Chennai Metro’s Phase-2 underground tunneling project achieved a major milestone on September 30, with the tunnel boring machine Kaveri completing its breakthrough at Kilpauk Medical College station.

The downline TBM navigated a 685-metre drive beneath active railway tracks and other sensitive structures before breaking through. Engineers described the operation as technically demanding because of the dense urban corridor.

The breakthrough marks steady progress on Phase-2, which will add new corridors to the city’s metro network. Chennai Metro has been expanding rapidly, recording over one crore passenger trips in September 2026, the third consecutive month above the eight-figure mark.

Tunneling under a live railway line requires continuous monitoring to avoid settlement or disruption. Officials said the drive was completed without incident.

The Kilpauk breakthrough keeps the project on track for its next tunneling stages. Metro officials expect Phase-2 corridors to significantly improve connectivity across the city once operational.

Chennai’s metro growth mirrors a national trend of rising urban rail ridership. The system’s record September numbers indicate a growing preference for metro services among the city’s commuters.