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Chennai Metro Rail starts tunnelling at Villivakkam under railway tracks for Phase II project
Chennai Metro Rail Limited began tunnelling beneath the Villivakkam station as part of the Phase II project, with the TBM Marutham launched near the station. Trains through Villivakkam have been running at reduced speeds in the days leading up to the operation.
Why It Matters
This marks a milestone in Chennai Metro's Phase II, moving the network underground and enabling a key link in the Villivakkam area.
Timeline
2 Events
TBM Marutham launched near Villivakkam to begin tunnelling under station tracks
May 3, 2026
The tunnel boring machine named Marutham was launched near the Villivakkam railway station and has started tunnelling under the station tracks as part of the Phase II Chennai Metro project.
Trains via Villivakkam operate at reduced speeds ahead of underground tunnelling
May 2, 2026
Long-distance trains passing through Villivakkam railway station have been operating at reduced speeds in the days leading up to May 3, 2026 to facilitate construction of an underground tunnel for Chennai Metro's Phase II project.