KOCHI: In order to uplift the existing Urban Transport sector of Kochi and to develop it into the set standards of an advanced metro, the Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA) has suggested an ambitious plan at an estimate of Rs 644 crore for the overall development of the public transport system of the city. The pre-feasibility study report in this regard prepared by international agency, Global Works, was presented at the Kochi Corporation Council Hall on Thursday. Detailing the report, CDIA Senior Programme Specialist in India Balakrishnan Elangovan said the pre-feasibilty study lays stress on the development of four sectors — ferry services, enhanced bus services, pedestrian precincts and rail-road and pedestrian over bridges.Ferry service For the betterment of ferry services, the pre-feasiblity report suggests increase in frequency of existing services and number of vessels through five ferry service routes. The routes are Vypeen-Fort Kochi, Mattanchery-Ernakulam High Court, Edakochi- Thevara, Panchayat Terminal-High Court and Kumabalam-Chittoor. The study also recommends the introduction of advanced new generation vessels and the upgradation of 15 existing boat jetties. Better intermodal facilities— easy access to bus and other transport system for commuters to continue their journey have been recommended in Fort Kochi, Mattanchery and Vypeen areas. Bus servicesThe second project package at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore mainly aims at enhancing bus services. The report suggests the improvement of 35 km of the new priority bus lanes, seven new park and ride facilities and upgradation of existing 26 bus shelters. It also suggests new foot overbridges in Kacherippady and Kaloor.Proper bus-lane marking, road signage and zebra crossing have also been suggested.Pedestrian precinctsThe report suggests five pedestrian precincts where vehicular traffic will be totally banned, 16 off-street parking facilities, modifying eight existing streets as one-way and proper road signs and marking. The estimated cost is Rs 142 crore. Pedestrian overbridges.The CDIA report also proposes the construction of 14 pedestrian overbridges at various locations. According to the report, the civic body can look into the possibilities of strengthening the existing agencies of forming a Special Purpose vehicle (SPV) with key stake holders in the short term for the implementation of the projects. In the long term, the Corporation can think of establishing an autonomous transport authority for managing the transport sector. A Public-Private- Participation (PPP) model is also feasible.
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