After a year of excavation, Chennai Metro Rail will finish tunnelling between Royapettah and Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai by the end of August as part of Phase II Corridor 3, which runs 45.8 km from Madhavaram to SIPCOT.

This corridor, largely underground between Madhavaram and Taramani, involves multiple tunnel boring machines (TBMs) operating at key stretches. In July 2024, TBM Bhavani began drilling a 966-mtrs. tunnel from Royapettah to Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai. Officials from Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) confirmed the machine is close to breakthrough, noting the stretch was “fairly smooth with no geological challenges,” mostly comprising sand and silt. Care was taken while tunnelling beneath the Government Royapettah Hospital.

Another TBM, Adyar, is expected to complete its segment by October. The Royapettah station lies near YMCA, the Government Hospital, and a major mall, while Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai station is surrounded by hotels and offices. Once operational, this link will ease commuting for thousands, enhancing north–south connectivity and reducing travel time across Chennai.