KMRL infrastructure works soon

Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) will soon take up  junction improvement works at Aluva, Edapally and Vytilla, three busiest centres. The conceptual plan for the work is being readied with technical assistance of CODATU, a French non-profit organization specialised in urban transportation, and SYTRAL, unified transport authority for the city of Lyon, France.

“The Aluva metro corridor will become the most congested once the metro starts operation. We’ve readied a Rs 10 crore project for Aluva and Edapally and is awaiting approval of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for floating tenders,” said Elias George, KMRL Managing Director.

The plan envisages to have a 'Multi Model Integration Hub' near the proposed Aluva metro station besides constructing pedestrian paths, cycle tracks and parking facilities. Infrastructural facilities will be developed such that commuters can use another transportation mode such as buses without much difficulty at all these three centres.

Another Rs 160 crore project is being readied to develop allied infrastructure near metro stations in the Aluva-Pettah corridor such as connectivity for other inter-transport modes and parking facilities among others.

The French also provided assistance to work out Detailed Project Report for Vytilla Phase two, currently entrusted with the KMRL. “They also assisted us in working out the Unified Metropolitan Transport Auhtority. The UMPTA bill is currently awaiting the nod of the legislative assembly,” the official said.

On the Water Metro Project, George said a general consultant will be appointed shortly from among the three firms shortlisted. “The first batch of the 78 modern ferries is expected by 2018 end, following which the induction will be faster.”

On the proposed extension of metro to West Kochi, the official said a study has found the project not viable.  The KMRL is now considering other mass-rapid transport options like tramways and bus-rapid transport (BRT) which are much cheaper.