Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has been advancing with tunneling work at Phase-2 of its metro expansion, with the breakthrough of the Tunnel Boring Machine “Peacock” at Kodambakkam Ramp. This is the longest tunnel in Phase-2 covering 2.047 km, completed successfully despite complex urban and railway infrastructure challenges.
Introduction:
In a significant step towards Chennai’s metro expansion, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has accomplished the successful breakthrough of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) “Peacock” (DL 1074) at the Kodambakkam Ramp Retrieval Shaft near Meenakshi College on Arcot Road. This marks a critical advancement in Corridor-4 of the Phase-2 Metro Project.
Phase-2 of Chennai Metro, covering 118.9 km with three corridors, is one of India’s most ambitious urban mobility projects. The breakthrough by TBM Peacock is part of the 26.8 km-long Corridor-4, which connects Light House to Poonamallee Bypass.
Tunnel Drive Highlights:
- Start Point: Panagal Park Crossover
- End Point: Kodambakkam Ramp
- Total Length Bored: 2,047 meters
- Commencement Date: May 2, 2024
- Completion Date: July 23, 2025
Engineering Feats & Challenges:
- Passed beneath 190 buildings, over 50 of them old residential structures
- Bored parallel to an active railway line before crossing it
- Navigated under two churches and Kodambakkam flyover
- Executed without disturbing public life or traffic flow
Despite these urban and technical complexities, the work was completed seamlessly, reflecting world-class execution standards in underground metro construction.
Presence of Dignitaries:
The breakthrough event witnessed the participation of senior leadership and engineers from both CMRL and the contracting firm ITD Cementation India Ltd, including:
- Shri T. Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL
- Shri Jayanta Basu, MD, ITD Cementation India Ltd
- Smt. Rekha Prakash, CGM (P&D), CMRL
- Dr. Rajeev K Srivastava, Chief Advisor (Environment)
- Other senior officials and project managers from General Consultants and contractors
Corridor 4 Development:
Corridor 4 features a mix of underground and elevated infrastructure:
- 10.03 km of underground section from Light House to Kodambakkam Flyover
- 12 underground stations and 18 elevated stations
- Executed by ITD Cementation India Ltd using 4 TBMs
- Supported by international funding from ADB, AIIB, and NDB
Conclusion:
This breakthrough marks significant achievement in CMRL’s Phase-2, strengthening its mission to provide faster, safer, and more sustainable transport for Chennai. TBM Peacock’s success highlights engineering excellence and reinforces public confidence in metro infrastructure, laying the foundation for future urban transformation through robust mass transit systems.
Source: CMRL | Images Credit: CMRL
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