Chennai Metro to Build Skywalk Linking Vadapalani Stations Across Phases I & II

A contract worth ₹8.1 crore has been awarded by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to build a skywalk that would give direct connectivity from the Phase-I Vadapalani Metro station to the coming Phase-II station at the same location. The project has been awarded to Kousic & Co. and is expected to be completed within four months.

As per CMRL, the income-controlled skywalk will cause commuters to maneuver between these two stations without going out of the ticketed area. This means that passengers will not have to issue extra tickets or have to take a longer trip around outside the stations. It is expected to smooth travel and save time and costs.

“This link will provide seamless connectivity between the two corridors, ensuring convenience for thousands of passengers every day,” says T.Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL. He further mentions that the skywalk will save time transfers and decongest stations, and also provide access to the commuters in weather shielding.

With the completion of the Phase-II corridor, the Valadalani Metro station located on the busy stretch of Anna Salai has emerged as one of the most important transit hubs in the ever-expanding metro network. CMRL officials informed that the new link is designed to handle the increase by improving passenger handling and preventing bottlenecks.

The contract was signed in the presence of Archunan along with senior officials, including S Ashok Kumar, D Jebaselwin Gladson, and Rekha Prakash. This forms part of a series of initiatives on last-mile and inter-connectivity envisioned by CMRL to integrate better the expanding metro system of the city with the rest of the city.

Phase-I of the Chennai Metro covers 54 km, while Phase-II will cover 118.9 km and is currently under construction. These new corridors, on completion, will significantly add to the public transport connectivity within the city.

Vadapalani skywalk is one of the first major links that will be constructed for the use of passengers during the peak of Phase-II works, signifying the approach to seamless metro travel throughout Chennai.