+
Chennai Metro Completes Tunnel from Panagal Park to Kodambakkam
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Chennai Metro Completes Tunnel from Panagal Park to Kodambakkam

After 14 months of underground excavation, CMRL’s Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Peacock’ emerged at Kodambakkam on July 23, 2025, completing a critical two-kilometre stretch of Corridor 4 under Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project. The tunnel connects Panagal Park to Kodambakkam and will eventually form part of the underground section extending from Kodambakkam to the Light House via T. Nagar.

Launched in May 2024 from Panagal Park, TBM Peacock navigated complex terrain, boring beneath the Usman Road flyover, Kodambakkam flyover, and the Kodambakkam Suburban Railway Station before emerging near Meenakshi College for Women. The section forms the transition point where the elevated corridor turns underground.

“This is the longest tunnel stretch between two stations in the city,” said T. Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL. “Despite working close to critical infrastructure—including the suburban railway line, flyovers, and nearly 190 buildings, many of which were dilapidated—the breakthrough was achieved without disturbing nearby structures. At one point, tunnelling occurred just three metres away from the Kodambakkam Railway Line, requiring speed restrictions of 15–25 kmph for 15 days.”

Dibyendu Choudhuri, former Project Director at ITD Cementation India Limited, noted the varying soil conditions presented additional challenges. “We faced a mix of clay, sand, and rock along the route. In Kodambakkam, the topsoil was clayey, but deeper layers turned to rock, requiring cutter discs to be replaced 18 times,” he said.

Once completed, this section will allow seamless travel between Kodambakkam and T. Nagar, enhancing connectivity across the city.

News source: The Hindu

After 14 months of underground excavation, CMRL’s Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Peacock’ emerged at Kodambakkam on July 23, 2025, completing a critical two-kilometre stretch of Corridor 4 under Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project. The tunnel connects Panagal Park to Kodambakkam and will eventually form part of the underground section extending from Kodambakkam to the Light House via T. Nagar.Launched in May 2024 from Panagal Park, TBM Peacock navigated complex terrain, boring beneath the Usman Road flyover, Kodambakkam flyover, and the Kodambakkam Suburban Railway Station before emerging near Meenakshi College for Women. The section forms the transition point where the elevated corridor turns underground.“This is the longest tunnel stretch between two stations in the city,” said T. Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL. “Despite working close to critical infrastructure—including the suburban railway line, flyovers, and nearly 190 buildings, many of which were dilapidated—the breakthrough was achieved without disturbing nearby structures. At one point, tunnelling occurred just three metres away from the Kodambakkam Railway Line, requiring speed restrictions of 15–25 kmph for 15 days.”Dibyendu Choudhuri, former Project Director at ITD Cementation India Limited, noted the varying soil conditions presented additional challenges. “We faced a mix of clay, sand, and rock along the route. In Kodambakkam, the topsoil was clayey, but deeper layers turned to rock, requiring cutter discs to be replaced 18 times,” he said.Once completed, this section will allow seamless travel between Kodambakkam and T. Nagar, enhancing connectivity across the city.News source: The Hindu

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Peninsula Land launches 19 luxury villas in Pune

Pune’s residential landscape is witnessing a shift as premium homebuyers increasingly seek larger spaces, privacy and independent living options beyond high-rise apartments. Addressing this demand, Peninsula Land Limited, part of the Ashok Piramal Group, has launched AshokVillas, an exclusive collection of 19 premium furnished villas in Gahunje, Pune.The development combines the independence of a standalone home with the convenience and security of a managed residential community. Designed around low-density horizontal living, AshokVillas offers residents private spaces while providing acces..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

MyBranch Expands South India Network with 16 Workspace Centres

MyBranch has expanded its South India presence with a 50,000 sq ft flexible workspace network comprising 16 centres across 14 cities in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.The expansion reflects growing demand for flexible office infrastructure as businesses establish regional teams, satellite offices and operations beyond traditional metropolitan markets. MyBranch’s network spans Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Guntur, Hanamkonda, Hubballi, Hyderabad, Madurai, Mangaluru, Rajahmundry, Salem, Tirupati, Vellore, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, with a large office space in Chennai also und..

Next Story
Building Material

Walplast Launches Moisture-Resistant Gypsum Plaster Solutions

Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd. has expanded its HomeSure GypEx portfolio with the launch of GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, two gypsum plaster solutions designed to address moisture-prone applications and improve plastering efficiency.The new products have been developed in response to the growing demand for faster construction processes, improved material performance and consistent surface quality. The solutions aim to simplify interior plastering while addressing specific application requirements across construction environments.“Through HomeSure GypEx MoistShield and GypEx Gold, we are exp..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code