KOCHI: The second phase development of Vyttila Mobility Hub (VMH) will get the technical assistance of AFD, the French development agency funding the Kochi Metro Rail project.
The state government has already asked the KMRL to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for the second phase and the agency will incorporate the design and plan devised by SYTRAL, the Unified Transport Authority of the City of Lyon, with the coordination of CODATU, a French non-profit organisation.
The French team will also extend technical know-how to the integrated public transport and non-motorised transport projects undertaken by KMRL, pedestrianisation projects, junction improvement projects at Aluva, Edappally and Vyttila, framing of integrated urban transport policy for Kochi and operations and maintenance strategy for Kochi Metro Rail.
Briefing media on the sidelines of a workshop jointly organised by SYTRAL and CODATU at the KMRL office here, KMRL managing director Elias George said the main topics discussed in the workshop were intelligent transport system, promoting non-motorised transport, a medium capacity public transport network for Kochi and technical cooperation to mobilise the city.
Metro to Fort Kochi not feasible
George said the workshop also discussed the possibilities of extending the Metro to Fort Kochi. “Various studies conducted in the past too have said Metro Rail to Fort Kochi is not feasible.
The extension will have to overcome some major technical as well as economic hurdles. Moreover, the Metro corridor will have to pass through the heritage conservation zone, where construction activities are restricted. Hence, the workshop discussed the alternate measures, including trams,” he said.
Water Metro
The KMRL chief said the general consultant for the Water Metro project will be appointed by next month. “The next director board meeting will appoint the general consultant.
Three highly experienced international agencies have been shortlisted and one of them will be the consultant. The agency will be responsible for chalking out plans for the implementation of the Water Metro,” he said.
The KMRL is hopeful of purchasing the first set of boats for the project by the end of 2018, said George.