Kilambakkam Railway Station and Skywalk to KCBT Set for March Inauguration
The Kilambakkam railway station and a 275-meter-long skywalk designed to connect it to the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) are likely to be inaugurated in March, according to officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). The CMDA has imposed strict deadlines to ensure the completion of various construction works for the skywalk, aiming to provide seamless multi-modal connectivity for commuters.
Progress on Skywalk Construction
With just a day of work remaining to correct a deflection identified on the erected arm across GST Road, officials plan to install the other arm in the first week of March. The structure is taking shape well from the railway station end, and it will be ready to link when the second arm over the GST Road is installed, said CMDA officials. They noted that the girder is assembled on the ground, allowing the work to be done overnight with vehicle diversions via Athanur.
Addressing Connectivity Issues
Although KCBT was inaugurated in December 2023 and mofussil bus operations were shifted there from Koyambedu, the lack of integrated transport links made accessing the terminus difficult for travelers heading to southern districts. In response, the state government and railways collaborated to establish the Kilambakkam suburban railway station between Vandalur and Guduvanchery stations. While alighting points at the KCBT end were completed earlier, the CUBE team from IIT Madras identified load deflection on the skywalk arm running from the bus terminus to the median over GST Road.
An official explained that the deflection arose because the contractor, instead of launching the girder as a single unit, built it in situ like a concrete structure. To ensure long-term safety and avoid future rectifications, the girder members are being strengthened by extending their length.
Future Enhancements and Coordination
Once the skywalk across GST Road is established, it will create seamless connectivity between Kilambakkam railway station and KCBT. A CMDA official stated, We just have to lay tiles and place the roof, indicating the final stages of construction. Meanwhile, the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) is coordinating with the railways to extend the skywalk to the island platform at Kilambakkam railway station.
This extension requires partial closure of three tracks and suspension of power supply to high-tension overhead lines for safety. A CUMTA official mentioned, We are now holding talks with the railways for the work. It will be carried out in the next few weeks, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure further.
