Chennai Metro Phase-2 Madhavaram-Moolakadai Tunnel Completed
Chennai Metro Phase-2 Madhavaram-Moolakadai Tunnel Completed
Summary
The 819-metre Madhavaram-Moolakadai tunnel, bored using the 'Neelagiri' Tunnel Boring Machine, has been completed under Chennai Metro Phase-2, with the overall 118.9-km, Rs.63,246-crore project now 54.62% complete.
Background
Chennai Metro Rail Phase-2 is a major urban infrastructure expansion connecting new corridors across Chennai, involving extensive tunnel boring works through the city's dense urban fabric.
TNPSC Relevance
Urban transport infrastructure projects like Chennai Metro are frequently tested under the Infrastructure/Transport and Tamil Nadu economy sections of TNPSC exams.
Tamil Nadu Relevance
This is a flagship Chennai (Tamil Nadu) urban infrastructure project with direct relevance to the State's public transport development.
Key Highlights
- The 819-metre Madhavaram-Moolakadai tunnel was completed using the 'Neelagiri' Tunnel Boring Machine.
- Chennai Metro Phase-2 spans 118.9 km at an estimated cost of Rs.63,246 crore.
- The overall project is 54.62% complete, as per a Lok Sabha reply.
- Three new extension proposals - Airport-Kilambakkam, Koyambedu-Pattabiram and Poonamallee-Sunguvarchatram - await Central approval.
Important Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tunnel length | 819 metres |
| TBM name | Neelagiri |
| Phase-2 total length | 118.9 km |
| Phase-2 estimated cost | Rs.63,246 crore |
| Completion status | 54.62% |
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2026-08-07 | Madhavaram-Moolakadai tunnel completion reported |
Static GK Links
- Chennai Metro Phase-1 corridors
- Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) technology basics
Exam Notes & Memorization Points
Chennai Metro Phase-2: 118.9 km, Rs.63,246 crore, 54.62% complete.
Madhavaram-Moolakadai tunnel: 819 m, TBM 'Neelagiri'.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the length of the Madhavaram-Moolakadai tunnel completed under Chennai Metro Phase-2?
- (A) 619 metres
- (B) 719 metres
- (C) 819 metres
- (D) 919 metres
Answer: C — The tunnel is 819 metres long.
Q2. What is the name of the Tunnel Boring Machine used for this tunnel?
- (A) Avvaiyar
- (B) Neelagiri
- (C) Kaveri
- (D) Ponni
Answer: B — The TBM used is named 'Neelagiri'.
Q3. What is the estimated cost of Chennai Metro Rail Phase-2 (118.9 km)?
- (A) Rs.48,000 crore
- (B) Rs.55,000 crore
- (C) Rs.63,246 crore
- (D) Rs.70,000 crore
Answer: C — The estimated cost is Rs.63,246 crore.
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