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CMRL starts tunnelling at Villivakkam under railway tracks for Phase II project
The TBM Marutham was launched near Villivakkam railway station to begin tunnelling under the station tracks as part of Chennai Metro Rail Limited's Phase II project. Train speeds near Villivakkam have been reduced to facilitate the underground construction.
Why It Matters
This marks the commencement of an underground connection between Villivakkam Metro station and Villivakkam Bus Terminus Metro station, contributing to Chennai's 118.9-km Phase II expansion.
Timeline
2 Events
Train speed reductions to facilitate tunnelling work
May 3, 2026
Long-distance trains passing via Villivakkam railway station have been operating at reduced speeds in recent days to facilitate underground construction for the Phase II project.
TBM Marutham launched to begin tunnelling under Villivakkam tracks
May 3, 2026
The tunnel boring machine (TBM) named Marutham was launched near the Villivakkam railway station and has begun tunnelling under the station tracks as part of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited's Phase II project, which aims to connect Villivakkam Metro station with Villivakkam Bus Terminus Metro station.