Chennai Metro Phase 2 achieved a significant milestone as Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) tunnel boring machine, Bhavani, successfully completed its breakthrough at RK Salai Station on Line 3. Spanning 45.8 km between Madhavaram and SIPCOT 2, Line 3 is a major artery in Chennai’s growing metro network, designed to enhance urban connectivity while supporting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.
The breakthrough forms part of Package TU-02, a 12 km stretch linking Kellys and Taramani Road Junction stations, marking the fifth successful tunnel completion within this package. TBM Bhavani completed a 910-metre drive between Royapettah and RK Salai stations, demonstrating both engineering precision and adherence to strict project timelines. Officials highlighted that such milestones reinforce Chennai Metro’s commitment to delivering high-capacity urban mobility solutions with minimal environmental impact. Experts noted that the TBM breakthrough is not just a construction achievement but a step forward in integrating modern tunnelling technologies that reduce surface disruption, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. By utilising advanced mechanised tunnelling methods, Chennai Metro is limiting noise, vibration, and dust exposure in densely populated areas, aligning with the city’s vision of sustainable infrastructure development.
Package TU-02, awarded to L&T in May 2021 at a cost of ₹2,385 crore, has a 42-month execution timeline. The scope encompasses twin tunnel construction between Kellys and Taramani Road Junction, along with diaphragm walls, entry and exit structures for Chetpet, Royapettah Government Hospital, Thiruvanmiyur, and partial works at Greenways Road station. Launching and retrieval shafts at these stations facilitate efficient TBM operation while maintaining safety and structural integrity. Chennai Metro officials emphasised that such strategic tunnelling reduces road traffic disruption, ensuring commuters can continue to navigate the city with minimal inconvenience. Additionally, the underground design allows for better land utilisation above ground, preserving urban green spaces and heritage structures, an important aspect of Chennai’s sustainable city planning agenda.
The RK Salai breakthrough demonstrates the collaboration between Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL), L&T, and project consultants, combining technical expertise with urban planning foresight. Officials said this progress brings the city closer to achieving a fully operational Phase 2 corridor, which will significantly cut travel time, reduce road congestion, and encourage greater adoption of public transport over private vehicles. As Chennai continues to expand its metro network, achievements like the TBM Bhavani breakthrough showcase how large-scale infrastructure projects can be delivered efficiently, safely, and sustainably, balancing urban growth with environmental responsibility.
Chennai Metro Phase 2 TBM Bhavani Completes RK Salai Breakthrough
