The plan to renovate the KSRTC bus stand at Ernakulam has run into fresh trouble because of a town planning guideline of the Corporation which states that no commercial construction over 3000 square feet is to be allowed in transportation zones in the city.
The proposed KSRTC bus stand-cum-shopping complex is expected to come up in 45,000 square feet of land. Even though similar objections were raised during the construction of the Vyttila Mobility Hub, the project was exempted from the rule, according to officials.
“However, the rule may affect the construction of the Kochi metro stations as the commercial complexes are also being planned for the mega project,” an official pointed out.
The project had faced several delays during the design approval stage. The architects had to submit revised designs of the proposed project to the top management several times.
“This is the fourth time the proposal is being send back for correction. There have been several procedural delays. Unless, concerted efforts are made, the project will be delayed only further,” sources said. Issues regarding the entry and exit points for the proposed bus stand is yet to be solved.
Hibi Eden MLA, who provided `2 crore for the project from the asset fund expressed confidence that the rule laid down at the Local Self Government level won’t be an impediment to the development of the bus stand. “I have spoken to the Transport Minister and he has given me his word that the rule won’t pose any problem to the project. The Kochi Corporation Mayor has been intimated about the issue and he has called for the file.
The project wont be delayed any further,” Hibi Eden said.