Months after it was launched by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in her last public function, the tunnelling work for phase I extension of Chennai Metro Rail project is likely to start in two weeks.
The phase I extension project is estimated to cost Rs. 3,770 crore and is a 9-km stretch from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar. This project is partially underground and elevated. At first, the officials plan to complete the tunnelling work since it consumes more time.
According to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) officials, they have almost completed the construction of a diaphragm wall and are also engaged in the other preparatory works for a few months now before beginning the tunnelling work.
Afcons Infrastructure Limited has been awarded the contract to complete the tunnelling work. “We have positioned the TBMs at Washermanpet where the underground network will begin for this project. We also carried out surveys to see how many buildings fall directly under this alignment and the condition of their foundations,” an official said.
The tunnels have to be built between Washermanpet to Korukkupet, a distance of about 1.5 km. After this, the stretch runs as an elevated corridor up to Wimco Nagar.
Soon after the underground work gains substantial progress, the work on elevated corridor will start, sources said.
This project is likely to be completed and open for public by 2019.
The work on this project started nearly 10 years ago when the State gave its approval after the soil tests were completed. But the nod from the Centre came only sometime ago.
