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Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is waiting for approval from Southern Railway to begin an underground metro section between Villivakkam Bus Terminus and Villivakkam, which is part of Phase 2 of the Chennai Metro project. Due to delays in getting permission, CMRL has raised the issue with the Project Monitoring
Group, which helps remove obstacles in major infrastructure projects.
Chennai Metro's Corridor 5
This small stretch is part of Corridor 5, which runs from Madhavaram to Sholinganallur. However, the section has been delayed for several years. Earlier, CMRL had invited tenders to build the underground tunnel, but the first tender had to be cancelled because the bidder quoted very high prices. After that, the tender was issued again, and work on the launch shaft took some time.
Tunnelling Process to Begin Soon
Now, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) has been lowered into the shaft and is ready to start tunnelling. According to CMRL officials, the project required approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety because the tunnel will pass under the railway tracks at Villivakkam Railway Station. This safety approval was received in January this year.
However, the tunnelling work still cannot begin without permission from Southern Railway. Officials said train speeds passing through Villivakkam station must be reduced to 20 km per hour for a short period while the TBM moves under the tracks. CMRL has requested this approval but is still waiting for a response.
Financial Losses
Because of the delay, the metro authority is facing financial losses. The TBM and workers are ready at the site, but the machine remains idle. CMRL sources stated that they are spending several crores on equipment and manpower, even though work has not started.
Work Completion
Once the tunnelling begins, the TBM will dig about 600 metres through hard clay and shale soil. The work is expected to take around six months to complete. Officials noted that metro TBMs have earlier passed safely under railway tracks at other locations after receiving permission from Southern Railway.
