KOCHI: The Vyttila Mobility hub's phase II development is hanging fire as the authorities concerned are yet to chalk out a proper plan for the mode of implementation and decide on the source of funding for the same. However, a senior officer with Vyttila Mobility Hub Society(VHMS) said a decision on the implementation is likely at the joint body meeting scheduled for December 4.“The concept plan submitted by the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) was already approved with some suggestions. Based on the concept plan, a detailed project report (DPR) needs to be prepared and detailed drawings will have to get completed. For the appointment of DPR consultant, the source of funding needs to be finalised. We believe the general body will discuss these,” he said.
Nonetheless, it is the state government which has to take the final call in this regard. The French agency- AFD- which is funding the Kochi Metro project has already indicated its willingness to provide funding for the project. Also, a proposal to utilise funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is under consideration. The plan is to complete phase II of the hub's development by the time the Kochi Metro's Ernakulam South-Vyttila stretch is commissioned.
Initially, the VHMS had envisaged a `430-crore project for phase II of the hub's development which mainly involves construction of 120 more bus bays and parking facilities and a commercial complex among others. The concept submitted by the KMRL on the other hand gives more thrust to the development of transport infrastructure instead of commercial space development.
“A detailed presentation was made in this regard and as per KMRL's plan, the commercial area development plan will be restricted to a specific area. The open space will be retained and the development activities will be carried out in an eco-friendly manner. Instead of giving space to the commercial complex, which we are not sure of saleable or not, the concept note aims at converting the facility into a multi-modal transport hub which will integrate various transportation methods, including rail, water, and road,” according to the KMRL official spokesperson.
The Metro Rail station at Vyttila will come up inside the hub. Hence, the second phase needs to be completed along with the commissioning of the Metro Rail. The KMRL is also planning to construct an advanced ferry terminal at Vyttila which will also be situated inside the hub as part of the Water Metro project. A total area of 25.16 acres has been earmarked for the second phase. According to the KMRL, the open space and greenery of the area will be maintained as such. “The entire work is planned in tune with the green protocol. The implementation module and final decision should be made by the state government and VHMS,” said the spokesperson.