Chennai Metro News: Kolathur Tunnelling Work Set To Start As CMRL Overcomes Delays

Chennai Metro Rail is set to commence tunnelling work between Kolathur and Villivakkam within the next two weeks as part of its Phase II expansion.

While significant progress has been made in tunnelling for Corridors 3 and 4, the only underground section in Corridor 5-between Kolathur and Villivakkam-has faced delays of over a year, according to a report in The Hindu,

The Phase II project includes three corridors: Madhavaram to SIPCOT (Corridor 3), Light House to Poonamallee (Corridor 4), and Madhavaram to Sholinganallur (Corridor 5).

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) told the English daily confirmed that tunnelling at Kolathur will begin this month, with the tunnel boring machine (TBM) 'Kurinji' already in place at the site. Corridor 5 is primarily elevated but transitions underground at Kolathur Junction until Villivakkam MTH Road, after which it continues as an elevated stretch towards Sholinganallur via Madipakkam.

The underground stretch comprises of stations such as Kolathur Junction, Srinivasa Nagar, Villivakkam Metro, Villivakkam Bus Terminus, and Villivakkam MTH Road. Once completed, the new line will improve connectivity for residents in Kolathur and Villivakkam, offering easier access to southern parts of the city like Mylapore, Adyar, and OMR. Villivakkam commuters will especially benefit, with three metro stations planned in the area.

"The preparatory work is underway for the launch. The total distance between Kolathur and Nathamuni is nearly 5 km but, as is always done, the tunnelling will be carried out in short stretches. First, the TBM will be lowered at a shaft created in Kolathur and bore towards the Kolathur Metro Rail station, a distance of 500 metres. Subsequently, it will be relaunched from the Kolathur station in about four months and it will drill towards Srinivasa Nagar," the daily quoted an official as saying.

Meanwhile, As part of its strategy to generate non-fare revenue, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is set to undertake property development at MVN Nagar in Thirumangalam, Nandanam, and Thousand Lights. These developments will be seamlessly integrated with metro stations, ensuring smooth access to entry and exit points for commuters.