KOCHI: The much-delayed Phase II development of the Vyttila Mobility Hub (VMH) got a major fillip on Thursday with implementing agency Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) awarding the consultancy work for the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) to Delhi-based IPE Global Ltd. The contract is worth over Rs 1.20 crore and it is expected to conclude in three months’ time.
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, KMRL said in a release.
“They should provide a well-planned infrastructure that prioritises 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, travelling 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,” the release said.
The DPR is also expected to demonstrate the provision of world-class facilities to commuters and drivers, including fuel stations, electric charging facilities for buses and feeder electrical vehicles, night stabling and washing, following the standard specifications if any, adopted in India or elsewhere.
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, KMRL said.
The Bus Route rationalisation and integrated bus timetable for Greater Kochi and rest of the state are under consideration of the government smart card ticketing across all modes of the public transportation system is under implementation stage within the Greater Kochi region.
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, officials said.
Last mile connectivity
The focus of developing the detailed project report 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.
The 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