Chennai metro rail worksite tragedy claims life of Uttar Pradesh worker

Chennai metro rail worksite safety came under focus after a 34-year-old migrant worker from Uttar Pradesh lost his life due to electrocution during construction work near Mandaveli on Thursday evening. The incident has once again drawn attention to working conditions and safety measures at large infrastructure project sites in the city.

The deceased worker was identified as Mani Yadav, a native of Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh. He had been living in Chennai for work and was staying at Sriram Nagar in Taramani along with his younger brother. Both were employed on a contractual basis at the metro rail construction site.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred while Mani Yadav was engaged in routine work at the construction location on Robert Road in Mandaveli. He was working as a sand excavator when he accidentally came into contact with a live electrical wire. The shock threw him to the ground, leaving him critically injured.

Co-workers present at the site immediately rushed to help him and transported him to a nearby private hospital. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Chennai metro rail worksite employs migrant labour through private contractors

The Chennai metro rail worksite where the incident occurred is part of an ongoing infrastructure project being executed through multiple layers of contractors. Mani Yadav was employed by Gajendra Construction Company, a private firm that had been assigned work at the site under a contract issued by Larsen and Toubro Limited.

Officials said Mani was working on-site under contractual employment, a common practice across large construction projects. Migrant workers from other states form a major portion of the workforce in metro rail construction, road projects, and urban infrastructure development across Tamil Nadu.

Following the incident, Pattinapakkam police were informed by hospital authorities. Police personnel reached the hospital, recovered the body, and registered a case related to accidental death. The body was later sent for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Police officials said enquiries are being conducted to ascertain whether proper safety precautions were in place at the Chennai metro rail worksite at the time of the incident. They are also examining whether electrical safety norms were followed during the execution of work.

Chennai metro rail worksite incident triggers official questioning

As part of the investigation, police have begun questioning individuals connected with the construction activity. Those questioned include the site supervisor of the private construction company, the owner of the firm, and a managerial staff member associated with the main contractor overseeing the metro rail project.

Officials said statements are being recorded to understand the sequence of events leading to the electrocution. The focus of the inquiry includes the availability of safety equipment, supervision at the site, and whether the worker had been assigned tasks near exposed electrical connections.

Labour safety experts have pointed out that incidents involving electrocution at construction sites often stem from inadequate insulation, poor monitoring, or failure to shut down live power lines during work. They stress that migrant workers are particularly vulnerable due to long working hours and limited awareness of safety rights.

The incident has also raised concerns among labour rights groups, who argue that contractors must be held accountable for ensuring basic safety standards. They have called for stricter inspections and enforcement of labour laws at major construction sites, especially those involving public infrastructure projects. Also Read: Mankatha Re-release: Explosive Fan Celebration as Crackers Burst Inside Hall 2026

Family members of the deceased have been informed about the incident. Arrangements for compensation and legal procedures are expected to follow, though officials have not yet made any formal announcement regarding relief.

Conclusion

The fatal accident at the Chennai metro rail worksite has once again highlighted the risks faced by migrant workers engaged in large construction projects. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the need for stronger safety enforcement and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.