CMRL Faces Challenges in Shifting Utilities for Phase II Tunnelling Work

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is grappling with the complex task of relocating utilities, including cables and pipelines, near Sterling Road as part of its phase II project preparations. The upcoming Chetpet underground station on corridor 3 (Madhavaram to SIPCOT) will see the deployment of two tunnel boring machines (TBM) that will drill towards Sterling Road.

This utility shifting process has proven to be one of the most formidable challenges in the phase II project for CMRL. Typically, contractors initiate utility diversion before starting tunneling or station construction. However, relocating numerous cables at this junction has presented unprecedented difficulties, requiring phased efforts to avoid damage.

CMRL officials expressed confidence in successfully completing the utility shifting work to pave the way for tunneling activities to commence.