Tata’s Chennai Metro TBMs S97 & S98 Arrive at Chennai Port

Tunnel boring machines S97 and S98 last week arrived at Chennai Port in Tamil Nadu for constructing Package TU01 of the 118.9 km Chennai Metro Phase 2 project.

Both Ø6.61m earth pressure balance (EPB) machines, manufactured by Terratec in China, will be deployed by Tata Projects Ltd. (TPL) along with 5 other TBMs to construct approximately 9 km twin tunnels (total 18 km) on the new 45.813 km Line-3’s Venugopal Nagar – Kellys section.

Both machines had passed factory acceptance tests (FAT) this summer. Back in July, TPL received their 1st machine, TBM S96, in Chennai’s Madharavam neighborhood – see details and images.

S97’s back-up gantry being unloaded

TPL was awarded Phase 2’s Package TU-01 Rs. 1999 crore contract by CMRL in May 2021 with a 42 month deadline.

Scope of TU01: Construction of approximately 9 km twin bored tunnels (total = 18 km) from the TBM Retrieval Shaft near Venugopal Nagar (of Line-5) to Kellys Station, and the construction of diaphragm walls, entry/exit structures of Madhavaram Milk Colony Station, Murari Hospital Station, Ayanavaram Station and Purasaiwakkam High Road Station, including launching and retrieval shafts at the above stations.

Line-3’s underground section: Venugopal Nagar – Kellys – Taramani Road Junction | Map via Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. includes my edits

Tata’s tunneling plan with 7 TBMs remains unknown to me at this time. If someone reading this is aware, then leave a comment below or shoot me a message via the Contact page.

One of TBM S98’s parts

As shared earlier, I reckon the 4th and final new machine in Terratec’s pipeline will likely have a serial number of S99. I hear Tata plans to refurbish and deploy Terratec TBM S81 from Pune and another 2 Herrenknecht machines from Singapore.

For more updates, check out the Chennai section or my Home Page! Sign up for free instant email notifications on new posts over here. Like this post? Get early-access to updates and support the site over here.

– TMRG

written by

Global traveler who prefers mass rapid transit

8 Responses to "Tata’s Chennai Metro TBMs S97 & S98 Arrive at Chennai Port"

  1. Ram says:

    Did the government release tender for corridor 5 near Kolathur and villivakkam?

    Reply
  2. Gomes Clevin Clement says:

    Any Updates on Aarey Depot when the Civil Construction will began ? As per latest update, MMRCL is still negotiating With SAM India due to increase in cost. Any updates on that ?

    Reply
  3. G. N. Singh says:

    I am interested for job Mechanic engg.

    Reply
  4. Sam says:

    Hey tmrg!
    Cmrl has invited tenders for feasibility report on extension of phase 2!

    Reply
  5. Vishnu Teja says:

    Great Job on the website. Love the info

    Any info on Airport to Kilambakkam Bus Terminus?

    Reply

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