Chennai Metro Phase 2: ‘Peacock’ Tunneling Breakthrough

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has hit a big milestone in Phase 2 of its expansion project with the successful breakthrough of TBM “Peacock” (DL 1074) at the Kodambakkam Ramp Retrieval shaft near Meenakshi College on Arcot Road.

This breakthrough signifies a significant advancement in the development of Corridor 4, a 26.8km stretch from Light House to Poonamallee Bypass. The tunnel drive for TBM “Peacock” started on May 2nd, 2024, from Panagal Park Crossover towards Kodambakkam Ramp Retrieval Shaft, covering a total bored tunnel length of 2047m.

During the drive, the team faced challenges such as passing under 190 buildings, predominantly residential, with over 50 being older structures. Additionally, the TBM had to navigate parallel to an active railway line, cross multiple railway tracks, venture under two churches, and pass below the Kodambakkam flyover. Despite these obstacles, the construction of this, the longest tunnel in phase 2, was completed without causing disruptions to the public or existing traffic, as reported by CMRL.

Corridor 4 includes 12 underground stations and 18 elevated stations, forming part of CMRL’s comprehensive infrastructure development plan, financially supported by bilateral and multilateral funding agencies like ADB, AIIB, and NDB.

The underground section spanning 10.03km from Light House Station to Kodambakkam Flyover is being managed by ITD Cementation India Limited, with the deployment of four TBMs.