Chennai Metro floats tender for tough tunnelling

25 Jan 2021 Editorial Team

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) has invited bids for the construction of twin tunnels and five underground stations between Nathamuni and Kolathur.

The rocky soil conditions make this one of the toughest and challenging stretches in phase-2 of the project.

The 5.8 km stretch is the only underground section in corridor-5 from Sholinganallur to Madhavaram. This is the 11th tender floated for the construction of 118.9 km phase-2.

Construction for the phase is expected to begin by mid-2021 with CMRL likely to start building the elevated line between Poonamallee and Porur bypass. The phase is expected to be ready by 2026

The firm that bags the contract will have to build twin tunnels for the upline and downline and connect them with five underground stations across at least two major localities Kolathur and Villivakkam. The stations will come up at Villivakkam bus terminus, Kolathur, Villivakkam suburban station, Srinivasa Nagar, and Nathamuni. The contractor will build entry-exit points of the stations, architectural finishes, ventilation shafts, and more. The deadline for the work is about four years.

CMRL identified the line from Kolathur to Nathamuni as one of the two toughest stretches in phase-2 due to its soil conditions, primarily hard rocks like black granite or a mix of quartz charnockite. The condition could pose an engineering challenge as the tunnel boring machines will have to be operated at an appropriate speed - even as slow as below 8 m a day, to keep vibrations it may cause to a minimum, to prevent buildings above from being affected. Tunnels in this stretch will be at a depth of 15 m to 21 m.

In phase-1, rock soil conditions slowed down the project. While a contractor abandoned work on the Anna Salai stretch claiming they hit rocky soil that was not anticipated, it took nearly six months for engineers to drill a 500 m rocky stretch near Central station. This also required engineers to replace the cutters or blades frequently.

For details of CMRL tender for the tunnelling work, click here.

Also read: Chennai Metro creates 3D model for phase 2

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) has invited bids for the construction of twin tunnels and five underground stations between Nathamuni and Kolathur. The rocky soil conditions make this one of the toughest and challenging stretches in phase-2 of the project. The 5.8 km stretch is the only underground section in corridor-5 from Sholinganallur to Madhavaram. This is the 11th tender floated for the construction of 118.9 km phase-2. Construction for the phase is expected to begin by mid-2021 with CMRL likely to start building the elevated line between Poonamallee and Porur bypass. The phase is expected to be ready by 2026 The firm that bags the contract will have to build twin tunnels for the upline and downline and connect them with five underground stations across at least two major localities Kolathur and Villivakkam. The stations will come up at Villivakkam bus terminus, Kolathur, Villivakkam suburban station, Srinivasa Nagar, and Nathamuni. The contractor will build entry-exit points of the stations, architectural finishes, ventilation shafts, and more. The deadline for the work is about four years. CMRL identified the line from Kolathur to Nathamuni as one of the two toughest stretches in phase-2 due to its soil conditions, primarily hard rocks like black granite or a mix of quartz charnockite. The condition could pose an engineering challenge as the tunnel boring machines will have to be operated at an appropriate speed - even as slow as below 8 m a day, to keep vibrations it may cause to a minimum, to prevent buildings above from being affected. Tunnels in this stretch will be at a depth of 15 m to 21 m. In phase-1, rock soil conditions slowed down the project. While a contractor abandoned work on the Anna Salai stretch claiming they hit rocky soil that was not anticipated, it took nearly six months for engineers to drill a 500 m rocky stretch near Central station. This also required engineers to replace the cutters or blades frequently. For details of CMRL tender for the tunnelling work, click here. Also read: Chennai Metro creates 3D model for phase 2

Infrastructure Urban

23 Oct 2025

Indian Army and JCBL to Set Up Vehicle Repair Hub in Leh

The Fire & Fury Corps of the Indian Army has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbornics Defence & Space (ADSL), a company under the JCBL Group, to establish a New Generation Vehicle (NGV) Repair Hub and Warehouse within the 14 Corps Zonal Workshop in Leh.This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing the Army’s logistics and operational readiness by creating a dedicated OEM-backed maintenance and repair ecosystem for next-generation vehicles deployed in the high-altitude region.The MoU signing ceremony took place at Headquarters 14 Corps, Leh, in the presence of Lt..

Infrastructure Energy

23 Oct 2025

Hettich Strengthens Industry Ties at Madhya Pradesh Investment Meet

Hettich India, a global leader in furniture fittings, reinforced its commitment to Madhya Pradesh’s industrial growth as a Guest of Honour at an Interactive Session on Investment Opportunities in Power, Renewable Energy Equipment, and White Goods Manufacturing, hosted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at Hotel Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai.The session, chaired by Dr Mohan Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, brought together leading domestic and international investors, industry representatives, and business lead..

Equipment

23 Oct 2025

SANY India Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with New 4S Dealership in Jaipur

SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction, mining, road, logistics, and energy equipment, has inaugurated a new 4S dealership (Sales, Service, Spares, Stocking) in Jaipur in partnership with Shree Balajee Infra. This expansion reinforces SANY India’s commitment to delivering world-class products and enhanced after-sales support to customers across Rajasthan.The dealership will serve key regions including Kanakpura, Jaipur, Kekri, Kota, Bayana, Nagor, Alwar, Ajmer, Udaipur, Kelwa, Jalore, Bhilwara, and Chitamba, providing convenient access to SANY’s extensive product range and effi..