KOCHI: On Thursday the much-delayed Phase II development of the Vyttila Mobility Hub (VMH) got a major fillip as the implementing agency Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) awarded the consultancy work for the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) to Delhi-based IPE Global Ltd.
Within three month’s it is expected to be concluded. This contract is worth over Rs 1.20 crore.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) in a press release said that the focus of developing the DPR for VMH will be on providing seamless connectivity between various modes of transport like buses, metro, ferry/water metro, autorickshaws and cabs in a passenger-centric manner. They should provide a well-planned infrastructure that prioritizes pedestrians and non-motorised transport users and ensures their safety. It should also accommodate all public and private buses, including the interstate contract carriage permit and state-owned buses, traveling through Vyttila junction and facilitate their entry and exit in the hub, through proper analysis of bus fleet size and potential ridership factors. A redesign of Vyttila Junction and area traffic plan is also a priority.
World-class facilities like to commuters and drivers, including fuel stations, electric charging facilities for buses and feeder electrical vehicles, night stabling and washing all these things are expected to be demonstrated in DPR.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) said that The appropriate intelligent transport system, infrastructure, terminal management system to facilitate arrival and departure of buses, in sync with boat and metro operations proposals is part of the scope of the work of the agency preparing the DPR.
Officials also said that since the railway is just 600m north of VMH, the plan is to integrate the railway system to VMH. This will also be explored in the DPR. A plan for pedestrian-friendly connectivity from the metro station to the bus terminal as well as the boat jetty and the rickshaw stand, to encourage the development of urban spaces and greenery will be a very important part of the Phase II DPR of VMH.
