IIT-M Body Flags Design and Execution Issues in Kilambakkam Skywalk Project

The pedestrian skywalk connecting the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam with a proposed suburban railway halt has come under scrutiny following observations raised by the Centre for Urbanisation, Buildings and Environment (CUBE), a technical centre housed at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The findings have drawn attention to critical issues related to design continuity, construction methodology and execution practices.

According to officials familiar with the matter, CUBE has flagged instances of design fragmentation and deviations from approved construction methods during the execution of the project. The 275-metre-long skywalk was originally conceived as a single integrated structural system. However, subsequent changes in alignment and consultant involvement led to a segmented approach to design and construction.

The project faced delays after private landowners challenged land acquisition along the GST Road, resulting in a stay order from the Madras High Court. This prompted authorities to revise the alignment to reduce private land acquisition. Following the redesign, a separate structural consultant was appointed to rework key sections of the bridge, particularly long spans crossing the national highway.

CUBE has stated that its design responsibility was limited to a portion of the structure within the bus terminus premises and that it had no role in the revised structural scheme adopted for the remaining stretches. In its review, the technical body highlighted concerns such as visible sagging in a long-span steel truss, deviations in erection methodology and construction works proceeding without approved drawings in certain sections.

Officials said that some of these issues could introduce unaccounted structural stresses if not addressed comprehensively. CUBE has recommended that the skywalk be reassessed as a single structural system under the oversight of an empowered authority to ensure long-term safety and performance.

Sources in the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority confirmed the observations and said corrective measures would be carried out under CUBE’s supervision. They maintained that the structure is currently safe and that the facility, along with the proposed suburban rail halt, is likely to be opened to the public after the Assembly election.

The episode has once again highlighted the importance of unified design responsibility and strict adherence to approved construction methodologies in large urban infrastructure projects, particularly those involving complex structural systems.