Herrenknecht Expands Chennai Operations with New TBM Manufacturing Plant in Kannigaipair

Germany-based tunnel boring machine (TBM) manufacturer Herrenknecht is taking a significant step to strengthen its presence in India by setting up a new manufacturing facility in Kannigaipair, North Chennai. The company has acquired 12.4 acres of land for over Rs 50 crore, marking a major milestone in its expansion strategy to meet India’s rising demand for tunnelling technology.

The new facility aims to support India’s growing infrastructure ambitions, particularly in metro rail and urban connectivity projects. With tunnelling projects worth over Rs three lakh crore expected to be executed across the country in the next decade, the demand for TBMs has surged dramatically. Chennai, being one of the major urban hubs driving metro and underground infrastructure, has become a strategic location for Herrenknecht’s investment.

The company had earlier established its first assembly unit in Chennai in 2007, which has since become a key base for TBM production in India. Herrenknecht currently manufactures 10 to 12 metro-sized TBMs annually, many of which have been deployed in the Chennai Metro Phase I and II projects. With the new plant, the company plans to further localize its manufacturing, reducing India’s reliance on imported TBMs from countries such as Germany, China, and the United States.

The land transaction was exclusively advised by JLL, a global real estate services firm, ensuring a smooth acquisition process. The expansion also follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s visit to Germany, which aimed to attract more international investments into the state’s manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.

This development positions Tamil Nadu as a leading hub for tunnelling technology and engineering excellence. By expanding its operations in Chennai, Herrenknecht not only reinforces its long-term commitment to India but also contributes to the country’s goal of building world-class urban infrastructure.