[amotoustict]

Work on the underground stretch of metro rail project is progressing as fast as the elevated sections. The second set of tunnel boring machines (TBM) has arrived at Chennai, senior CMRL (Chennai metro rail limited) officials told Deccan Chronicle. The TBMs would be despatched to Washermanpet and Shenoy Nagar shortly, they added.
The first set of TBMs, which arrived late last year, has already been taken to the dredging sites in Washermanpet and Shenoy nagar. The two sets of TBMs would be assembled before February-end and dredging works started by early March, sources said.

However, all eyes are on the Madras high court which has reserved orders on a writ petition filed by some people from George Town seeking to restrain CMRL from constructing underground metro rail lines from Washermanpet to Mannadi as per the deviated alignment. The petitioners have also prayed for a direction to CMRL to run the train as per the original design.

As per the existing design, metro rail would run under buildings, including residential areas, in 240 spots in George Town/Mannadi, 110 in Chintadripet and 53 in Shenoy nagar.

Design and construction of underground stations and associated tunnels have also picked up pace with diaphragm wall panels and guide wall construction at Shenoy Nagar, Washermanpet, Mannadi, high court, Egmore, Teynampet, Saidapet and Chamiers Road underground stations progressing fast.

Similarly, utility identification and diversion work are in progress at Anna Nagar east, Anna Nagar tower and Tirumangalam stations and ramp area.

-dc chn