Chennai Metro Phase II: Tunnelling Underway

08 Jan 2024 CW Team

In a significant stride toward the progress of Chennai Metro Rail's (CMRL) Phase II project, tunnelling has commenced beneath the Adyar River. The project involves excavating tunnels at a depth of approximately 18 meters, symbolising a crucial phase in expanding the city's metro infrastructure.

This tunnelling endeavour aims to enhance connectivity and streamline transportation in Chennai. The depth of the tunnels signifies the engineering prowess required for this ambitious undertaking. As part of the broader Phase II plan, the project reflects CMRL's commitment to modernising and expanding the metro network to accommodate the city's growing population.

The Adyar River tunnelling marks a milestone, reinforcing the city's commitment to sustainable and efficient public transportation. Once completed, the expanded metro network is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing urban mobility challenges and bolstering the city's overall connectivity.

This development underscores Chennai's dedication to advancing its metro infrastructure, ensuring that residents benefit from an extensive and well-connected transportation system. The ongoing tunnelling work sets the stage for a transformative shift in Chennai's urban mobility landscape, aligning with the vision of a modern and accessible city.

Technology

28 Oct 2025

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..