Chennai’s Metro Phase II extension has moved a step closer with another breakthrough last week.

TBM Anaimalai (S98) broke through at Otteri shaft on Corridor 3 after completing a 925m drive. She was launched from Ayanavaram station in October last year.

Chennai Metro Rail Ltd’s Phase II extension comprises three corridors and 116.1km of new metro rail. A total of 23 TBMs will be used for the project.

In Corridor 3, the first 9km of twin underground tunnels, stretching from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Kelly’s station, is being executed by Tata Projects. Terratec is supplying five of the seven TBMs that will build the tunnels on this section.

TBM S96, launched in October 2022, achieved its breakthrough at Madhavaran High Road in August last year, while TBM S98 made its breakthrough in June 2023, moving from the same shaft at Madhavaran Colony towards Venugopal Nagar Station (of Line 5) to Kelly’s Station. The breakthrough of TBM S99 at Venugopal Nagar Station was celebrated in September.