The KSRTC stand at Ernakulam will soon be developed into a high-tech shopping complex-cum-stand. Hibi Eden MLA said the recently discussions were held between the KSRTC chief engineer and operations manager regarding the design of the complex.
“The designs are in its final stages. Three designs have been short listed for the development of the complex. The decision on the further steps for the development of the station will take place on June 6,” he said.
As per plans, a seven-floored complex will be constructed at the stand, once the old stand is demolished. All the offices will be shifted to the Karikkammury ground on a temporary basis.
Also, the area near the garage will be utilised for official purposes. Once these offices are shifted, the old building will be demolished and construction of the new complex will begin.
Hibi Eden added that currently the KSRTC has six acres of land in the area.
“The entire area can be utilised for the development of the complex and constructing a proper bay for parking the vehicles. The construction will be done on a BOT basis,” he added.
New Route For KSRTC Buses
Proposals are afoot to construct a new route for entry and exit of buses into the Kerala Stand Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) busstand at Ernakulam.
According to the KSRTC officials, a new route to accommodate the entry and exit of buses is essential, especially once the works for the Kochi Metro Rail kicks off on June 7.
“More vehicles will be diverted through the newly-commissioned A L Jacob Road. With this, the entry and exit of our buses will become a hurdle. We have approached the Kochi Corporation officials and have asked them to widen the Mullassery Canal road which will facilitate the entrance of our buses directly to the Karrikamury ground. We won’t have to use the current entry point which is close to the AL Jacob RoB,” said Ernakulam ATO P S Rajakumar. Meanwhile, GCDA chairman N Venugopal has proposed the construction of a new road behind the Ambedkar stadium which will allow all KSRTC buses to enter the bus stand without having to use the present route.
“Now all buses which enter through the Rajaji junction turn right to reach the KSRTC stand. All the buses exit from the same point. We have suggested that all buses turn left after entering from Rajaji Junction and take the route directly behind the Ambedkar stadium. Seven meters in the area need to be tarred. However, once this route is used, the rush near the AL Jacob Rob can be brought down,” he said.
To discuss these proposals, Kochi Corporation Mayor Tony CHammany, GCDA chairman N Venugopal, Hibi Eden MLA and KSRTC officials will visit the site on June 7. “A final decision as to which route should be used by the KSRTC buses will be decided then. We are anticipating more rush once the South RoB demolition works begin,” said Hibi Eden MLA.