In an effort to attract private investors, the Vytilla Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) will use the ‘Partner Kerala’ meet as a platform to showcase the second phase of the Hub’s expansion plans. The VMHS has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) and a master plan for the second phase of the project, which is estimated to cost `433.34 crore.
The project is aimed at making Vyttila a major transportation and commercial hub. The first phase of the project has seen the hub turn into a crucial transit point for 650 private buses and 400 KSRTC buses which operate multiple trips on a daily basis. With the completion of the second phase, the Hub is expected to become one of the prime transit points in the state. It will also be developed as the convergence point of road, Metro Rail and water transportation systems. At the core of the concept is the proposal to make the public conveyance system in the city comfortable and efficient, and thereby persuade people to discard over-dependence on private vehicles. The second phase includes plans for an integrated transportation facility and a commercial complex. The ground floor of the building will have 136 bus bays. There will be various passenger amenities, including information counters, ticket-booking counters, ATMs, cloak rooms, refreshment stalls and breastfeeding kiosks.
The open space on the ground floor will have the provision for parking 500 two-wheelers. The basement floor will have space for 1,000 cars and 1,000 two-wheelers. The VMHS has also envisaged a walkway connecting the Metro station, bus terminal, boat jetty, basement parking area and the commercial space to ensure smooth transit of commuters from one mode to another.
The proposed commercial complex will have five floors. While the first three floors have been designed as commercial space with multiple shops on each floor, the top floors will accommodate four multiplexes, food courts and children’s entertainment area. The detailed plan and design of the project have been prepared by KITCO and got clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority. The proposed facility will come up on 25.19 acres of land near Vyttila Junction.
“This will be accessible from NH 47, NH 49 and Kaniyampuzha Road. It is also close to the National Waterway II and the Ernakulam- Kottayam railway track,” said a statement.
The Vyttila station of the Kochi Metro Rail project is also under construction near the Hub. The State Water Transport Department has already launched a city water bus service from the Hub to Kakkanad via Eroor and has plans to connect Thevara, Thoppumpady and Fort Kochi through the service. Meanwhile, the railway authorities have also submitted a proposal to construct a station near the Kaniyampuzha Bridge.