6 Tunnel Boring Machines Idle in Chennai
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

6 Tunnel Boring Machines Idle in Chennai

Six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) deployed by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) are currently lying idle beneath city roads, stuck in limbo due to delayed construction of underground stations at Moolakadai, Perambur, and Mandaveli.

The TBMs, launched as part of Corridor 3 of the Phase II Metro project from Madhavaram to SIPCOT, have reached their designated stations but are unable to proceed as the station boxes are incomplete. Without a completed diaphragm wall or station box, the machines cannot break through or be dismantled for reuse.

According to CMRL officials, the root of the delay traces back to a decision made four years ago, when six tenders for underground station construction along this corridor were scrapped due to high and unreasonable bids. Reissuing the tenders caused a significant time lag, directly affecting the tunneling schedule.

"Though the TBMs started work on time, they were held up because the station construction lagged behind," a CMRL official stated. "Now, the tunneling is done — the machines are just waiting for the stations to catch up."

Two TBMs are stuck at the Moolakadai station, two at Perambur, and two near Mandaveli. They had originated from Madhavaram High Road, Ayanavaram, and Greenways Road, respectively.

In addition to tender issues, officials cited challenges like shifting utilities, relocating borewells, and obtaining traffic diversion permissions as factors that hampered progress.

However, there’s a glimmer of movement ahead. "From next month, the TBMs will gradually begin making breakthroughs, and all six are expected to be out before the end of this year," the official confirmed.

Until then, the machines — each weighing hundreds of tonnes — remain idle beneath Chennai, symbolizing how tendering missteps can slow the wheels of urban transit development.

Image source:themetrorailguy

Six tunnel boring machines (TBMs) deployed by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) are currently lying idle beneath city roads, stuck in limbo due to delayed construction of underground stations at Moolakadai, Perambur, and Mandaveli. The TBMs, launched as part of Corridor 3 of the Phase II Metro project from Madhavaram to SIPCOT, have reached their designated stations but are unable to proceed as the station boxes are incomplete. Without a completed diaphragm wall or station box, the machines cannot break through or be dismantled for reuse. According to CMRL officials, the root of the delay traces back to a decision made four years ago, when six tenders for underground station construction along this corridor were scrapped due to high and unreasonable bids. Reissuing the tenders caused a significant time lag, directly affecting the tunneling schedule. Though the TBMs started work on time, they were held up because the station construction lagged behind, a CMRL official stated. Now, the tunneling is done — the machines are just waiting for the stations to catch up. Two TBMs are stuck at the Moolakadai station, two at Perambur, and two near Mandaveli. They had originated from Madhavaram High Road, Ayanavaram, and Greenways Road, respectively. In addition to tender issues, officials cited challenges like shifting utilities, relocating borewells, and obtaining traffic diversion permissions as factors that hampered progress. However, there’s a glimmer of movement ahead. From next month, the TBMs will gradually begin making breakthroughs, and all six are expected to be out before the end of this year, the official confirmed. Until then, the machines — each weighing hundreds of tonnes — remain idle beneath Chennai, symbolizing how tendering missteps can slow the wheels of urban transit development.Image source:themetrorailguy

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

India, Brazil Discuss Energy Ties And Oil Investments

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with Celso Luis Nunes Amorim, Special Advisor to the President of Brazil, and senior Brazilian officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy transition sectors. The talks took place during a dinner hosted by Kenneth H da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, at his residence in New Delhi.Mr Puri said the meeting focused on Indian investments in Brazil’s oil and gas sector, as well as expanding collaboration in energy transition and biofuels. “The enriching conversation revolved ar..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

ONGC To Invest Rs 8.11 Billion In Andhra Onshore Oil, Gas Project

The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is set to invest Rs 8.11 billion for the onshore development and production of oil and gas from 172 wells across eight Production Mining Licence (PML) blocks in Andhra Pradesh.A committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recommended environmental clearance (EC) for the project during a review meeting held last month.According to the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) minutes, the total project cost is estimated at Rs 8.11 billion, with a capital allocation of Rs 172 million towards the Environment Managem..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Tripura To Supply 40 MW Power To Mizoram For Christmas

The Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) will supply 40 megawatts (MW) of power to Mizoram during the upcoming Christmas celebrations, continuing a long-standing tradition of power exchange between the two north-eastern states, officials confirmed on Sunday.During Durga Puja, the Mizoram State Power Corporation (MSPC) had supplied an equivalent 40 MW of electricity to Tripura to ensure an uninterrupted power supply during the festive period.“We had an agreement to receive 40 MW during Durga Puja, although the full amount was not utilised due to lower-than-expected demand in ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?