Chennai Metro Tunnel Nears Completion, Connecting Key Hubs

Chennai Metro Rail is set to complete tunnelling between Royapettah and Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai by the end of August, marking a key milestone in Phase II Corridor 3, which stretches 45.8 km from Madhavaram to SIPCOT.

The largely underground corridor between Madhavaram and Taramani features multiple Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) at work. In July 2024, TBM Bhavani began drilling a 966-metre tunnel along this segment. According to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials, the breakthrough is imminent, with the tunnelling process progressing smoothly through sand and silt, and with extra care taken while passing beneath the Government Royapettah Hospital.

Meanwhile, TBM Adyar is expected to complete its adjoining stretch by October. The upcoming Royapettah station, near the YMCA, Government Hospital, and a major mall, and the Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai station, surrounded by hotels and office complexes, are both strategically located to serve high footfall areas.

Once operational, this segment will significantly improve north–south connectivity, easing daily commutes and cutting travel time across Chennai.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.