The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) recently conducted a meeting on multi-modal integration of railway systems with other modes of transport across Chennai, inviting the stakeholders to share their views on the matter. The stations from Chennai Beach to Vandalur, on the Southern Suburban Line, was the focus of the exercise. The meeting was held in three phases, covering Chennai Beach Station to Kodambakkam, Mambalam to Tirusulam, and Pallavaram to Vandalur.
To provide the background, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is engaged in an effort to find out how to improve multi-modal integration at the Mass Rapid Transit Systems, sub-urban and Metro rail stations in Chennai. It has sought the assistance of consultants for this purpose.
The aim of this study is to formulate an integrated long-term view on multi-modal integration of Chennai’s rail-based systems with each other as well as with other modes, such as buses, para-transit, walking and cycling for a user-friendly and efficient transportation system.
“The benefits of Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) are low cost of travel, less time (whole trip), greater safety, and enhanced comfort. Within 500 meters of the system, there will be walkways for pedestrians, cycles, and non-motorised vehicle lanes, and beyond, re-routed city buses, battery-operated buses, feeder services and intermediate public transport,” project officials said.
The shortcomings and potential listed in the study conducted by the consultants at the Nungambakkam railway station include escalators and an additional ticket booking counter at the foot-over-bridge. At the Kodambakkam Railway Station, it is lack of shelters on platform 3 and 4, and a subway at the Northern side of the station. At the Mambalam Railway Station, it is an additional foot-over-bridge as the existing one is crowded beyond capacity during the peak hours, and the creation of a parking slot for cars and motorcycles. At the Saidapet Railway Station, replacement of platform shelters, creation of a parking slot and commercial kiosks to generate more revenue.
Apart from this, a proposed feeder route network services were considered. The stakeholders are requested to make suggestions to improve conditions at the stations and in Station Influence Area (SIA), by writing in to jayaraman.vasudevan@jacobs.com or sampath.subramaniam@jacobs.com
