Chennai’s expanding metro network is set to become even more seamless for commuters with the upcoming construction of a 130-metre skywalk that will directly connect the Phase I and Phase II stations at Vadapalani, a crucial interchange hub linking the city’s arterial metro lines.
This infrastructure development, slated for completion by mid-2025, will eliminate the need for passengers transferring between the Poonamallee-Chennai Central route (Phase II) and the existing Phase I network to exit one station and navigate surface-level traffic to enter the other. This initiative underscores Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s (CMRL) commitment to enhancing passenger convenience, saving valuable commute time, and ensuring a safer and more comfortable transit experience for its growing ridership. Vadapalani station holds strategic importance within the Chennai Metro network as a key interchange point connecting the operational 54-kilometre Phase I network with the rapidly developing 118.9-kilometre Phase II network. The new skywalk will serve as a vital artery for passengers using this busy station, particularly as the Phase II corridors gradually become operational. The first section of Phase II, connecting Poonamallee to Porur, is anticipated to open later this year, followed by the Porur-Vadapalani-Kodambakkam stretch in the subsequent year. The construction of this dedicated walkway will therefore be timely, ensuring smooth inter-phase transfers as more sections of the expanded metro network become accessible to the public.
The design of the skywalk prioritises commuter convenience and safety. Spanning approximately 130 metres in length and 6 metres in width, the fully covered walkway will directly link the ticketing level of the Phase II station with that of Phase I. This direct, paid-to-paid connectivity means that travellers will no longer need to exit one station, cross potentially busy roads, and then enter the connecting station – a process that is not only time-consuming but can also pose safety concerns, particularly for elderly passengers, families with young children, and those with mobility challenges. The skywalk will offer a sheltered and direct route, significantly improving the overall transit experience and encouraging greater utilisation of the integrated metro network. Chennai Metro Rail Limited has already initiated the tender process for this significant infrastructure project, inviting bids for its construction. The timeline for the project includes an estimated three months for the selection of a contractor, followed by approximately six months for the construction and completion of the skywalk. With a projected cost of nearly ₹10 crore, the skywalk is an integral component of the overall budget allocated for the expansion and enhancement of the Chennai Metro network. Given the anticipated opening of the Vadapalani Phase II station next year, CMRL has strategically planned for the immediate commencement of the skywalk’s construction to ensure its timely readiness for public use, aligning with the operationalisation of the new metro lines and maximising the benefits of seamless connectivity for commuters from the outset.
This proactive approach demonstrates CMRL’s foresight in anticipating and addressing the needs of its passengers as the metro network continues to grow and serve a larger segment of Chennai’s urban population.
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