The police aid post, set up at the Vyttila Mobility Hub to help passengers, is yet to be thrown open to the public. According to the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) officials, the aid post was set up at the final bay of the hub following requests from passengers.
The hub premises has been witnessing anti-social activities, especially during the night for some time. With almost all private and transport buses entering the hub, the premises are always busy.
M Beena, VMHS Managing Director, said the officials were awaiting a convenient time from Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan. “We had planned the inauguration nearly two months ago. However, the Minister is yet to give us a favourable date,” she said.
Ernakulam East Assistant Commissioner P Shamms said a staff has been appointed to man the aid post. At present, though there are police officials posted round the clock, the aid post would ensure more vigil and security at the hub.
Single Bay for Karnataka Buses
The VMHS officials said plans were afoot to assign a single bay for the Karnataka inter-state buses. A separate station will also be set up for them. As part of the second phase of the Vyttila Mobility Hub, pre-qualification tenders have been invited.
International agencies have expressed interest in the project and the final date of calling the bid is June 20. Once the tender procedures are completed, the construction work of the second phase will begin by August.
The second phase of the hub includes expansion of bus bays which will enable parking of 108 buses at a time. A six-storey building will also come up.
Parking space for 1,000 cars and 1,500 bikes will be accommodated on the underground premises of the hub, according to hub officials.
Three boat jetties connecting passengers who arrive via Metro Rail or buses are also part of the plan. Shops and food counters and the mobility hub office will be incorporated on the top floor. In the second phase of the project, the metro rail-related work will commence.
A pact between the DMRC and the Vyttila Mobility Hub will be signed soon, M Beena said. The 375-crore project will be funded through loans from a consortium of banks. The state government will give the rest of the funds besides the `20 crore from the GCDA.