Chennai Metro Rail Embarks on Phase II Expansion with Launch of Tunnel Boring Machine
Posted on: 31/Jan/2024 4:38:09 PM
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) marked a significant milestone today with the initiation of the expansion of the city`s metro rail network under Phase II. Following the successful completion of Phase 1 and Phase 1 Extension Corridors since June 2015, and in response to the increasing ridership in Corridors 1 & 2, CMRL is now focusing on an extensive infrastructure development plan for the city. This initiative involves the creation of three additional metro rail corridors, spanning a total length of 116.1 km and encompassing 119 metro stations.
Phase II Corridor 4 of the Chennai Metro Rail is designed as an east-west alignment covering 26.1 km, connecting the beachfront from Light House station to Poonamallee Depot. The corridor features 9 underground stations and 18 elevated stations. The underground section, spanning 10 km, originates from Lighthouse and traverses iconic areas of Chennai, from Mylapore and Kutchery Road to upscale locations like Alwarpet, Bharatidasan, Boat Club, Panagal Park, and Kodambakkam.
For the successful execution of Corridor-4, four Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) will be deployed. ITD Cementation India Limited has secured the underground projects C4-UG01 (Light House to Bharathidasan Road) & C4-UG02 (Bharathidasan Road to Kodambakkam Powerhouse Ramp) for the construction of metro stations and tunnels.
Today, Thiru. T. Archunan, Director Projects at CMRL, inaugurated the Tunnel Boring Machine named "Pelican" for Corridor - 4. This TBM will cover a total length of 2.1 km, connecting Panagal Park Station to Kodambakkam Powerhouse Ramp (upline). The launch event, held on January 31, 2024, was attended by senior officials from CMRL, General Consultants, M/s AEON Consortium, and ITD Cementation.
The Pelican TBM, operating in the upline section of Corridor-4, will tunnel at a maximum depth of 18.5m from ground level and is expected to complete this stretch by the end of December 2024. Its route includes passing through significant landmarks like the North Usman Road flyover and Kodambakkam flyover. Following the completion of this stretch, the Pelican TBM will proceed to tunnel from Panagal Park towards Boat Club Station.
Additionally, another TBM named "Peacock" is scheduled to commence its journey on April 1, 2024, from Panagal Park to Kodambakkam Powerhouse Ramp, operating in the downline section.
The launch of the Pelican TBM marks a crucial step forward in the expansion of Chennai`s metro rail network, promising enhanced connectivity and efficient transportation for the city`s residents.
