Kerala - Kochi   

Consensus on model for Vytilla mobility hub

KOCHI: The proposed bus terminal-cum-mobility hub at Vytilla would be executed in such a way that there is optimal use of the 25 acres of land identified for the purpose.

With this aim in mind, cellar and multi-level parking amenities would be readied at the hub, said District Collector M. Beena, who is the managing director and nodal officer of the project.

This apart, the building housing the bus stand and allied amenities would have many floors. The Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO), which prepared a detailed project report, has made a presentation before the Minister for Fisheries S. Sarma.

The Collector, the nodal officer for city-development projects T.K. Jose and officials of the PWD and the NHAI had attended another presentation made a few days ago.

Of the four models presented, there was consensus on one. “We have asked KITCO to make a few modifications to the proposal, so that there is maximum space utility,” Ms. Beena said.

The scheme would then be routed through the Corporation of Kochi to the Centre, for getting funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. It is reliably learnt that KITCO might tender at least phase-one of the works, so that the foundation stone can be laid in a couple of months.

The project had been mooted a few years ago to reduce congestion in the western parts of the city, by berthing KSRTC and private buses in Vytilla. There would also be parking lots for private vehicles and autorickshaws.

The terminal would also be integrated with metro-rail, railway and water transport, so that people would be able to choose from a variety of transporting modes, with Vytilla as the base.

KITCO's general manager Cyriac Davis said that it would be ideal if buses enter from a single direction and exit through another direction.

“Bus commuters would be able to use a skywalk to walk to/from the proposed metro-rail station on the western side of the junction and the boat jetty planned on the eastern side.

Another skywalk or walkway could connect the terminal with a railway halt that could come up at Vytilla, along the Ernakulam-Kottayam rail line.”

A decision on finalising the entry and exit points to the bus terminal would be finalised after taking into account the developments that would take place along the NH located on the western side.

There would be at least 120 bus bays and a ‘green-space' near the Kaniampuzha river.

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