More than two years after it was first suggested, the State government has invited bids from companies for preparing Detailed Project Reports for the construction of skywalks at T. Nagar and Parry’s Corner.
The skywalks — elevated structures for the benefit of pedestrians to walk without having to get caught in traffic congestion, are similar to footover bridges seen in railway stations.
It was in 2012 that a suggestion was made for constructing the skywalks at two places – from Mambalam railway station to T. Nagar bus terminus and from Parry’s Corner to Fort railway station. The Chennai Corporation too gave its go-ahead for the project and recently, Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited called for tenders, inviting proposals for preparing the DPRs.
Officials at TNUIFSL and Corporation engineers said it would take several months before civil works begin at the selected sites. The skywalks’ length will be between 600 m and one km and will cost between Rs. 5 and Rs. 10 crore. They will significantly reduce pedestrian and traffic congestion, once they are constructed. TNUIFSL has called for tenders as it is facilitating the project along with the Chennai Corporation.
Escalators have been proposed for pedestrians. Commuters can alight at both Fort and Mambalam stations and can reach the skywalks soon after alighting from trains.
The facility at T. Nagar will benefit traders and people visiting the shopping-cum-business district, while the one in Parry’s corner will be of immense benefit to litigants and advocates on their way to Madras High Court, apart from those proceeding to an equally important commercial hub, officials added.
