Tata Projects to import tunnel boring machine (TBM) and advanced equipment from China for tunnelling work in Chennai Metro

06 Sep 2024 | The Rental Time Staff

Tata Projects is importing a tunnel boring machine (TBM) and advanced equipment from China for tunnelling work on one of the toughest stretches on phase-two line between Kolathur junction and Villivakkam MTH Road metro station covering 7.8km. The work is likely to commence by November 2024.

K Ramesh, Dy Project Director, Tata Projects, for CMRL, said the TBM, assembled in China, will undergo a factory acceptance test this month before the machine is shipped to India by Oct and launched in Kolathur in November.

He also said, “This stretch has a mixed geology — some soil and rock. We collected soil sample and based on that we placed an order for some advanced equipment, including a TBM. We have also hired experts from abroad, who will provide their expertise. The TBM will go below the buildings; we will be careful and take all precautions by installing instruments to monitor the buildings”.

The stretch is the only underground section on this corridor. Tunnelling work will be challenging on this stretch as engineers may have to drill through hard rocky soil to build twin tunnels and five stations. The entire corridor-five is 44.6km in length from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur.

Tata Projects has been awarded the contract for Rs 1450 crores. The 116.1km phase-two line is likely to be opened in stages between 2025 and 2028.

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