Commuters traveling to and from the Kalaignar Centenary Bus Terminus (KCBT) at Kilambakkam will soon have the convenience of accessing the terminus via suburban trains, with Southern Railway initiating infrastructure development to facilitate direct connectivity by year-end.
Despite the inauguration of KCBT in January, commuters, particularly those residing in the city’s north and west, have voiced concerns regarding the lack of efficient connectivity to the terminus. Recognizing the importance of addressing these connectivity challenges, Southern Railway has embarked on crucial infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing accessibility to KCBT.
B Vishwanath Eerya, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Chennai division, Southern Railway, provided insights into the ongoing efforts, stating that work has commenced on laying platforms and drainage lines at KCBT. Currently, approximately 10% of the planned infrastructure development has been completed, with a focus on constructing an island platform to facilitate train halts on both sides, as well as drainage enhancements.
Following the completion of these initial phases, Southern Railway will proceed with the construction of essential amenities, including station shelters, passenger facilities, ticket counters, and other infrastructure enhancements. The halt station will be designed to accommodate a 12-coach suburban train, ensuring seamless transit for passengers.
In addition to the infrastructure upgrades at KCBT itself, plans are underway for the construction of a 220-ft-long skywalk, a project vital for enhancing connectivity to the terminus. This skywalk, currently under construction, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 or January 2025, according to officials from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). Once operational, the skywalk will provide commuters with a safe and convenient pathway from the railway station to KCBT, eliminating the need to navigate through vehicular traffic.