CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): In a groundbreaking achievement for the CMRL Phase II project, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) named Anaimalai has successfully drilled through the earth, connecting the stations of Madhavaram and Venugopal Nagar. Anaimalai has created a tunnel stretching 415 meters below the ground.
The momentous occasion was celebrated with great enthusiasm as the TBM reached the station nearly 40 feet below the surface.
This recently constructed tunnel is part of corridor 5, which spans 44.6 kilometres between Madhavaram and Sholinganallur as part of the 61,843-crore Phase II project. With a total length of 116 kilometres, the corridor is crucial to Chennai’s transit system. On August 25, the second TBM, Servorayan, is expected to arrive at the station.
All the tunnel boring machines deployed for the Phase II project bear names inspired by mountains, rivers, or flowers. Anaimalai, imported from China, will be relocated to Ayanavaram after 45 days, where it will begin drilling towards Otteri.
Another TBM, named Nilgiris, which commenced its drilling in October, continues its progress and is anticipated to reach its first location in the coming months. This machine will establish an underground network for corridor 3, connecting Madhavaram to SIPCOT over a distance of 45.8 km.
