The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Plan moots integrated transport system

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Wednesday, Jan 23, 2008
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Plan moots integrated transport system

T. Nandakumar

Capital Region Transport Authority to ensure efficient management

Conversion of KSRTC buses to LNG fuel recommended
Water transport terminal at Veli planned

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) approved by the City Corporation Council last month proposes improvement of the public transport system and introduction of non-polluting modes of transportation. The plan recommends an integrated mass transport system with light rail transit, dedicated lanes for high-capacity buses that can seat 165 passengers, and new generation buses equipped with power steering and GPS control and converted to run on LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) fuel. The existing KSRTC fleet will be augmented.

The conversion of KSRTC buses to LNG fuel is to be taken up in a phased manner. The option of using LNG instead of CNG, in dual-fuel mode along with diesel, is expected to get funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) of the World Bank.

The draft CMP was discussed with representatives of the WB (GEF) in the presence of ADB and Kerala State Urban Development Project (KSUDP) officials in October 2007. Thiruvananthapuram has been chosen as a ‘demonstration city’ by the Government of India in the GEF. The CMP also supports the idea mooted by the Town Planning Department to operate battery buses to reduce pollution.

Mass transport system

The proposed integrated mass transport system will cover 52.15 km in seven high passenger-density corridors in the ring and radial road network. These include Ulloor- East Fort- Karamana (7.3 km), Ulloor- Kazhakuttom (6.72 km), Karamana to Balaramapuram with link from East Fort to Airport (12.18 km), Pattom to TRIDA boundary on Shencottah road (3.25 km), Kesavadasapuram to TRIDA boundary on MC Road (7.5 km), Karamana to Peyad (7.3 km) and Manacaud to Vizhinjam (7.9 km).

The Light Rail Transit System (LRTS) or Electric Multiple Units (EMU) is proposed for selected high-density traffic corridors. The preferred stretch in the first phase is Kazhakuttom-Anayara-Airport-Manacaud-Chalai bypass- Killipalam, with an additional link from Kazhakuttom to Ulloor.

The mass transport system is to be designed to accommodate an extension from the airport to Vizhinjam when the International Container Transhipment Terminal becomes operational. A new rail link from Balaramapuram to Vizhinjam and commuter trains between Neyyatinkara and Varkala are other elements of the system.

New bus terminal

Construction of a new bus terminal at Eenchakkal and upgrade of the one at Thampanoor, improvements to the bus terminals at Kochu Veli, Kudappanakunnu, Kovalam, Thirumala and Medical College, and computerisation of depots and KSRTC corporate office are the other components of the project.

A terminal for private long-distance omni buses to be constructed by the side of the National Highway bypass near Eenchakkal. The facility is to be equipped with parking space, booking offices, passenger amenities and crew facilities.

One of the major proposals is to construct a truck terminal at Eenchakkal with satellite terminals at Vallakadavu and Chalai bypass, to streamline the operation of goods vehicles and address the demand for parking of lorries servicing wholesale and warehousing activities. The terminals are to be equipped with vehicle service facilities, booking offices, rest and changing rooms for crew, toilets and eateries, fuel outlets and storage.

Integrated approach

The plan proposes the constitution of a Capital Region Transport Authority to ensure an integrated approach in planning, development and management of all the mass transport systems.

Development of water transport facilities to utilise the existing canal system in the city and the extension of the national waterway from Kollam to Kovalam are the other proposals.

A water transport terminal has been recommended at Veli.

Construction of 100 bus shelters, installation of signal systems at 50 intersections and introduction of an intelligent transport system with centralised traffic regulation and camera stations have also been included in the plan.

Along with the integrated mass transport system and the KSRTC’s LNG conversion, the development of 180 km of roads in the city comprises the first phase of the CMP to be taken up with assistance from the Union Government under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

The project envisages the development ring and radial patterns for smooth flow of traffic. The improved connectivity is also expected to assist the horizontal growth of the city towards the north, east and west.

Flyovers or underpasses are to be constructed at Pattom, PMG Junction, Medical College, Vellayambalam, Sreekaryam and Ulloor Junction and pedestrian subways at VJT Hall Junction, Statue Junction, Medical College, Cotton Hill School, Neeramankara and General Hospital Junction. Mutli-level parking facilities are proposed at Pulimoodu, Medical College, Pazhavangady and Thampanoor.

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