The Chennai Metro Phase 2 project has reached a major milestone with the successful breakthrough of TBM Kaveri at Adyar Junction.This marks a key achievement in Corridor 3’s tunnelling works, which includes a challenging section beneath the Adyar River. The project continues to progress toward completion with precision.
The tunnelling work from Greenways Station to Adyar Junction commenced in February 2023, with the twin tunnels each measuring 1228 metres in length.
The route presents multiple engineering challenges, most notably the 300-metre stretch under the Adyar River, with an overburden of 10 to 13 metres.
TBM Kaveri’s successful completion of its drive marks a significant milestone, overcoming mixed geological conditions, with the bottom of the tunnel encountering rock and the top filled with sand.
The TBM also navigated sections of full-faced hard rock under parts of the Adyar River, adding to the complexity of the operation.
TBM Kaveri underwent 65 cutter head interventions (CHI) for tool replacement and maintenance, a process that took 178 days. Despite the technical challenges, the TBM has successfully passed under important landmarks such as petrol stations, MGR Janaki College, Andra Saba Hospital, and Adyar Bridge ramp.
Meanwhile, the second TBM, ‘Adyar,’ is currently 277 metres away from its breakthrough point at Adyar Junction. The completion of this TBM’s drive is expected by November 2024, further advancing the completion of Corridor 3.