Chennai Metro Rail to Monitor Underground Network Between Saidapet and Teynampet
With plans for an elevated corridor over existing metro tunnels along Anna Salai, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to monitor vibrations and structural settlements for the next few years to ensure safety.
Three key underground metro stations - Saidapet, Nandanam, and Teynampet - along Corridor 1, along with their connecting tunnels, will be under continuous observation. This initiative comes as the Highways Department begins work on the elevated corridor between Saidapet and Teynampet to ease traffic congestion.
To assess potential impact, CMRL will install real-time monitoring sensors within the tunnels and stations. These instruments will track stress, strain, and vibration levels 24/7. An official confirmed that metro structures have already been evaluated for construction impact, with additional monitoring being implemented as a precautionary measure.
Bids have been invited for firms to undertake this monitoring, with contract finalization expected in three months. The elevated corridor is projected to take two years to complete, with monitoring continuing for another two years post-construction.
The tunnels in the affected section lie approximately 11 meters below ground, while station roofs are just 2.5 meters from the surface. The elevated corridor’s pillars will be spaced 30 meters apart. Any unusual fluctuations in structural integrity will prompt immediate investigation.
Corridor 1 remains one of the busiest metro lines, handling a significant share of Chennai Metro Rail’s daily ridership of around 3.2–3.3 lakh passengers on weekdays.
