Chennai ( Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro progressed as Tata Project Ltd.(TPL) commissioned their first TBM Kurinji for Package UG-06/RT-01’s of Line 5. This corridor spans 44.6 km from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur through 45 stations.
About TBM Kurinji
TBM Kurinji (S120) is a Terratec Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) machine with a diameter of 6.61 meters. It is the first of four TBM machines to be deployed for the construction of underground twin tunnels under package UG-06/RT-01. This Package covers a total distance of 5.8 km connecting Kolathur and Nathamuni under 116 km long Chennai Metro Phase 2.
For its first assignment, TBM Kurinji has started tunneling from Kolathur Ramp toward Kolathur Station. It will construct a 246 m tunnel. Meanwhile, for its second assignment, TBM Kurinji will be retrieved and relaunched from the South Shaft to Srinivasa Nagar to construct a 1.06 km tunnel.
Package UG-06/RT-01
Tata Projects bagged Package UG-06/RT-01 from Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) at Rs. 1445,98 crore in September 2023 with a 3.8-year construction deadline.
The scope of work under this package includes the construction of twin tunnels and 5 underground stations
Stations
- Kolathur Junction
- Srinivasa Nagar
- Villivakkam Suburban Station (Villivakkam)
- Villivakkam Bus Terminus
- Nathamuni (Villivakkam MTH Road).
Future Projection
The Tata Projects is planning to commission 4 TBMs ( Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, and Neithal) for Package UG-06/RT-01. As per the CMRL expectations, the second TBM (Mullai – Terratec S121) is expected to arrive in the city by March 2025. TBM Mullai will be the first TBM to be deployed to construct a 603m tunnel between Villivakkam Railway Station and Villivakkam Bus Terminus.
