Preparations are underway for the commencement of metrorail tunneling in Royapettah, one of Chennai’s most congested localities, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transportation infrastructure development. Workers have initiated the installation of a tunnel-boring machine at a shaft constructed on West Cott Road, Royapettah. This machine will play a pivotal role in constructing a tunnel linking Royapettah metro station to Dr Radhakrishnan Salai metro station.
The tunneling project is part of the expansive 45.8km corridor-3 of phase-2 of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), stretching from Madhavaram Milk Colony in the north to Siruseri Sipcot in the south. An official involved in the project noted that the installation of the tunnel-boring machine is expected to be completed within a month, with tunnelling operations slated to commence in August.
Earlier this year, CMRL undertook the demolition of a section of the flyover across Dr Radhakrishnan Salai-Royapettah to clear the path for the construction of twin tunnels and a metro station. This strategic move underscores CMRL’s commitment to expanding and enhancing Chennai’s metro network, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and provide efficient public transportation options across the city.
The initiation of metrorail tunneling in Royapettah marks a significant step forward in Chennai’s urban transportation infrastructure, promising improved connectivity and mobility for residents and commuters.