CMRL to construct skywalks, subways in 13 places for easy interchange between stations

In three years, passengers alighting at Thirumayilai MRTS will be able to reach the nearest metro station after a 50-metre In three years, passengers alighting at Thirumayilai MRTS will be able to reach the nearest Metro station after a 50-metre walk through an elevated walkway.

To facilitate seamless connectivity for switching between Metro, MRTS and suburban networks, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) will build skywalks and subways in 13 stations, officials said.

CMRL’s 118.9-km phase II network, with its three corridors, stops at several key areas of the city, connecting the central business district, IT corridor, Marina beach, northern parts and western suburbs. This network, at many locations, will be intersecting with the 54-km phase I network.

The phase II network will also be integrated with the mass rapid transit system (MRTS), the suburban rail system in the city.

According to officials of CMRL, the phase II alignment has been planned in such a way that makes it convenient for commuters to hop off from one system to another.

At Kilpauk, Thousand Lights, Nandanam, Koyambedu and St. Thomas Mount where the phase I and phase II networks meet, CMRL will link both stations with a subway. At Vadapalani and Alandur, the phase I and phase II stations will be connected by skywalks.

Similarly, at Villivakkam, Perambur, Chetpet and Kodambakkam, the Metro stations have been planned close to the suburban stations. In these locations, the stations will be bridged by skywalks.

“Between the phase I and phase II networks, we are providing direct paid-to-paid area connectivity. This means, from the ticketing area of a phase I station, commuters can quickly go to the ticketing area of a phase II station. Having skywalks or subways and integrating different modes of transport is crucial as it will save a lot of time and the convenience of travel may also encourage more people to shift to public transport,” an official said.

‘Maintenance must’

K.P. Subramanian, former professor of Urban Engineering, Anna University, said it was equally important to ensure that these skywalks and subways are well-maintained. “They should be built with roofing, escalators, elevators, be well lit, and should be monitored by CCTV for better safety of the travelerss,” he emphasised.

Balaji S., a frequent commuter of the Chennai Metro rail system, said he was glad that the new structures would make connectivity between stations easier, making commuting a bit less tiring. “I hope the distance between these stations don’t exceed 200 metres. Only then, will it be easier. They should also display the timings of trains in these skywalks and subways,” he added.