Vadapalani Metro station to be connected to mall

In an attempt to better link its rail network with public spaces, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) now plans to connect Vadapalani Metro station with Forum Vijaya mall. According to officials, a service road adjacent to the station will connect it to the mall.

“With the present arrangement, commuters will have to take a detour to Arcot Road via 100 Feet Road. Commuters, especially pedestrians and two-wheelers, will find the service road helpful,” said a CMRL official. CMRL has already acquired land for this and they may hand it over to the mall staff for developing the road, he added.

Raj Cherubal of Chennai City Connect said, “Such an arrangement will prove to be beneficial for both parties. Take MRTS for instance; it is very difficult to access some places from its stations. So, the point of this exercise with Metro Rail is to ease access for commuters.”

Suresh Singaravelu, executive director of the mall, said this would not only provide access from Anna Nagar, but also facilitate connectivity to Ashok Nagar and Kodambakkam.

Vadapalani is one of the major stations on the Koyambedu-Alandur stretch and is expected to be operational by early next year. According to CMRL, by 2016, when operations are in full swing, this station is projected to have at least 12,000 people passing through. Currently, officials said, structural work on the station has been completed.

“We are now focussing on the interior work including flooring, plastering and painting. Also, the work on roof structures, signalling and telecommunication and footpaths is in progress,” said another official.