Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has completed the construction of a 1-kilometre underground tunnel between Kolathur and Srinivasa Nagar as part of the Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 project. The construction work took nearly a year to complete. Although this is a short section, it forms an important part of Corridor 5, which extends for 47 kilometres.
Currently, underground construction work is progressing across three metro corridors. These include Corridor 3, connecting Madhavaram and SIPCOT, Corridor 4, connecting Poonamallee and Light House, and Corridor 5, connecting Madhavaram and Sholinganallur. These corridors are expected to improve public transport connectivity across several parts of Chennai.
The construction of the Kolathur-Srinivasa Nagar tunnel was particularly challenging for engineers and workers. They had to drill through hard rock formations, manage steep curves and cross several existing borewells during the tunnelling process. The work also took place beneath residential buildings, requiring careful planning and safety measures to avoid damage to nearby properties.
The project faced several delays during the construction process. The tunnel was initially expected to be completed by July, but difficulties related to high construction costs quoted by bidders and opposition from local residents affected the schedule. These issues slowed down the progress of the work.
Despite these challenges, CMRL has continued construction activities as part of the larger Phase 2 project. Once Corridor 5 is completed, it will connect important residential areas such as Madhavaram, Retteri, Kolathur, Srinivasa Nagar and Villivakkam with other parts of the city.
The new metro connection is expected to make daily travel easier for residents, reduce dependence on road transport and improve connectivity across Chennai. The completion of the 1-kilometre tunnel marks another step forward in the development of Chennai’s metro rail network.