Chennai Metro Update: Purasaiwalkam To Kellys Metro Tunnel Work Set to Start, Part Of Phase-2 Expansion

Tunneling work for the Chennai Metro's Phase-2 project is expected to begin in the bustling shopping district of Purasaiwalkam by the end of August, The Times Of India reported.

The project includes the construction of a tunnel from Purasaiwalkam Metro Station on Purasaiwalkam High Road to Kellys Metro Station, as part of the 45.4 km Corridor-3 stretching from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Siruseri Sipcot. This corridor is a segment of the larger 116.1 km Phase-2 expansion.

Officials told the daily that the launch shaft, including the base slab for the tunnel boring machine (TBM), is now complete. Purasaiwalkam and Kellys stations, located approximately 700 meters apart, will soon be connected.

"The main components of the TBM are being lowered into the shaft and assembled. Following a series of tests, tunneling is expected to commence around August 25," an official stated. The Phase-2 project, consisting of three corridors, is slated for staged openings between 2025 and 2028.

The preparation for this phase encountered major challenges, particularly in relocating underground utilities in the densely populated Purasaiwalkam area. Over 18 months were spent rerouting pipelines and electrical cables to clear the way for the tunnel.

Once operational, the Purasaiwalkam station will offer direct connectivity to commuters from Madhavaram, Lighthouse, and Sholinganallur, making it easier for them to access the popular shopping destination. However, passengers from Villivakkam, Alandur, and Medavakkam may need to transfer at Alapakkam and Lighthouse stations to reach Purasaiwalkam.
Tunneling began earlier this year between Panagal Park in T Nagar and Kodambakkam. Work on extending the line from Panagal Park to Nandanam is anticipated to start in about a year. Sholinganallur, situated in Chennai's rapidly growing OMR area, is set to become a major metro hub within two years. It will feature interchange stations and a grade separator to enhance traffic flow. The OMR line, part of the Madhavaram Milk Colony-Siruseri Sipcot corridor, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, though progress has been slightly delayed due to design modifications at key junctions.