Corporation floats tender for 130cr flyover on Anna Salai

The Greater Chennai Corporation has floated tenders to build escalator-equipped skywalk in T Nagar at a cost of Rs 28.50 crore, which is Rs 1.85 crore less than the previous estimate.

According to a Chennai Corporation official, the skywalk would be built under the smart city mission. “Initially, the estimation of Rs 30.35 crore was prepared for the skywalk. However, the estimation has been revised and the cost is cut down to Rs 28.50 crore,” the official said.

The 600-meter long and 4-meter broad skywalk would connect Mambalam railway station and T Nagar bus stand via Railway Border Road and Madley Road. “We have already prepared detailed project report (DPR) with the help of a private consultant. The Southern Railway had accorded permission to link the FOB and skywalk,” the official added.

The skywalk will have an escalator for the entire length to help disabled and elderly persons. Entry points will be provided opposite T Nagar bus stand and at the Mambalam railway station, according to the official.

 The Greater Chennai Corporation will acquire 1,222 sqm of land from Integral Coach Factory (ICF) for 35-year-lease and pay Rs 10 crore to build a new rail over bridge (ROB) at the level crossing at Kolathur – Villivakkam.

According to a Chennai Corporation official, the ROB was first proposed in 2003 to connect Kolathur Main Road and ICF Road. “The decision to pay Rs 10.74 crore lease amount and Rs 1,000 per annum for the ICF land as licence fees was taken after many rounds of discussion. Now, the ICF has agreed to give land on lease for 35 years. The Corporation will also bear the cost of demolition and construction of the ICF compound wall,” the official said.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the civic body had released the funds to the Revenue Department, who will oversee the acquisition process.

The Chennai Corporation would also release Rs 60.43 lakh to Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) to shift water and sewer pipes in the area. “Rs 55 lakh will be given to Tangedco to shift the cables and LT equipment. Funds for the ICF, CMWSSB and Tangedco will be released from capital grant fund received for the project,” the official said.

“The total cost of the project is Rs 58.50 crore and tenders will be floated after the land acquisition completes,” the official said.

The railway gate in the crossing is closed every 15 minutes and the crossing witnesses more than 10 lakh train vehicle units and an annual average of 19,000 passenger car units (PCU).