TBM Bhavani records fifth Tunnel Breakthrough for Chennai Metro Phase 2 Project

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has achieved another significant tunnelling milestone in its Phase-2 expansion project, as Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Bhavani’ successfully completed a 910-metre drive between Royapettah and RK Salai stations on Corridor-3. Executed by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T), this breakthrough marks a key step forward in Chennai’s expanding underground metro network.

The event was graced by T. Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL, along with senior officials Anto Jos Menachery (GM – Underground), Mr. Ravichandran (GM – Underground), Consultant Team Leader Tony Burchell, and L&T’s Jayarama (Project Director), among others.

Engineering Excellence in Action

The TBM ‘Bhavani’ achieved the breakthrough at RK Salai Station, completing the 910-metre tunnel drive from Royapettah under challenging geological conditions. The tunnel alignment passes beneath Royapettah High Road, Peters Bridge, and the heritage Royapettah Eye Hospital, with an overburden varying between 8 to 14 metres.

Despite encountering mixed strata of silty sand and clay, the TBM completed the drive smoothly, underscoring the robustness of the tunnelling design, safety protocols, and precision engineering deployed by L&T under CMRL’s supervision.

Progress Under TU02 Contract

This is the fifth TBM breakthrough under the TU02 contract, a key tunnelling package in Corridor-3 of the 118.9 km Phase-2 Chennai Metro project. Two additional TBMs launched from Greenways Road Station have already reached Mandaveli and are expected to achieve breakthroughs in the coming weeks.

Corridor-3, part of the Royapuram–Madhavaram–Siruseri SIPCOT route, plays a vital role in linking the city’s key residential and commercial hubs. Once complete, it will drastically reduce travel times, improve last-mile connectivity, and offer safe, sustainable, and efficient public transport options for Chennai’s growing population.

The successful breakthrough by TBM Bhavani reflects CMRL’s commitment to engineering excellence and sustainable urban development. As Chennai Metro’s Phase-2 expansion progresses rapidly, the city moves closer to achieving a world-class, high-capacity, and environment-friendly public transport system.