CHENNAI: Chennai Metro Rail completed the entire tunnelling 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 TBM 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 account 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.Interestingly, the entire tunnelling 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.
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.
On right track
● The final 4.1 km tunnel drive was completed on Monday making the entire tunnels under Phase-1 and Phase-1 extension ready
● This is the last of 32 break-throughs in Phase-1 and Phase-1 extension
● Now the entire tunnel is available from Saidapet to Washermenpet. All 44 sections of tunnels are complete
● The TBM S-704 Herrenknecht tunnelling machine completed work on two underground stations - beneath the busiest arterial road in Anna Salai and under Gemini Flyover that always has heavy traffic
● It also drilled beneath five pedestrian subways along the route