TBM Nilgiri records first tunnel breakthrough for Chennai Metro Phase 2

(Representative Image)

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is making remarkable strides in the expansion of the city's metro rail network, as it achieves a significant breakthrough in its Phase II project. After the successful completion of Phase I and Phase I Extension Corridors since June 2015, and with a growing ridership in Corridors 1 and 2, CMRL has embarked on an ambitious endeavor to further enhance urban connectivity.

Under Phase II, CMRL is venturing into an extensive infrastructure development, introducing three new metro rail corridors with a combined length of 116.1 km. This expansion is being generously funded by renowned multi-national agencies such as JICA, ADB, AIIB, and NDB, emphasizing the city's global importance and the recognition of its transportation needs.

Among the new corridors, Corridor 3 stands out, spanning 45.4 km from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Siruseri Sipcot. This alignment will greatly contribute to north-to-south connectivity within Chennai, boasting a total of 28 underground stations and 19 elevated stations.

Corridor 4, covering 26.1 km, serves as an east-west link, connecting the beachfront from Light House station to the Depot at Poonamallee. This corridor includes 9 underground stations and 18 elevated stations, promising seamless travel experiences.

Corridor 5, with a length of 44.6 km, offers vital connections between Madhavaram Milk Colony and Shollinganallur, traversing through key residential and commercial hubs like Koyambedu, Porur, and Alandur. It features 6 underground stations and an impressive 39 elevated stations.

The Phase II-596 (Nilgiri) Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) breakthrough stands as a remarkable achievement. Launched on 13th October 2022 from Madhavaram Milk Colony Station, the TBM covered a bored tunnel length of 1.4 km, culminating in the historic breakthrough at Madavaram High Road on 7th August 2023. This momentous event was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. M.K. Stalin.

The Phase II-596 (Nilgiri) TBM breakthrough not only symbolizes CMRL's commitment to advanced urban mobility but also underlines Chennai's determination to establish a world-class transportation network that caters to its growing population and vibrant economy.

For more details, please explore the Chennai Metro page of Metro Rail Today.