TBM Kurinji Launched for Corridor 5 Expansion for Chennai Metro
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

TBM Kurinji Launched for Corridor 5 Expansion for Chennai Metro

Tata Projects Limited has launched the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for Corridor 5 of its Phase II expansion project. Named TBM Kurinji, the machine was deployed at the Kolathur Ramp on February 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Chennai’s metro development.

Following the successful implementation of Phase I and its extension, CMRL has embarked on an ambitious Phase II expansion, covering 118.9 km across three new corridors, backed by international funding from JICA, ADB, AIIB, and NDB. Corridor 5, spanning 47 km, originates at Madhavaram Milk Colony and passes through key locations such as Koyambedu, Porur, and Alandur, ultimately linking to Shollinganallur. The corridor features five underground stations and 39 elevated stations.

As part of the tunneling strategy, four TBMs, named after Tamil landscapes—Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, and Neithal—have been designated for Corridor 5. TBM Kurinji will excavate a 246-meter tunnel from Kolathur Ramp towards Kolathur Station (upline), with completion expected by June 2025. It will then be retrieved and relaunched from the south shaft to tunnel towards Srinivasa Nagar (1.06 km). The second TBM, Mullai, is scheduled to arrive by March 2025, commencing tunneling from Villivakkam Railway Station to Villivakkam Bus Terminus, covering 603 meters. The remaining TBMs will be deployed progressively as site conditions permit.

The 7.8 km underground section of Corridor 5 consists of twin tunnels (3.9 km each) extending from Kolathur Ramp to Nathamuni Ramp. Tata Projects Limited, entrusted with executing this critical infrastructure project, is responsible for mobilizing all four TBMs.

With the launch of TBM Kurinji, Chennai’s metro expansion advances further, enhancing urban connectivity and reducing traffic congestion, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable transit network.

Tata Projects Limited has launched the first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for Corridor 5 of its Phase II expansion project. Named TBM Kurinji, the machine was deployed at the Kolathur Ramp on February 19, 2025, marking a significant milestone in Chennai’s metro development.Following the successful implementation of Phase I and its extension, CMRL has embarked on an ambitious Phase II expansion, covering 118.9 km across three new corridors, backed by international funding from JICA, ADB, AIIB, and NDB. Corridor 5, spanning 47 km, originates at Madhavaram Milk Colony and passes through key locations such as Koyambedu, Porur, and Alandur, ultimately linking to Shollinganallur. The corridor features five underground stations and 39 elevated stations.As part of the tunneling strategy, four TBMs, named after Tamil landscapes—Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham, and Neithal—have been designated for Corridor 5. TBM Kurinji will excavate a 246-meter tunnel from Kolathur Ramp towards Kolathur Station (upline), with completion expected by June 2025. It will then be retrieved and relaunched from the south shaft to tunnel towards Srinivasa Nagar (1.06 km). The second TBM, Mullai, is scheduled to arrive by March 2025, commencing tunneling from Villivakkam Railway Station to Villivakkam Bus Terminus, covering 603 meters. The remaining TBMs will be deployed progressively as site conditions permit.The 7.8 km underground section of Corridor 5 consists of twin tunnels (3.9 km each) extending from Kolathur Ramp to Nathamuni Ramp. Tata Projects Limited, entrusted with executing this critical infrastructure project, is responsible for mobilizing all four TBMs.With the launch of TBM Kurinji, Chennai’s metro expansion advances further, enhancing urban connectivity and reducing traffic congestion, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable transit network.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

-->