A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the phase-II development of the Vytilla Mobility Hub (VHM), which will, among other things, prioritise a redesign of Vyttila Junction and the area traffic plan, is likely to be ready within three months.
This was after Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) awarded consultancy work for preparation of DPR for the long-delayed project to M/s. IPE Global Limited. The contract is worth ₹1,20,65,500 and is expected to conclude in three months. The State government had entrusted KMRL with the design and implementation of the phase-II development of VMH.
The proposed DPR will focus on providing seamless connectivity between various modes of transport like buses, metro, ferry/water metro, autorickshaws, and cabs in a passenger-centric manner alongside a well-planned infrastructure that prioritises pedestrians and non-motorised transport users and ensures their safety.
It is also expected to properly analyse the bus fleet size and potential ridership factors so as to accommodate all government and private buses, including the inter-State contract carriage permit/State-owned buses/passing through Vyttila junction and facilitate their entry and exit from the hub.
The DPR is also expected to provide world-class facilities to commuters and drivers, including fuel stations, electric charging facilities for buses and feeder electrical vehicles, night staying and washing, following the standard specifications if any, adopted in India or elsewhere.
Appropriate ITS (Intelligent Transport System), infrastructure, and terminal management system to facilitate the arrival and departure of buses in sync with boat and metro operations are part of the scope of the work of the agency preparing the DPR.
Meanwhile, bus route rationalisation and integrated bus time table for Greater Kochi and the rest of the State are under the active consideration of the government. Smart card ticketing across all modes of public transportation system is in the implementation stage within the Greater Kochi region. Since the railway track passes just 600 metres north of VMH, a practical and feasible plan to integrate the railway system with VMH will also be explored in the DPR.
A plan for pedestrian-friendly connectivity from the metro station to the bus terminal as well as boat jetty and autorickshaw stand, preferably at grade, to encourage development of urban spaces and greenery will be an important component of the Phase 2 DPR for VMH.