Chennai Metro to Build Skywalks, Subways at 13 Locations for Seamless Interchange

State-of-the-art skywalks and underpasses are being built across 13 strategic city locations to aid CMRL in making interchanges between different transit systems fast and commuter-friendly. These structures will connect Chennai Metro between Phases I and II while linking with MRTS and suburban rail stations.

Phase 2 Chennai Metro stretching over 118.9 km and comprising three corridors is under construction and is set to vastly increase coverage across the city, including the central business district, Marina Beach, IT corridor, and the northern and western suburbs of the city. These lines, once in operation, would intersect the existing 54-km Phase I network at several locations.

CMRL officials said interchange points are being planned meticulously to help commuters switch seamlessly between the systems. “We are ensuring paid-to-paid connectivity so passengers can directly access the ticketing areas of both Phase I and II stations without exiting the system,” the official stated.

Key integration points are:

• Subways at Kilpauk, Thousand Lights, Nandanam, Koyambedu, and St. Thomas Mount.

• Skywalks at Vadapalani and Alandur.

• Metro-suburban connectivity through elevated skywalks at Villivakkam, Perambur, Chetpet, and Kodambakkam.

There will be a skywalk linking the MRTS with the Metro at Thirumayilai, allowing just 50 meters to be walked by a passenger.
In Thirumayilai, a skywalk will link the MRTS with the Metro, allowing the passenger to walk just 50 metres.

Urban engineering expert Prof. K.P. Subramanian stressed that infrastructure quality and upkeep will be critical. “Skywalks and subways should be roofed, well-lit, have elevators and escalators and be monitored by CCTV for safety,” he said.

Daily commuter Balaji S. welcomed the move, saying better interconnectivity would reduce fatigue. “But the walking distance shouldn’t exceed 200 metres. Real-time train timings displayed along the paths would help a lot too,” he added.

CMRL aims to complete all interchange links alongside the Phase II rollout over the next three years.