The foundation stone for the project was laid two years ago by the then UDF Govt, but nothing materialised.Commuting continues to be a major issue for the public and techies of Technopark with the bus terminal project-cum-shopping complex still remaining on paper
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The much-hyped bus terminal project-cum-shopping complex, proposed to come up near Technopark at Kazhakoottam, remains a non-starter. The foundation stone of the project was laid two years ago by the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, which was to be constructed and managed by Trivandrum Development Authority (TRIDA).
However, the project has entered into a deadlock since then, with the LDF Government too showing apathy in taking up the project. The 12-crore project was mooted for ensuring better transportation facilities for the techies. The situation now is that the techies have to travel all the way to Thampanoor to commute to distant places. Due to the absence of a bus station, most of them take online taxi services or autos to reach Thampanoor, paying an exorbitant fare.The proposed station is on a plot of 2.5 acres between Kazhakoottam Junction and Technopark. The land was transferred by Technopark authorities to TRIDA.
Bus station inevitable
According to Rajeev Krishnan, secretary, Prathidhwani, an NGO for the welfare of IT employees, the authorities need to take up the project immediately as it would help thousands of employees.
“We had approached the government for setting up a station so that it helps employees commuting to the northern and southern part of the state. A bus station at Kazhakoottam will also be a boost to the IT corridor for its future developments”, said Rajeev.Rejith Chandran, an employee of a multi-national company, said this is a major problem for techies from other states. “Other-state employees would always want to visit Kerala, but the lack of proper transportation facilities are a hindrance. Now, they depend on taxis and autos to travel to Thampanoor, he said.
The project still on, says TRIDA
TRIDA chairman C Jayan Babu told Express that the project was alive with talks held with Tourism Minister and local MLA, Kadakampally Surendran on Wednesday.“ The minister has promised TRIDA that the project would be taken up, during a meeting at the Assembly hall. He assured me all assistance. A new design will be drawn as a stream passes through the middle of the land”, Jayan Babu said.
According to TRIDA, laying the foundation stone for the project was nothing but an election stunt by the UDF Government. “We were interested in taking up the project initially. As a first step, we have carried out a land survey, which revealed that it was 40 cents short. Later, the governing body of Technopark told TRIDA that the land would be handed over once a government order is issued in this regard. They also demanded Rs 2.5 crore for handing over the land to TRIDA. So I approached Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to intervene. Finally, he has a given the nod to hand over the project free-of-cost. Now, all the hurdles have been cleared and the preliminary proceedings will begin soon”, Jayan Babu said. He also added that the design of the project would be changed as the land is forty cents short.
Bus Terminal
The bus station was proposed at a cost of Rs 12 crore. It can accommodate 15 buses at a time
It was also envisaged to construct a ladies hostel and a parking plaza as part of the multipurpose facility that will come up by the side of the National Highway-66 bypass. There is also a demand for constructing a comfort station along with the bus station
The commercial complex will have shops and restaurants meeting the demand of techies.
The construction of the project was entrusted earlier to the contractor HPL constructions
Taking into consideration the travel woes of the techies, the Southern Railways General manager to allow more stops at Kazhakoottam railway station