First Tunnel Boring Machine launched for Corridor 5 of Chennai Metro Phase 2 Project

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Tata Project Limited has launched the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for Corridor 5 of its Phase II expansion project. Named TBM Kurinji, the machine was deployed at the Kolathur Ramp on February 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the city's metro development.

Following the successful implementation of Phase I and its extension, CMRL has embarked on an ambitious expansion under Phase II. This phase comprises three new corridors covering a total of 118.9 km, with funding from international agencies including JICA, ADB, AIIB, and NDB.

Corridor 5, spanning 47 km, originates at Madhavaram Milk Colony and extends through key locations such as Koyambedu, Porur, and Alandur, ultimately connecting to Shollinganallur. The corridor includes five underground stations and 39 elevated stations.

TBM Deployment and Tunneling Plans

Four TBMs, named after Tamil landscapes—Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, and Neithal—are designated for Corridor 5. TBM Kurinji will bore a 246-meter tunnel from Kolathur Ramp towards Kolathur Station (upline) and is expected to complete this phase by June 2025. It will then be retrieved and relaunched from the south shaft to tunnel towards Srinivasa Nagar (1.06 km).

The second TBM, Mullai, is expected to arrive by the end of March 2025 and will commence tunneling from Villivakkam Railway Station towards Villivakkam Bus Terminus, covering a distance of 603 meters. The remaining TBMs will be launched progressively based on site readiness.

Underground Section Execution

The 7.8 km underground tunnel section of Corridor 5 comprises twin tunnels of 3.9 km each, extending from Kolathur Ramp to Nathamuni Ramp. This critical infrastructure project is being executed by M/s Tata Projects Limited, which is responsible for mobilizing all four TBMs for the task.

With the launch of TBM Kurinji, Chennai's metro expansion moves one step closer to enhancing urban connectivity and reducing congestion, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable transit network.