Following discussions spread over several months, authorities have finalised a plan for a multi-modal transport system at the Chennai airport that will combine different forms of public transport systems, including metro rail and bus services.
The work is expected to commence on Friday, according to an Airports Authority of India official, and will be completed in 14 months.
From the ground level up to the roof of the platform, the metro station will come up at a height of 25 metres. Passengers from the metro station can reach the airport terminals comfortably through covered walkalators.
A connecting glass tube will be provided to enable the passengers to reach the domestic or international terminal. Passengers from the terminals can also reach the metro station using the tube.
The overall design has been made in harmony with the architectural features of the domestic terminal building without disturbing the aesthetics of the upcoming terminal buildings, which are being modernised.
Gurpreet S. Shah of Creative Group, a New Delhi-based architectural firm, which has prepared the design, says, “It was a great challenge to accommodate the metro station within the constrained city side of the existing airport. The challenge was overcome by centralising the position of the station.”
Chennai Metro Rail has entrusted the AAI with the station work within the airport premises, for which an initial payment of Rs. 25 crore has been deposited with the authority. The total cost of the work is estimated at Rs. 48 crore, says the AAI official.
