Metro tunnelling in Royapettah, a congested locality in the heart of Chennai, is expected to commence in September, according to officials. This marks an important milestone in the construction of the 45.8km corridor-3 of phase-2, extending from Madhavaram Milk Colony in the north to Siruseri Sipcot in the south.
Deployment of Tunnel Boring Machine: A tunnel boring machine (TBM) previously engaged in tunneling near the Adyar River will be relocated to Royapettah for the tunnelling operations. “The launching shaft for the TBM is prepared in Royapettah. Once its work in Adyar is concluded, it will undergo refurbishment before being transported and launched here. Given the intricate process involved, we anticipate commencing tunnelling operations in Royapettah by September,” explained a metro rail engineer at the site.
Sequential Diversion of Traffic: The construction of the walls and launching shaft for the TBM faced challenges due to the heavy traffic at the bustling Westcott Road-Peter’s Road junction. To alleviate disruptions, engineers devised a strategy involving the sequential diversion of traffic to facilitate construction.
Impact on Traffic Flow and Commuters: The ongoing metro rail construction has significantly impacted traffic flow in the area, causing congestion near Royapettah GH on Peter’s Road during peak hours. Residents, like S Vikram, have reported difficulties navigating the area, emphasizing the need for efficient traffic management amid ongoing infrastructure development. Earlier announcements by M A Siddique, MD of CMRL, outlined the plans for phase-2’s 116.1km expansion, set to open gradually to the public between 2025 and 2028. The tunnelling operations from Greenways Road to Adyar junction, via the Adyar River, are scheduled to be completed by June.
Future Timeline of Expansion: Once the tunnelling in Royapettah is concluded, the TBM will be retrieved in the Thousand Lights area. This marks a significant advancement in the overall expansion plan, bringing Chennai a step closer to an efficient and robust metro network. The phased development of phase-2 paves the way for better connectivity and transportation options for the city’s residents. In conclusion, the upcoming metro tunnelling operations in Royapettah, set to begin in September, will be a crucial part of the 45.8km corridor-3 of phase-2. While the construction activities have caused traffic congestion in the area, engineers are implementing strategies to manage the flow effectively. As Chennai looks forward to the future expansion of the metro, residents eagerly anticipate the benefits of improved connectivity and easier commute across the city.
