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CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Phase 2 progressed with the successful breakthrough of the Downline Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) “Noyyal” at the Mandaveli station of Corridor 3 which spans 45.8 Km between Madhavaram and SIPCOT. This development was recorded under the package TU-02 of Chennai Metro Phase 2.
The breakthrough event was witnessed by Thiru. T. Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL, in the presence of senior officials of CMRL, consultants, and representatives from the contractor M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd, including Thiru. Anto Jos Menachery (GM – Underground), Thiru. Livingstone Eliazer (CGM – PP&D), Thiru. S. Ashok Kumar (CGM – T& EC), Thiru. Ravichandran (GM – UG Stations), Consultant DRE Thiru. Subramanian, Thiru. Lakshmi Prasad (Project Director – L&T), and Thiru. Ahmet (Project Manager – L&T).
In September 2023, tunnelling between Greenways Station and Mandaveli Station commenced with the deployment of two TBM’s, Noyyal and Vaigai. While the Upline TBM Vaigai achieved its breakthrough earlier on 18 October 2025, the Downline TBM Noyyal successfully completed its drive on 7 February 2026. With this achievement, the TU-02 contract has recorded its 8th TBM breakthrough.
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The 763-metre-long tunnel, constructed by M/s Larsen & Toubro Ltd, passes beneath densely built-up areas, including below 75 buildings, with an overburden depth ranging between 9 and 12 metres.
In May 2021, Larsen & Toubro Ltd bagged the Package TU-02 from Chennai Metro Rail Corporation (CMRL) at an estimated cost of Rs. 2385 crore with a 42 month deadline.
Contract Scope of Work: Construction of approximately 12 km twin bored tunnels (total = 24 km) from Kellys Station to Taramani Road Junction and the construction of diaphragm walls, entry/exit structures of Chetpet station, Royapettah Government Hospital Station, Thiruvanmiyu Station, and part diaphragm wall of Greenways Road Station, including launching and retrieval shafts at the above stations.
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