Chennai Metro Completes Tunnel from Panagal Park to Kodambakkam

28 Jul 2025 CW Team

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

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