TBM Mullai has arrived at Kolathur Station North shaft after completing a 246m-long drive from Kolathur Ramp. Tata Projects Ltd launched the TBM on May 5 this year.
The main challenges faced during the drive included a low overburden of 1.8m, a steep gradient of -3.8%, and the need for ground protection in a region with heavy traffic.
At the same time, TBM Kurinji has been launched from the Kolathur South shaft to build the tunnel to Srinivasa Nagar station. The 1060m bore includes Grade 4 and 5 rocky strata and a 230m curve.
“This is a unique achievement and a first in our country as a TBM has been launched and another TBM breakthrough has also been done simultaneously in the same underground metro station,” CMRL said.
Chennai’s Phase 2 has multiple corridors. The 47km-long Corridor 5 comprises 5.8km underground and 41.2km of elevated track. Four TBMs – Kurinji, Mullai, Marutham and Neithal – are being deployed in this section.
