TBM Nilagiri Makes Breakthrough at Moolakadai
7 Aug 2026 12:10 PM IST7 Aug 2026 12:10 PM IST
The breakthrough, completed on August 5, marks the 11th TBM breakthrough under the TU-01 contract being executed by Tata Projects Limited and the 24th TBM breakthrough achieved across the entire phase II Metro project
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) (Photo: X)
Chennai: Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has achieved another milestone in its phase II project with the tunnel boring machine (TBM) ‘Nilagiri’ (S96) completing a breakthrough at the Moolakadai north shaft after excavating an 819-metre tunnel on the up line between Madhavaram High Road and Moolakadai stations.
The breakthrough, completed on August 5, marks the 11th TBM breakthrough under the TU-01 contract being executed by Tata Projects Limited and the 24th TBM breakthrough achieved across the entire phase II Metro project.
The tunnel forms part of the first 9-km underground stretch of corridor 3, which runs from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Kellys. Seven tunnel-boring machines have been deployed for the underground works under the contract.
According to CMRL, the stretch between Madhavaram High Road and Moolakadai was among the most challenging sections of the project. During excavation, the TBM passed beneath the Buckingham canal and under a busy traffic corridor.
The project team also addressed more than 14 borewells along the alignment by providing alternative water sources to ensure there was no disruption to the public. CMRL said the tunnelling was completed within permissible ground settlement limits with continuous monitoring and instrumentation throughout the excavation.
Senior officials from CMRL and Tata Projects, including Kolli Venkata Ramana, AGM (underground), CMRL, P.S.S. Naidu, CRE, and Vijaya Kumar, project manager, Tata Projects, were present during the breakthrough event.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
Next Story