Kilambakkam Skywalk Project Delayed for Months, Commuters Face Difficulties

The skywalk project connecting the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam with GST Road and the upcoming Kilambakkam railway station has been facing delays for several months.

The project is intended to provide a convenient connection between the bus terminus and the railway station for thousands of daily commuters. However, the delay in completing the infrastructure work has been causing difficulties for passengers travelling between the bus and rail facilities.

Importance of the Kilambakkam Skywalk

The Kilambakkam bus terminus was established to reduce congestion at Chennai`s Koyambedu bus terminus and has become an important transport hub for passengers travelling to southern districts.

The skywalk is planned to provide a direct connection for suburban train passengers travelling to the bus terminus and for bus passengers heading towards the railway station.

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has planned the approximately 450-metre-long and 9-metre-wide skywalk at an estimated cost of around Rs 79 crore.

The project is being developed with facilities such as escalators, lifts, passenger rest areas and toilets.

Reasons Behind the Delay

The project has faced several legal, technical and administrative challenges.

Land-related legal issues: Legal disputes over the acquisition of land along GST Road and interim court orders affected the initial stages of the project.

Railway approvals and coordination: Delays were reported in obtaining the necessary approvals and safety clearances from Southern Railway for installing large girders over the railway tracks and carrying out work related to the new railway station.

GST Road traffic: Installing pillars and placing girders across the busy GST Road without disrupting vehicle movement has been a major challenge.

Technical and design changes: Inspection and modifications related to the load-bearing capacity and design of certain portions of the structure also contributed to the delay.

Difficulties Faced by Commuters

With the railway station and skywalk yet to become operational, passengers arriving at Kilambakkam continue to face several difficulties.

Passengers travelling from the bus terminus towards Vandalur or Guduvanchery have to cross the busy GST Road, creating safety concerns.

The lack of a direct rail connection has also resulted in some passengers relying on autos and taxis from Tambaram or Perungalathur, leading to additional expenses and travel time.

Senior citizens, passengers carrying luggage and persons with disabilities also face difficulties while crossing GST Road using the existing arrangements.

Current Status of the Project

According to the information available, the legal issues have been resolved, and Southern Railway and CMDA are working together to speed up the remaining works.

Work on platforms and passenger ticketing facilities at the new Kilambakkam railway station is nearing completion.

The initial steel pillars for the skywalk across GST Road have been installed, while preparations are underway for the remaining works across the railway tracks.

The project is expected to be fully completed by the end of this year after the remaining works are coordinated and completed.

The completion of the skywalk and railway station is expected to provide a more convenient connection between the Kilambakkam bus terminus and the railway network, addressing the difficulties currently faced by commuters.