After 18-month delay, CMRL finishes Purasawalkam-Kellys tunnel

Long-awaited breakthrough

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has finally completed the tunnel connecting Purasawalkam and Kellys, nearly 18 months behind schedule. The breakthrough marks a significant milestone in the city's Phase 2 expansion, though officials have not yet confirmed a revised timeline for the corridor's opening.

The delay, attributed to geological challenges and unforeseen ground conditions, had pushed back construction repeatedly. Workers and engineers involved in the project faced tough soil strata that slowed tunnelling progress considerably.

What this means for commuters

Once operational, the Purasawalkam-Kellys stretch will link key residential and commercial zones in north Chennai. Commuters currently rely on congested roads; the new metro line is expected to offer a faster, more reliable alternative.

The tunnel's completion is a critical step for the broader Phase 2 network, which aims to add over 100 km of metro lines across the city. However, official announcements on when services will begin are still awaited.

Technical hurdles overcome

Sources indicate that the tunnelling work encountered mixed geology, including hard rock and water-bearing sand. CMRL engineers had to adjust their methods, using specialised equipment to stabilise the ground before excavation could proceed safely.

Despite the setbacks, no major safety incidents have been reported. The agency has maintained that quality and safety were never compromised, even as timelines stretched.

Next steps and scrutiny

With the tunnel now complete, focus shifts to track laying, electrification, and station finishing works. These tasks will determine when the corridor can be thrown open to the public, but CMRL has not committed to a specific date.

Residents and daily commuters will be watching closely. The project's delay has already drawn criticism, and any further slippage could add to public frustration. For now, the completed tunnel offers a tangible sign of progress—one that many hope signals smoother work ahead.

In the coming months, CMRL is expected to release an updated schedule for the entire Phase 2 rollout. Whether the agency can stick to it remains to be seen.