Initial construction work begins for phase II project of Chennai Metro at Poonamallee

Finally, preliminary construction work for phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project has begun in Poonamallee.

Sources mentioned the work to do check piling has begun in Poonamallee on Wednesday; that is preparatory work for constructing the viaduct within the elevated stretch from Poonamallee to Porur junction, which will be the first one to be opened within the 118.9 km phase II project of Chennai Metro Rail after 4 years.

According to sources in Chennai Metro Rail, the check piling work is normally performed to examine the design and make sure of the pile capability earlier than doing the viaduct work. “It is usually done in one or two locations; the contractor waits for nearly one month after carrying out this work and if this test pile is satisfactory, then the piling work along the alignment of this stretch can start. After that, the piers construction too will follow. But commuters will be able to view the piers only after six months because it will take quite some time to achieve that level of progress, considering the pandemic restrictions and limited number of labourers available now,” a supply mentioned.

The Poonamallee stretch will undergo areas like Chennai Bypass Crossing, Ramachandra Hospital, Iyyapanthangal Bus Depot, Kattupakkam, Kumananchavadi, Karayanchavadi, Mullai Thottam, Poonamallee Bus Terminus and join with Porur, overlaying a distance of 7.9 km.

“There are some congested areas in this section and hence, to cause less inconvenience to commuters, the work should progress in full swing when the restrictions are lifted. It will also speed up the construction work if precast structures are used, provided they are done meticulously following the design,” he added.

Meanwhile, quickly, the construction can even begin between Porur and Power House and within the underground stretch from Madhavaram to Taramani as properly.