In a momentous event today, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) marked a significant milestone in the expansion of the city's metro rail network with the launch of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) Pelican for Corridor 4, Underground 02 at Panagal Park Station. This endeavor is part of Phase 2, following the successful completion of Phase 1 and Phase 1 Extension Corridors in June 2015 and the increasing ridership in Corridors 1 and 2.

CMRL has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development project encompassing three additional corridors of metro rail, totaling an impressive 116.1 km with 119 metro stations. The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for efficient and modern transportation in Chennai, catering to diverse areas of the city.

Chennai Metro Rail Phase II Corridor 4 represents a crucial east-west alignment covering a length of 26.1 km. This corridor connects the beachfront from Light House station to Poonamallee Depot, featuring nine underground stations and eighteen elevated stations. The underground section of Corridor 4 spans 10 km, traversing through historical areas like Mylapore and modern locales like Alwarpet, Bharatidasan, Boat Club, Panagal Park, and Kodambakkam.

The launch of Tunnel Boring Machine Pelican from Panagal Park Station to Kodambakkam Powerhouse Ramp (upline) is a strategic move to expedite the construction process. This TBM, part of the underground projects C4-UG01 (Light House to Bharathidasan Road) & C4-UG02 (Bharathidasan Road to Kodambakkam Powerhouse Ramp), is managed by ITD Cementation India Limited.

T. Archunan, Director Projects, CMRL, officiated the launch of TBM Pelican today in the presence of senior officials from CMRL, General Consultants, M/s AEON Consortium, and ITD Cementation. The TBM will operate at a maximum depth of 18.5m from ground level, covering a total stretch of 2.1 km from Panagal Park Station to Kodambakkam Powerhouse Ramp (upline), with an expected completion by the end of December 2024.

A total of four TBMs will be utilized in Corridor 4, each contributing to the ambitious expansion plans. TBM Peacock is set to commence its journey on April 1, 2024, from Panagal Park to Kodambakkam Powerhouse Ramp, operating in the downline direction.

The launch of TBM Pelican signifies a critical step in Chennai's metro rail expansion, promising enhanced connectivity and modern transportation solutions for the bustling city.