Twin tunnels to be ready by Dec ’26 To Operate Driverless Trains

Twin tunnels to be ready by Dec ’26 To Operate Driverless Trains 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 29.08.2024 

 Chennai : Twin tunnels to operate driverless metro trains from Venugopal Nagar near Madhavaram to Kellys near Purasaiwalkam are likely to be ready by Dec 2026. The 18-km stretch, constructed by Tata Projects, is part of the 45.4 km Madhavaram Milk Colony-Siruseri Sipcot corridor-3 of the 116.1km phase-2. 

On Wednesday, on the sidelines of the launch of anupskilling programme, K Ramesh, project directorCMRL, Tata Projects, said a 7.5km tunnel was completed and seven tunnel boring machines are at work between Venugopal Nagar and Kellys. “We have completed more than 60% of work inclu-ding diaphragm walls of three stations and work on the fourth is nearing completion. By Dec 2026, we will complete tunnelling. We may take another six months to complete other work and the project.” The stretch where tun-nels have been built includes Venugopal Nagar to Madhavaram Milk Colony, Madhavaram Milk Colony to Madhavaram High Road, Aynavaram to Otteri and Aynavaram to Perambur. While TBMs are being operated between Madhavaram High Road and Moolakadai, tunnelling from Purasaiwalkam shopping hub to Kellys will begin in two weeks. “We have hired international experts who are advising us on cutting tools we can use, ways to operate machines and parameters to maintain in each location based on the geology,” he added. 

Tata Projects’ upskilling initiative involves comprehensive training, accreditedcertification, and financial support to make workers experts and improve their employability. On completion, workers will receive certificates, diplomas and degrees accredited by Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) and Kalinga University. The company has nearly 3,000 people working for CMRL. “Our programme is not just an investment in our employees; it’s an investment in the future of the construction industry. It’s a testament to our commitment to their professional growth and well-being, ensuring they have skills and support needed to advance their careers,” said Ritesh Pratap Singh, CHRO, Tata Project