Chennai: The long-delayed Kilambakkam railway station is finally slated to become operational in January 2026, according to a senior official from the Southern Railway. The announcement brings a glimmer of hope to residents who have been awaiting the station for nearly two years after its integrated bus terminus was constructed, promising a crucial transport hub for the area.

The project, however, has been mired in delays. While the bus station opened its doors in December 2023, the complementary railway station across the tracks remained stalled. Officials have pointed to a combination of administrative and logistical hurdles as the primary cause for the setback. A significant bottleneck has been the construction of the essential skywalk designed to connect the bus terminus directly to the railway platforms, a feature considered vital for passenger safety.

Skywalk Construction and Land Issues Caused Major Delays

The construction of the pedestrian skywalk faced significant obstacles, including protracted delays in acquiring a parcel of land near the station reportedly owned by a prominent political leader, alongside ongoing compensation disputes. Furthermore, the project required design alterations and subsequent approvals from the railway authorities since the skywalk passes within the railway’s boundary. These cumulative issues pushed the timeline back considerably.

P. Mahesh, the Additional General Manager of Southern Railway, confirmed the new deadline while speaking to reporters on the side lines of a cleanliness drive at Chennai Central station. “The work on the platform, the roof of the platform, and the huge skywalk foot overbridge are in full swing,” Mahesh stated. “After the final work of the Kilambakkam railway station is completed, it will be available for public use in January 2026.” The railway’s stance is that the station will only be opened to the public once the skywalk is fully complete, ensuring safe and seamless transit for commuters moving between the bus and train services. The official also announced that 108 special trains would be run by Southern Railway for the Diwali season to accommodate festive travel.