CMRL to Add Three More Tunnel Machines

Chennai Metro Rail is set to purchase three additional tunnel boring machines (TBMs) to speed up delayed tunneling work on Phase II of the metro project. The new TBMs will be deployed at three key stretches: Thiruvanmiyur to Taramani, Thousand Lights to Anna Flyover, and Mandaiveli to Thirumayilai.

These machines are expected to cost ₹180 crore. Currently, 23 TBMs are operational on the Phase II network, which spans 118.9 km. The three new stretches belong to Corridor 3, running from Madhavaram to SIPCOT, a distance of 45.8 km. Of this, 43.04 km needs tunneling, with only 19.68 km completed so far and another 23.36 km still pending.

This corridor includes the longest underground network in Phase II at 26.7 km. According to officials, the additional TBMs are needed due to delays in tunneling operations. Factors contributing to these delays include canceled tenders for underground stations, delays in station shaft construction, and utility relocation.

Despite these challenges, officials remain confident that work will progress faster once the new TBMs arrive. A few machines have already made progress despite earlier setbacks.