The long-awaited redevelopment of Tambaram railway station, which faced a five-year delay, is now progressing. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, the Rs 10 billion project aims to transform Tambaram into a modern, state-of-the-art transit hub, on par with major terminals like Chennai Central and Egmore. The Creative Group has recently unveiled detailed plans and illustrations as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, outlining a comprehensive overhaul of the station’s infrastructure.
The proposed design features a new six-platform terminal building, which will significantly increase the station’s capacity to handle both trains and passengers. Currently accommodating around 200,000 passengers daily, the revamped station will offer modern amenities including enhanced waiting areas, improved seating arrangements, and a multi-level car parking facility to meet the growing demand for vehicle accommodation. This addition is crucial as existing parking lots on both ends of the station are frequently full, with many residents from the city’s outskirts using the station to commute.
The redevelopment will also focus on improving pedestrian infrastructure, with restored footpaths and the removal of encroachments to ensure better accessibility. To cater to differently-abled passengers, the project will incorporate dedicated ramps, elevators, and tactile paths. Despite these advancements, resident-activist Dayanand Krishnan has voiced concerns about the delays, particularly regarding the insufficient number of escalators and lifts and the incomplete foot overbridge. Currently, the overbridge has only steel pillars with no horizontal structures, highlighting the need for timely completion to enhance commuter convenience and safety.
