Exciting developments are underway as the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) gears up to commence tunnelling beneath Chetpet Lake. Officials have announced plans to initiate the construction of a shaft at Chetpet station, which will be followed by the deployment of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) after a six-month period.
The TBM has successfully completed its acceptance test, and its assembly is scheduled to begin one month after the shaft’s construction is finished. According to an official, all necessary processes are anticipated to be completed by the end of this year, paving the way for tunnelling operations.
The TBM will drill beneath the soil, reaching a depth of approximately 22 meters beneath Chetpet Lake. It will then proceed towards the KMC metro station, situated opposite Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, at a depth of around 29 meters. Covering a distance of approximately 838 meters between the two stations, the TBM’s journey will be significant.
Engineers at the Chetpet metro station are currently assembling the TBM, and it is set to commence tunnelling in July, covering a distance of 845 meters from Chetpet metro to the Sterling Road junction metro.
The Chetpet metro station is expected to serve as a crucial interchange point, providing a link to the Chetpet suburban train station. This strategic connectivity will enhance the efficiency and convenience of the metro system for commuters.
Phase-2 of the Chennai Metro expansion is a significant project, encompassing a network length of 118.1 kilometers with 118 stations. It consists of three corridors: Corridor-3 from Madhavaram to SIPCOT (45.4 km), Corridor-4 from Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass (26.1 km), and Corridor-5 from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (44.6 km).
Corridor-3, which runs across the eastern side of the city, will connect suburban areas like Madhavaram Milk Colony and Old Mahabalipuram Road with core city locations such as Chetpet, Nungambakkam, Mylapore, and Adyar.
M A Siddique, the managing director of CMRL, has stated that the completion of Phase-2 will be carried out in stages between 2026 and 2028. These ambitious plans signify the city’s commitment to expanding its metro network, enhancing transportation options, and facilitating efficient travel for its residents.
