Tata Projects Ltd is using the 6.61m diameter TBMs to build Phase 2 – Corridor 3, Package TU01 from Venugopal Nagar Station to Kellys Station. The work involves the construction of 9km of twin tunnels.

Terratec is supplying five of the seven TBMs required for the package. The first of the machines, TBM S96, was launched in October last year. In tandem with TBM S97, it is excavating towards Madhavaran High Rod.

TBM S98 has started excavating from the same shaft, moving towards Venugopal Nagar (of Line-5) to Kellys Station. TBM S99 is being assembled on site.

The fifth machine, S81B, has passed the factory acceptance test (FAT) in Pune. The refurbished machine was previously used to build a 2.14km tunnel between Swargate and Budhwar Peth stations for Pune Metro Phase 1 project’s 16.6km Purple Line.

The Chennai Metro project Phase 2 – Corridor 3, Package TU01 includes the construction of diaphragm walls and launch and retrieval shafts at Madhavaram Milk Colony Station, Murari Hospital Station, Ayanavaram Station and Purasaiwakkam High Road Station. One of the project’s major challenges is tunnelling beneath historical structures in built-up areas.