The independent consultant appointed to inspect Delhi Metro structures has reported cracks on the Noida, Badar... Read More

NEW DELHI: Two days after fresh cracks were noticed in two piers on the Noida line, the independent consultant appointed to inspect Delhi Metro structures after the Zamrudpur collapse has reported 16 more cracks on the Noida, Badarpur and Gurgaon lines.

Even as Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) maintained that the new cracks "seem minor", this has caused panic in the city. People now fear even walking below the under-construction lines.

The fresh cracks, which are reportedly hairline ones, are all going to be re-examined in detail. At Aya Nagar, cracks were seen on four piers ��� P-192, P-193, P-203, P-204. Locals say that since Friday evening, the area has been abuzz with inspections and checks.

Residents fear that since these pillars are situated on both sides of MG Road, any collapse can lead to serious casualties. "The road is our lifeline," said a worried Shakir Khan, a resident of the area.

Sources at the site revealed that several hairline cracks were detected on top of pier caps.

"It was nothing alarming, but we decided not to take a chance. After we tried chemically treating the cracks, we have now decided to reconstruct a portion of the pillars which has been damaged beyond repair," said an engineer.