The Chennai Metro Rail is set to begin work in June on a new underground section between Thirumayilai and Boat Club. This is part of the Phase II expansion, which will cover a total of 118.9 km and aims to significantly improve the city’s metro network.
For the new stretch, two tunnel boring machines (TBMs) named Eagle and Flamingo will be used. These machines recently completed the tunneling work from Light House to Thirumayilai and will now be redeployed to continue underground construction towards Boat Club. Using these advanced TBMs is expected to make the tunneling process faster and safer while minimizing disruption above ground.
The underground network is a key part of Chennai Metro’s plan to expand connectivity across the city. Officials said that this section will help reduce traffic congestion on busy roads and cut travel time for daily commuters. Special care will be taken to ensure construction activities do not disturb nearby residents and businesses, and safety protocols will be strictly followed during tunneling.
The Phase II expansion includes several other stretches across Chennai, aiming to connect residential areas, business districts, and transport hubs more efficiently. Once the project is completed, commuters can expect faster, more convenient, and comfortable travel, with reduced crowding on roads and a modern metro system that meets the growing needs of the city.
Metro authorities are also planning public awareness programs to educate residents about construction schedules, traffic diversions, and safety measures while the underground work is in progress. This initiative reflects Chennai Metro’s commitment to expanding sustainable urban transport while keeping disruption to a minimum.
Overall, the Thirumayilai–Boat Club underground section is expected to be a major milestone in improving Chennai’s public transportation system, making commuting easier for thousands of daily passengers and enhancing the city’s overall connectivity.