Hub to Acquire Greater Mobility

KOCHI: In a step towards bringing together multiple modes of transport at    the Vyttila Mobility Hub, a joint inspection was conducted by various  agencies concerned on the possible development initiatives, including the  construction of Metro Rail station at the hub and the feasibility of water transport.The team which included representatives from Kochi Metro Rail Limited, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC),  KITCO and Centre for Public Policy Research inspected the sites proposed for    the construction of boat jetties at the hub. The Vyttila Mobility Hub Society has proposed setting up of three boat    jetties at the water front facing the Kaniyampuzha river. The construction of the boat jetties, estimated at a cost of `1.5 crore each, will be    undertaken either by the KSINC or by the Mobility Hub Society as per the specification of the former. As of now, the construction of the boat jetties is included in the second    phase development of the hub. The Mobility Hub Society has offered to   construct one boat jetty on a pilot basis. The jetty can connect the hub with Fort Kochi. The inspection team took a boat ride from Chembakara to the hub. Stop for Metro Rail A technical feasibility survey will be conducted on Friday and Saturday in connection with the proposal to include a stop for the Metro Rail at the hub. As per the proposal put forward by the Mobility Hub Society, the Metro Rail exiting from the hub, after passing over the Kaniyampuzha river, will join at the Vytilla-Pettah Road. But a final decision on the entry and exit points will be taken only after a feasibility survey conducted by the KMRL and DMRC. The construction of a station at the hub will involve realignment of the  proposed design of the Metro Rail. “Having a station at the hub will reduce the cost of the project since it  will cut down on the land acquisition. Moreover, the present congestion at  the Vyttila Junction will be enhanced if the station was to come up at the junction. This can be prevented by having a station at the hub. The  Society can allot the space or the structure as per the requirements of the KMRL,” said Vyttila Mobility Hub managing director M Beena.