Fri Nov 08 14:49:40 UTC 2024: ## Chennai Metro’s Phase II Tunnel Nears Completion, Expected to Open by March 2025
**CHENNAI, November 8, 2024:** The first tunnel connecting T. Nagar to Kodambakkam for Chennai Metro Rail’s Phase II Project is on track for completion by March 2025. Two tunnel boring machines (TBMs), ‘Pelican’ and ‘Peacock’, have been diligently working on the stretch since January.
‘Pelican’ has already bored 880 meters, while ‘Peacock’ has covered 860 meters. Both machines have successfully passed underneath the Usman Road flyover and are expected to soon navigate beneath the Kodambakkam suburban railway track and flyover before reaching their final destination at the Kodambakkam Power House station.
This tunneling project is part of corridor 4 of the ₹63,246-crore Phase II Project, which connects Light House to Poonamallee via T. Nagar and Kodambakkam. Construction on the other corridors – Madhavaram to SIPCOT (corridor 3) and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (corridor 5) – is progressing, albeit at varying paces.
CMRL officials emphasize that careful monitoring is implemented while the TBMs cross sensitive structures like flyovers, hospitals, or heritage buildings. Vibration parameters are closely scrutinized to prevent soil settlement. Although no issues were reported during the passage under the Usman Road flyover, constant vigilance was maintained due to the machine’s proximity to the foundation.
The TBMs have encountered mixed soil conditions so far, but officials anticipate harder rock formations beyond the 880-meter mark. The machines are expected to cross the railway line in February, at a depth of about 25 meters. CMRL officials have assured that they will inform the Southern Railway authorities and implement any necessary safety measures, such as temporary train speed reductions, to ensure the safety of both workers and passengers.
First Piper 