Kochi: The long-standing promise to modernise the Ernakulam KSRTC bus stand, modelled after the Vyttila Mobility Hub, has turned out to be yet another unfulfilled declaration. What was once projected as a flagship urban mobility project now lies in limbo, with no funds, no progress and no clear answers.

The project, initially promised funding of ₹12 crore from the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML), has been shelved. CSML, which was tasked with implementing Smart City initiatives in Kochi, has now completed its term and with it, the proposed funding for the KSRTC project has vanished.

According to sources, a dispute between the Transport Department and the Local Self-Government Department derailed the project before it could take off. The plan involved handing over KSRTC-owned land in Karikkamuri to the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society for the construction of a new integrated bus terminal. The facility was envisioned to serve both KSRTC and private buses and include modern amenities such as bus shelters and toilets.

In January last year, it was announced that the State Construction Corporation would be entrusted with the execution of the project. Yet, no action followed the announcement. CSML, which had earlier committed funding, later adopted a policy of allocating funds only with Central Government approval. By January this year, CSML’s tenure ended, rendering the project practically defunct.

Discussions on the Karikkamuri bus stand project date back to 2022. In April 2023, CSML’s board even approved the Rs.12 crore allocation. But the project immediately ran into trouble over land exchange disagreements between KSRTC and the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society.

Industries Minister P Rajeeve had led a meeting last year, promising that construction would begin shortly. However, no progress has been made since. CSML Managing Director Shaji V Nair was unavailable for comment on the reasons behind the project's collapse.