Chennai Metro tunneling ops over under Phase-1, Phase-1 extension

Chennai:

Chennai Metro Rail completed the entire tunneling operations under Phase I and Phase I extension after the 4.1 km of the longest continuous tunnel drive stretch from Government Estate to AG-DMS under Phase I of Chennai Metro was achieved on Monday.

This could pave the way of entire Phase I stretch being put into use by the end of this year.

The S-704 Herrenknecht Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), one among the 12 TBMs mobilises utilised for the project, breached the final tunnel amidst claps of joy among the employees around 6pm.

The Tunnel Boring Machine S-704 commenced its maiden drive in Chennai from the shaft at May Day Park with its launch in March 18, 2013. Till its breakthrough, the TBM has endured its drive in mixed geological conditions and being halted for 13 months on avvount of abandonment of the project by Russian contractor Mosmetrostroy in May 2015.

“This makes it one among the TBMs which has been in Chennai as part of Chennai Metro Rail project for the longest duration,” said Metro Rail sources.

Interstingly, the entire tunneling operations was overseen by Srinidhi, project director and executive engineer for Afcons. “The soil has been challenging and she has to ensure each day that the sewers are not damaged,” said Srinidhi to reporters.

She said the next challenge would be to build the platforms and the cross passages. This was the only stretch where work was pending under the Phase I.

“This is the last of the 32 break-throughs in Phase I and Phase I extension. “With this the complete tunnel is now available from Saifapet to Washermenpet and all 44 sections of tunnels which for the part of Phase-1 and Phase-1 extension.

The bureaucrats, who were present during the completion of tunnel drive, refused to talk to the waiting media citing Model Code of Conduct prevailing as RK Nagar goes to polls.

Factfile:

1. The final 4.1km tunnel drive was completed on Monday making the entire tunnels under Phase-1 and Phase-1 extension ready

2. This is the last of 32 break-throughs in Phase-1 and Phase-1 extension.

3. Now the entire tunnel is available from Saidapet to washermenpet and all 44 sections of tunnels are complete

4. The TBM S-704 Herrenknecht completed its drive across two underground stations, beneath busiest arterial road in Anna salai and beneath Gemini Flyover with active traffic.

5. It also drilled beneath five pedestrian subways along the route.