Chennai Metro update: 23 TBMs to be used for boring of Twin Tunnels for Phase-2 project

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL’s) Phase-I project covering two corridors for 45 kms from Washermanpet to Airport in the Blue Line and from Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Metro to St. Thomas Mount in the Green Line with a total of 32 Metro Stations has been successfully completed and is in operation being the first Metro Rail System in India to connect the city’s Railway Terminal, Bus Terminals and Airport in the first phase itself. 

  • The Phase-I Extension of the project from Washermanpet to Thiruvottiyur (Wimco Nagar) covering 9.051 kms with 8 Metro Stations (2 Underground and 6 Elevated Metro Stations) will connect the northern part of the city to the Central Business District Area and is targeted to be opened for traffic in the end of January 2021.
  • Considering the demand for fast, safe, efficient and sustainable public transport system, CMRL’s Phase-II project is being planned for 118.9 kms in three corridors viz. Corridors-3, 4 and 5 at an estimated cost of Rs. 61,843 Cr supported by Government of India, Government of Tamil Nadu, JICA, ADB, AIIB and NDB.
    • Corridor-3: Madhavaram to SIPCOT covering 45.8 Km is a North South Corridor connecting the prime locations like IT Corridor, Adayar, Mylapore and Purasaiwalkam with 50 Metro Stations comprising of 20 Elevated Metro stations and 30 Underground Metro Stations.
    • Corridor-4: Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass covering 26.1 Km is the East West Corridor covering the commercial hubs of city viz. Nandanam, T.Nagar, Vadapalani, Valasaravakkam, Porur and Poonamallee with 30 Metro Stations comprising of 18 Elevated Metro stations and 12 Underground Metro Stations.
    • Corridor-5: Madhavaram to Sholinganallur covering 47.0 Km is the orbital corridor connecting prime locations viz., Villivakkam, Anna Nagar, Koyambedu, Virugambakkam, Ramapuram, Madipakkam and Medavakkam with 48 Metro Stations comprising of 42 Elevated Metro stations and 6 Underground Metro Stations.

Project Features:

  • A total of 23 no’s of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMS) is expected to be used in the Phase II of CMRL Project for boring of Twin Tunnels.
  • The Phase II of CMRL Project is the first Metro in India to be the Single Largest Metro Rail Project to be implemented in one stretch.
  • With the completion of these 3 corridors by 2026, Chennai will have 173 kms of metro stretch carrying 25 lakh passengers per day accounting for 25% of public transport trips, to transform into a world-class destination for investments and economic activities.
  • As part of Multi-Modal Integration, the Phase-II Network will be integrated with other,public transport modes namely Suburban Rail, MRTS, City Bus service, etc. at 21 different locations to ensure hassle-free and seamless connectivity.
  • The project has been planned for improving ease of living for people which is the Government’s key goal.

Foundation stone:

  • Foundation Stone for 109 Km network of Phase-2 of Chennai Metro Rail Project was laid by the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah on 21-11-2020 at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai.
  • The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Shri Edappadi K. Palaniswami presided over the function.
  • The Phase-II of Chennai Metro Rail Project with a total length of 118.9 km with estimated completion cost of Rs.61,843 crore has been approved by the Government of Tamil Nadu. 
  • With expected expenditure of Rs. 61,843 cr in next 5 years, Chennai city will get total metro network of 173 km by 2026.
  • It will bring lot of ease in living to the citizens and visitors from all across the State & country. 

Source: CMRL-Press Release | Image Credit: CMRL