Kochi: The second phase of the developmental activities at the Vyttila mobility hub would be completed within 2 years. The project, which had been stalled for years, would find a new lease of life following the approval of the council of ministers. Since it has been mentioned in the clause, in the contract, that the construction works should be completed with 24 months, it is likely to be strictly ensured.
The expenses of the second stage of development are estimated to be Rs 571 crore. Earlier, it was estimated at Rs 590 crore, after considering the extra expenses that may incur during the period of construction. The project report was prepared by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited for the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society. The next stage of the project involves the preparation of the design and other expenditure of the developmental activities.
Development in 27% area
The construction would take place only in 27% area of the 26.8 acres land of the mobility hub. 32% area would be reserved for the construction of the road and the parking area. Trees and flowering plants would be planted in the rest of the land, with the aim to turn the mobility hub into a green corridor in the heart of Kochi city.
The water metro terminal which is planned be built in the hub would be 3075 square meters. Meanwhile, the metro station would be 2390 square meters and the entire road would be 34,270 square meters. 44,628 square meters of land would be left vacant. There would be 16 bus bays in the city bus terminal. The multi-storied parking terminal would have 5 floors where 1200 cars and 2500 two wheelers could be parked.
Two stages
The second stage of the project would be completed in two stages. The first stage would be completed in 18 months and the rest of the construction works would be finished in just 6 months. The construction of the regional bus terminal, city bus terminal and the multi storey parking area would be completed in the first stage. The regional bus terminal would be 13558 square meters, built in two stories. Around 76 buses could be easily parked at the 75 bus bays here.
42 kiosks
The new terminal would have 42 kiosks, a super market that is 2474 square meters in area and an auditorium which has a seating capacity of 450. Besides, a hotel with 21 rooms, dormitory and AC lounge, a medical aid post with 5 beds, a rainwater harvesting tank that has a capacity of 2.3 million litres, waste treatment plant, sewage treatment facilities and a solar plant that can produce 1000 kilowatts electricity too would be part of the terminal. Mobility hub MD R Girija said that the project envisages forming a unified transport facility of international standards in Kochi.
