Chennai Metro Phase 2: Tunnelling Work Begins on Perambur-Pattalam Underground Stretch
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has commenced tunnelling work on the underground section between Perambur Barracks Road and Pattalam, marking a significant milestone in the city's Phase II metro expansion. The 118.9-km Phase II project aims to enhance connectivity across Chennai, and this particular stretch forms part of Corridor 3, which will eventually link Madhavaram in the north to Siruseri SIPCOT in the south.
The tunnelling activity began recently with the deployment of a tunnel boring machine (TBM), which has already bored through approximately 600 metres of earth. According to CMRL officials, the machine will navigate through clayey soil and weathered rock, passing beneath residential and commercial complexes before turning left onto Strahans Road to reach the Pattalam station site. The entire first tunnelling drive is expected to be completed within six months.
A notable engineering feature of this stretch is the use of a stacked tunnel configuration, wherein one line runs above the other. Officials explained that this design was necessitated by the limited space available at Pattalam. The tunnel will reach a maximum depth of about 30 metres, making it one of the deeper sections of the Phase II network.
The Perambur Barracks Road station is being constructed near a mosque, while the Pattalam station will be located near the Mahalakshmi Theatre on Strahans Road. Once operational, the corridor is expected to provide seamless travel for thousands of daily commuters, connecting north Chennai localities such as Moolaikadai and Sembiyam with key destinations in the south, including Thirumayilai, Adyar, Taramani, Thoraipakkam, Sholinganallur, and Siruseri SIPCOT.
This stretch is particularly significant because it serves densely populated areas with a mix of small businesses, commercial establishments, and residential buildings. Improved metro connectivity is anticipated to ease congestion on road networks, reduce travel time, and offer a reliable alternative to private vehicles. The project also aligns with the city's broader goal of promoting sustainable urban mobility.
The Phase II project, once fully completed, will add substantially to the existing metro network, which currently covers around 54 km. The expansion is being executed in multiple corridors, with Corridor 3 being one of the most ambitious. Apart from the underground sections, the project includes elevated corridors and interchanges with the existing system, facilitating smoother transfers for passengers.
CMRL has been progressively awarding contracts and accelerating construction to meet targeted deadlines. The organisation has emphasised safety and transparency, with regular monitoring of tunnelling operations to address potential challenges such as soil stability and groundwater ingress. The use of advanced TBMs, imported and operated by specialised teams, reflects the technical sophistication involved in urban infrastructure projects of this scale.
Residents and business owners in the vicinity have expressed cautious optimism about the project, while authorities have assured minimal disruption during the construction phase. Clear barricading, dust control measures, and regulated working hours are being implemented to mitigate inconvenience. Once the tunnelling is complete, the focus will shift to station fit-outs, track laying, and systems integration.
The commencement of tunnelling between Perambur Barracks Road and Pattalam is a clear indication that the Phase II project is progressing steadily. For Chennai's commuters, particularly those travelling between the northern and southern parts of the city, the promise of a faster, more comfortable journey is now a step closer to reality.
