CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) achieved its 24th tunnel boring machine (TBM) breakthrough in the Phase 2 project. The tunnelling on the 819-metre up-line section between Madhavaram High Road and Moolakadai stations has been completed by TBM named Nilagiri.
This marks the 11th breakthrough on the 9 km underground stretch between Madhavaram Milk Colony and Kellys on Corridor 3. The section is being executed by Tata Projects. Seven TBMs have been deployed for this package.
Map of the underground section of Phase II of CMRL
(Total Underground Section Madhavaram Milk Colony and Kelly (9km), 24th breakthrough of 819 m upline completed from Madhavaram High Road to Moolakadai stations)
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The drive was one of the most challenging under the contract. The machine had to pass beneath the Buckingham Canal and a busy traffic corridor while managing 14 borewells along the alignment. Alternative water sources were provided to residents during construction. Continuous instrumentation and monitoring ensured that ground settlement remained within permissible limits.
CMRL is accelerating work on the overall 118.9 km Phase II project, estimated to cost ₹63,246 crore. The network covers three corridors:
- Corridor 3: Madhavaram Milk Colony to SIPCOT
- Corridor 4: Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass
- Corridor 5: Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur
Meanwhile, the first operational stretch of Phase II is nearing launch. The 14.64 km elevated corridor between Poonamallee Bypass and Vadapalani, with 11 elevated stations, has completed all mandatory safety clearances and is awaiting an inauguration date from the Centre.
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