Integrated Transport System mooted

KOCHI: In order to ease the traffic in the city, Campaign for Economic and Most Appropriate Transport System (CEMATS), Kochi, has come up with a proposal for integrated transport system. The proposal comprises projects such as introduction of suburban train, extending bus services to new routes, using the underutilised roads properly, constructing flyovers in certain areas, renovation of junctions and starting more circular services.CEMATS has submitted the proposal to Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany. High-speed suburban trains should be introduced in the Thrissur-Ernakulam-Kottayam, Thrissur-Ernakulam- Alappuzha and Alappuzha-Ernakulam-Kottayam sectors. “If automatic block signalling system is used, we can run more services using the existing railway tracks. The construction of Sabari rail should be expedited and the project should be extended to Thiruvanthapuram,” said V M Michael, convener, CEMATS.The old railway station near the High Court should be put to use. The station can be used as a terminal for suburban train. “Ernakulam Junction-Kochi Harbour railway line should be electrified. The services now halting at Ernakulam Junction station should be extended to Fort Kochi,” he said.Bus services should be started in new routes like the Thoppumpady-Kundannor-Vyttila, Thoppumpady-Tripunithura-Mulanthuruthy and  Ernakulam-Vallarpadom-Kalamassery routes.More services should be started to connect the Tripunithura-Kakkanad-Medical College-Eloor stretch.A terminal should be opened in Kaloor for starting more city bus services so that long distance buses can end their services without entering the city centre. The water transport system should be vitalised.