises questions about the safety measures in place for workers at elevated construction zones and the need for stricter protocols.