Surprised to see that no thread for this project exists!

First phase of Vytilla mobility hub commissioned
http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/27/images/2011022763790501.jpg
GREEN SIGNAL: Transport Minister Jose Thettayil flagging off the
Kerala State Transport Corporation's double-decker bus from the
Vytilla bus terminal on Saturday.

The first phase of the Rs. 376-crore Vytilla bus terminal-cum-mobility hub was commissioned on Saturday.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation's (KSRTC) newly-inducted double-decker was the first bus to be flagged off from the terminal. Transport Minister Jose Thettayil flagged off the bus.

Thirty-five buses can be parked at the seven bays of the first phase terminal, constructed at a cost of Rs.15-crore .

Once it becomes a full-fledged terminal-cum-hub for inter-modal (road, metro-rail, railways and waterways) transport by March, 2013, up to 2,000 buses are expected to use the terminal each hour. There will also be space to park private vehicles, taxis, and autorickshaws. Eateries, public comfort stations and so on will also be set up.

Suburban-rail corridor

“The recently commissioned Vallarpadam International Transshipment Terminal and the information technology (IT) projects in the pipeline will see a phenomenal increase in the number of vehicles in the city. Apart from the bus terminal-cum-mobility hub, the city urgently needs the metro-rail system for which the Centre is withholding permission. Similarly, Kochi did not get a suburban-rail corridor though Friday's railway budget sanctioned the same for many other cities.”

Halt station for trains

Fisheries Minister S. Sarma elaborated on the proposal sent by the State government to the Centre seeking a halt station for trains at Vytilla. “This will bring the rail network too within reach of the mobility hub. A project has been submitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission to complete the pending phases of the hub. Tenders are being finalised for phase two. Many public sector and scheduled banks have come forward to fund the second phase. The Rs.15 crore for the first phase was raised from the Greater Cochin Development Authority and a few other agencies.”

The project is modelled as an eco-friendly one and will also have a green belt within.

Managing Director of Vytilla Mobility Hub Society and former District Collector M. Beena and General Manager of KITCO, consultants for the project, Cyriac Davis, spoke.

Only a few city buses of KSRTC will ply from the terminal till March, when some pending work is expected to be finished. The buses will enter the terminal through the Kaniampuzha Road and will exit through the Vytilla-Tripunithura Road, few hundred metres from Vytilla Junction.
The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/27/stories/2011022763790500.htm)

x-post from KN

Link to Official Site (http://www.vyttilamobilityhub.com/)

A fast growing city like Cochin requires a comprehensive plan to meet the demands and requirements in Traffic and Transport. Proposed Mobility Hub takes a broad systemic approach to the challenges of how to get around in Cochin City, and is especially sensitive not only to pure transport efficiency but equally to matters of sustainable development, pollution and environmental impacts. It offers social, economic and cultural benefits to the State. It is a place of connectivity, where different modes of transit, from walking to metro, come together seamlessly; a place in the urban region where there is an attractive, intensive concentration of employment, living, shopping and enjoyment around a transit interchange; easily accessible for those who begin or end their trip on foot or riding bicycles; a place where the transit rider is treated like a coveted consumer, with choices about how he or she moves around the region; a safe, convenient, attractive place where the city interacts with its transit system.

Invitation Card for the Inauguration (Vyttila Mobility Hub First Stage Inauguration On 26 February 2011)

http://www.vyttilamobilityhub.com/wp-content/uploads/Vyttila-invites-you.gif
http://www.vyttilamobilityhub.com/wp-content/uploads/vyttila-browsher.gif

X-Posting to the appropriate thread
The much-awaited Vytilla Mobility Hub, the ambitious integrated transit terminal in Kochi, will be thrown open to the public by the end of April.

Though the project was delayed because of petty issues between KITCO, the project designer and the construction company, it has finally taken off. The hub is believed to be the largest bus terminus in the state of Kerala and the third largest in South India.

“The project will be completed by the end of April, 2011. The delay in the project occurred because of the complication in design. So, it took more time than we planned,” said M. Beena, managing director, Vytilla Mobility Hub Society.

The mobility hub that is well-connected with all the city routes is designed as a converging point for all means of public transport such as long distance buses, the metro rail and water transport.

The construction of the first phase with the terminal for long distance buses and basic amenities started in December 2010.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/hub-clear-kochi-chaos-356

Government sanction for Rs.270Cr Bank loan to VMH Society
* Loan for the 2nd phase development
* 2nd phase to cost Rs. 370Cr
* State govt. to provide Rs.100Cr
Manorama (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&contentId=9312915&district=Cochin&programId=1079897624&BV_ID=@@@)

New boat terminal at Vytilla Mobility Hub
To converge all forms of public transport at Vytilla Mobility Hub, authorities are planning to set up a boat terminal at the state-of-the-art integrated transit terminal in Kochi.

The terminal may come up on the banks of Kaniyampuzha on the eastern side of the Vytilla hub.

According to the detailed project report, the mobility hub will have three jetties on its eastern side. “The planned terminal is not an expensive affair. Hub work is also progressing at a good pace,’’ said M. Beena, managing director, Vytilla Mobility Hub Society.

She said KSRTC would soon start operations from the hub.

“When fully implemented, the hub will have all facilities to integrate all modes of public transportation, including Metro Rail,’’ she said.
DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/new-boat-terminal-vytilla-mobility-hub-917)

Check the latest updates here (http://www.vyttilamobilityhub.com/view-galeery/24/). Its coming up nicely :cheers:

1st phase to be completed on May 31st
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* The 1st phase of the Vytilla Mobility Hub will be completed on May 31st.
* The city bus services from the new terminal will commence on June 1st.
* Initially only KSRTC buses will be operated from the terminal.
* 13 bus bays are being constructed in the 1st phase.
* Each bay is of 20m length and 13m width and can park 5 buses each.
* Construction of 7000 sq.ft restaurant and pay & use toilet complex is on the final stages.
* Tender works for 2nd phase is progressing and 7 companies have been short listed.
* Rs. 372Cr 2nd phase will see construction of 8 floor 5 lakh sq. ft commercial building including 2 floor underground parking, 3 boat jetty etc.
Manorama (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&contentId=9395055&district=Cochin&programId=1079897624&BV_ID=@@@)

Buses to begin service from mobility hub on Wednesday
http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/30/images/2011053060740301.jpg
Work progressing on the bus bays at Vytilla mobility hub.

KOCHI: Select buses operating from Vytilla to Muvattupuzha, Piravom and Vaikom, and the Vytilla-Vytilla low-floor circular services operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation are scheduled to operate service from the Vytilla bus terminal-cum-mobility hub, from Wednesday.

With this, the Rs.15-crore first phase of the inter-modal transportation hub will be over. These buses would ply a total of 114 trips daily and would be joined by more buses in the coming days, said a senior official of KITCO, the project's consultants.

13 bus bays

For this, the agency has readied 13 bus bays in the first phase, each of which can accommodate five buses. The entry to the hub from the Vytilla-Kaniampuzha Road and exit to the Vytilla-Tripunithura Road are getting ready.

Though parking lots for two-wheelers, cars and autorickshaws have not been readied, a portion of the 25-acre compound has been levelled so that long-distance buses which operate from Vytilla can be parked here.

Since the Public Works Department has not raised the road shoulders to the level of the Kaniampuzha Road, KITCO might take the initiative in building a six-metre-wide footpath from Vytilla up to the bus terminal.

“Of the three boat jetties planned, a boat jetty-cum-passenger terminal would soon be readied so that passenger ferries can begin operating from here up to Kakkanad, Tripunithura, Nedumbassery and so on. Though we requested the Railways to build a halt station at Vytilla for trains, there has been little progress,” KITCO sources said.

The work on a toilet complex and cafeteria too is fast progressing.

Phase II after monsoon

Work on phase two will begin after the monsoon season. “We could complete the project's phase one in 170 days, thanks to the cooperation extended by government agencies and organisations like the residents associations,” said Shaju Mathew, general manager of the Nagarjuna Construction Company, the builders.

Despite the expected increase in the number of buses and other vehicles that would call at the bus terminal, the National Highway Authority of India has not been able to begin work on the flyovers proposed years ago at the already-congested Vytilla, Edappally, Palarivattom and Kundannoor junctions. Vytilla will also require a foot overbridge or skywalk for people to cross the ever-busy junction.
The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/30/stories/2011053060740300.htm)

Mobility hub opens on June 1 (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mobility-hub-opens-on-june-1/155548-60-122.html)

KOCHI: Despite the shortcomings, the first phase of the Vyttila Mobility hub will become operational from Wednesday. The KSRTC buses which commence and end their services in Vyttila will be operated from the mobility hub first.

Initially, around 60 schedules will be operated from the hub. “We plan to run 60 schedules from the Vyttila mobility hub from Wednesday,” said P L Jose, Zonal Officer, KSRTC.

As the the facilities are not enough, operating more buses from the bay will be difficult for the time being. “There are plans to shift the operation of all our services to the mobility hub. But it will take a little more time as we have to make alternative arrangements for the passengers to travel to various parts of the city,” Jose said. There are plans to re-divert the buses running between Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram via Vyttila bypass. �

The construction of 13 bus bays have been completed. The first phase of the project was completed using Rs 15-crore, said a senior official of KITCO, the project’s consultants. Each of the bus bays can accommodate five buses. The entry to the hub from the Vytilla-Kaniampuzha Road and exit on the Vytilla-Tripunithura Road are almost through.

Once the operations of the mobility hub are in full swing, the regulation of traffic in Vyttila is a major requirement. The authorities haven’t made any arrangements in this regard so far. Though they held some discussions over decongesting the junction, nothing concrete has been done.

There are plans to start ferry services from the mobility hub. But, the authorities are yet to start the procedures for starting boat services. They plan to start boat services to Kakkanad, Tripunithura and Nedumbassery.� Though there were plans to arrange a halt for trains at the hub, the response from the Railway was far from rosy.

According to the authorities, the work of the second phase will begin after the monsoon season.

Mobility hub opens on June 1 (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mobility-hub-opens-on-june-1/155548-60-122.html)

KOCHI: .

What are they going to do with Vyutila junction , nowadays its become normal to have block till powerhouse bustop from Vytila Jn .. Once Hub opens , it will be total chaos at Vytila , the busiest junction in kerala will become the headache for passengers .... what abt edapally once Lulu opens !!!!

I really dont understand what the govt is doing by not constructing flyovers at vytila , kundanoor , palarivattom and edapappy......Just ridiculous ...

its totally bizaare ..... give Kochi the share it deserve ....

Hope they do something...

Nothing will happen until the problem becomes unbearable. THEN construction will start, making it worse. The screenplay is as predictable as a hindi movie.

Vyttila, one of the busiest junctions in Kochi, will soon get a facelift, with the Road Transport Authority (RTA) planning to do away with three bus stops from the junction and divert all the buses to Vyttila Mobility Hub. The proposal in this regard has been submitted to RTA authorities by Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Baby Vinod. The proposal will be discussed at the RTA meeting scheduled for July 2.
RTO P J Thomas said the proposal is to do away with three bus stops, one towards Muvattupuzha, second to Alappuzha side and third on the Kaniampuzha side. The Vyttila-Vyttila circular buses which cross Vyttila by negotiating below Vyttila overbridge will stop only at the mobility hub.
The heavy traffic problems in Vyttila can be solved to a certain extent by diverting all the buses to the mobility hub. The decision is expected to be implemented by July 15.
Taking into account the possibility of traffic problems arising from the demolition of North Overbridge for the metro rail-associated project vehicles from Muvattupuzha side will terminate their services at the mobility hub. This will help reduce the vehicular traffic inside the city as there are sufficient number of Vyttila-city private bus services.
Ever since the much-awaited Vyttila Mobility Hub was inaugurated, it has not been fully operational as the public is yet to utilise the facility. Private buses are not entering the hub as passengers prefer to board buses from Vyttila Junction which often makes the junction congested with vehicles.
KSRTC buses from Muvattupuzha are operating from the hub from where nearly 90 services are being operated daily. There is a proposal for setting up a petrol bunk at the hub.
According to Thomas, some of the long route KSRTC buses too will be diverted through the bypass so that buses can enter the hub without entering the busy Kochi city which is time-consuming.
When the mobility hub is more active, there is a possibility of more commercial establishments coming up around it which will generate more employment.
In the first phase, the construction of 13 bus bays has been completed at the hub with an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore. The facilities will be fully utilised with the diversion of all buses to the hub.
When the Rs 300-crore project becomes fully operational, all the private and KSRTC buses to various parts of Ernakulam and neighbouring districts will operate from there.
The hub will also have 71 bus bays and space for parking 150 buses, 900 cars and 120 auto rickshaws.

Source : Express Buzz

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Pics of Vyttila Mobility Hub, taken last week:

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https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tnbBHsD5xng/TgH8xrtOIOI/AAAAAAAAt40/-Vd7VO0jFVg/s640/IMG_2070.jpg

Works are still in progress. The entrance is barricaded, with hardly enough space for one bus to go in. The exit to Tripunithura road is not yet open, I believe.

Banks to fund Vyttila Mobility Hub
KOCHI: Giving an impetus to the second phase of Vyttila Mobility Hub, the state government has given its approval to constitute a consortium of banks for mobilisation of funds for the project.
The government is expected to issue the order within a couple of days.
The Vyttila Mobility Hub Society will take measures to float the consortium as soon as the state government issues the order in this regard.
“We organised a presentation on the second phase of the project before the state cabinet a few days ago. After viewing the presentation, the government agreed to the proposal for constituting the consortium,” said M Beena, Managing Director, Vyttila Mobility Hub Society.
Though the LDF government, in the last cabinet meeting, had given in-principle approval for the proposal, the government order was not issued.
Earlier, discussions were held with officials of 14 banks for constituting the consortium.
According to the plan, Union Bank, the lead bank in the district, will lead the consortium. The plan is to raise Rs 114.12 crore as bridge loan and Rs 150.56 crore as term loan from the banks at 9 percent interest and with a moratorium of two years.
The total cost for the project is Rs 376 crore. The authorities will make parallel moves for securing funds from Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
If the efforts to include the project in JNNURM succeeds, 50 percent of the fund can be generated through the scheme.
Though the first of the project was inaugurated, the functioning of the terminal is yet to go full swing.
The authorities said shifting of four bus stops in Vyttila is a must for the full-fledged functioning of the hub.
“We have requested the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to shift these bus stops into mobility hub. The issue will be taken up during the RTA meeting scheduled on July 2,” Beena said.

Indian Express (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/banks-to-fund-vyttila-mobility-hub/289322.html)

More buses set to call at Vytilla mobility hub
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The Vytilla mobility hub is set to come alive once again, with buses plying in more routes scheduled to touch the bus terminal here from July 20.

Currently, the hub wears an almost deserted look since only a few KSRTC buses plying from the city to Muvattupuzha call at the terminal. “Initially, we plan to shift three bus stops from Vytilla Junction to the terminal, in order to decongest the junction. The forthcoming Bus Day on July 20 will be observed with the hub as the base,” said the Ernakulam RTO T.J. Thomas.

On the day, buses plying from the city to Tripunithura and back too would call at the bus terminal. Modifications in the traffic flow would be chalked out based on the trial run conducted on Bus Day. If all goes off well, buses to and from Alappuzha too would ply through the terminal. With only phase one of the hub over and the main bus terminal and parking amenities for private vehicles planned only in phase two, the day is still far off when KSRTC and private buses would operate from the hub.

The Rs 15-crore phase one has 65 bus-parking bays, passenger waiting sheds and toilets. Interlocked tiles too were laid between the entry from Kaniampuzha Road and the exit on the Vytilla-Tripunithura Road. The hub for inter-modal (road, waterway, metro and railway) hub is expected to cost Rs 376 crore when the project's final phase is over.

The primary bottleneck for buses to begin service from here is the lack of flyover(s) at the already-congested Vytilla Junction. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is yet to prepare a detailed project report on the flyovers proposed many years ago at Vytilla, Edapally, Palarivattom and Kundanoor. The consultants for the mobility hub project, KITCO had proposed building two flyovers at Vytilla over a year ago, but the NHAI opposed it.

A KITCO official said that the police would have to remove encroachers, illegal autorickshaw stands and vendors from Vytilla, to prevent obstruction to traffic flow when more buses call at the Vytilla terminal. The NHAI would have to build a new underpass beneath the Vytilla railway overbridge, so that vehicles can move in either direction.

Civic agencies would have to widen the narrow entrance of the road that begins from the temple on the Vytilla-Palarivattom Road to the existing underpass.

Though funds had been earmarked in the State budget for a ring road around Vytilla, work has not begun.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2202828.ece)

More buses set to call at Vytilla mobility hub
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00684/ki06hub_cl_eps_684633f.jpg

Actually from July 20 Kottayam bound buses start and end its services at hub or its a passing through stop from current Kaloor bus stand?

Actually from July 20 Kottayam bound buses start and end its services at hub or its a passing through stop from current Kaloor bus stand?

The hub is designed so as to reduce the traffic in the city! So all the long route land-crafts would be landing and taking off from here, AFAIK!

There is a lot of inertia, so these things take time. It is being done step-by-step.

First step is to get all the buses into the hub. Then, to route the pass-through buses avoid CBD. It would be the last step to have the buses operate from the terminal

Actually from July 20 Kottayam bound buses start and end its services at hub or its a passing through stop from current Kaloor bus stand?

Once again the Vytilla Bus Terminal project misses its delay.

The original plan was to complete Phase One by July 20th. However the heavy rains crippled some of the final works of project, especially the approach roads. In addition the construction of comfort station, shopping blocks have also been hit due to rains. 3 stops for buses from Muvattupuzha, Alleppey and Kaniyampuzha are required outside the hub, which also not yet started.

In wake of missing deadlines, PWD minister IbrahimKunjnu and K.V Thomas called for a high level meeting tomorrow to chart out alternate plans

As the city is getting choked with traffic by the day, plans are afoot to halt buses plying on a few long distance routes at the Vyttila Mobility Hub.


The Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) is in the process of finalising the modalities of bringing in private buses too into the hub within a fortnight. The proposal got the much-needed thrust at the coordination meeting of the Regional Transport Officer, District Transport Officer, Kochi City Police and the consultants for the mobility hub project, KITCO, held on Tuesday.

The mobility hub — which presently accommodates only KSRTC buses coming via the Muvattupuzha-Tripunithura route — will soon see private buses coming via the Kottayam- Vaikom-Tripunithura route stopping by, initially on an experimental basis.

VMHS managing director M Beena told ‘City Express’, “The plans to bay private buses coming via the Kottayam route will be implemented on an experimental basis. If successful, we plan to go ahead with the decision to bay private buses coming from other routes too.”

But wouldn’t such a decision create more congestion at the already choked Vytilla Junction?

Beena said it was a step towards realising the aim of decongesting the city of long distance buses. “We are implementing the decisions step by step. Even though we may confront teething troubles as the move would increase the flow of traffic, it would be helpful in the long run,” she said.

The Kaniyanpuzha Road leading to the entrance of the mobility hub is currently being used by the KSRTC buses.

“The private buses will also be using this route,” said Beena. Once the roads are widened, the traffic will ease, she said. But the widening work of the roads in the region seems to be at a standstill. PWD executive engineer T I Jose said, “The widening work of the Vytilla-Petta road which has been sanctioned is presently at a standstill. If we have to widen the road, the electrical sub-station on the other side of the road will have to be relocated. But the sub-station authorities are against it as it would require `100 crore to shift their base. The local shop owners are also against it. Bringing more buses into the picture would only create more traffic problems.”

Get ready for traffic jams at hub
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/vytillahub.jpg.crop_display.jpg
The Vytilla mobility hub

Commuters should be prepared for a harrowing time at the busy Vytilla Junction from August 17, when private buses passing through the vital area along the NH bypass, will have to stop at the mobility hub.

At a meeting attended by senior officials on Thursday, it was decided that around 700 bus services will operate out of the largest bus terminal in the State.

However, locals and officials are concerned whether the move will defeat the very purpose of the hub, the first phase of which became operational recently, and further compound traffic woes at the busy junction.

Often during peak hours, a serpentine queue of vehicles from the Tripunithura side extends up to the main entrance of the mobility hub.

So without a flyover and the completion of a proposed bridge across ‘Kaniyampuzha’ towards Champakara, the whole area will be congested, say local residents.

The Vytilla mobility hub managing director, Dr M. Beena, agreed that the concern was genuine. “That may be a problem at the Tripunithura entrance. An overbridge is necessary to serve the purpose of the hub. Anyway we have done this on an experimental basis,” she said.

From August 17, 600 private bus services going towards Tripunithura will enter the hub. Besides KSRTC buses, those operating the city circular services and those proceeding to Muvathupuzha and Tripunithura will also have a stop at the hub.

Anticipating the traffic woes, hub authorities have already requested the city police commissioner to deploy traffic personnel at the entrance.

“The whole problem can be solved if a flyover comes up at the Vytilla Junction, then the Mobility Hub too will run smoothly.,” Dr Beena added.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/get-ready-traffic-jams-hub-193)

http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/313/09082011613copy.jpg
cc: Manorama

A day after circular buses began to ply via the Vyttila mobility hub, the authorities concerned are of the opinion that traffic congestion in the city will ease.

The results are already visible in Vyttila Junction, where the traffic blocks have reduced, since buses are stopping at the hub and not the junction.
But the trouble with the new system is that passengers from Vyttila have to walk all the way to the hub from the junction in order to catch a bus, since the bus shelters near the mobility hub have been removed.

Bus drivers of city buses complain that going to the hub affects their time schedule, since it takes at least 10 minutes to go around the Thammanam road underpass. “The extra time taken to reach the hub, especially when there is a traffic block, affects our timing at all the other bus stops. There is also a slight decrease in the number of passengers,” said Babu, a bus conductor.

Some passengers who were not aware of the change were distressed.
“This set-up has caused the buses to go on a round-about route that is creating problems for both passengers and bus operators. Since I was not aware of the change in the bus routes, I lost more than an hour waiting for a bus,” complained Shimi, a passenger.

Moreover, the facilities promised at the hub will take a few more months to start functioning.

As of now, the hub provides passengers with shelter from rain and the sun; but lacks proper toilet facilities and an information centre.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mixed-reaction-to-mobility-hub/176879-60-122.html

The delay argument is bogus. They used to spend more time stuck in traffic before the jn

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Green Belt Kochi, Rotary Club and VMH Society decided to create a green belt in Vytilla Mobility Hub. A selection of flowering and herbal trees will be planted in the terminal as for environmental commitment.

Today is going to be D-DAY for Vytilla Mobility Hub

The funding source of 2nd phase will be known today, after the principal funder- Union Bank of India, called for a board meeting to discuss about potentiality of future of the terminal, for funding.

The second phase aims to construct a 5 lakh sqft Travel n Transit terminal along with a shopping Mall as well as additional bus bays, parking terminal and refuelling facilities.

The total cost of 2nd phase is expected to be at Rs 370 crore, out of which, Rs 100 crore is expected to be Government's investment. The remaining Rs 270 crore has to be funded by consortium of banks, with UBI taking the lead.

The first phase saw more than 300 buses plying on daily basis. The VMH is planned to be main focal hub after demolition of North Overbridge, for rerouting all city services.

The first phase was completed with investment of 40 crore, contributed by GCDA and GIDA. Already 7 companies are pre-qualified for the second phase works.

Once Union bank makes its green signal, within 3 months, tender process can be completed and the works can be commenced before Dec.

The Vytilla Mobility is planned in 3 phases. The third phase marks the completion of the plan, which aims to make the project commercially viable, by construction 2 commercial/office towers of around 5 lakh sqft and making the terminal multi-modal terminal, with ferry station, metro connectivity, rail connectivity, increased bus bay services, inter-state/inter-city services terminal, taxi station and public parking bay.

http://static.manoramaonline.com/portal/ep/manoramahome/images/mmonline_logo.jpg (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&programId=1079897613&contentId=9942116&district=Cochin&BV_ID=@@@&townName=&villageName=)

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Its understood that Union Bank of India decided to fund the Rs 270 Crore worth of Phase-2 of Vytilla Mobility Hub. The official intimation will reach today and will be made public by tomorrow.:banana::banana:

The directorial board which meet last day in Mumbai, has learnt to give positive signal. The funding would be done by a consortium of banks lead by UBI, on mortgage of 25 acres of land in which VMH will function.

The 370 crore phase-2 (100 crore will be funded by Government), aims to create additional 5 lakh sqft which includes a Travel N Transit Bus station, 2 underground parking station for bus, 1 floor for private parking, a shopping mall cum commercial space, all expected to earn more revenues for VMH to repay the loans.

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7303/vmhi.png

2 more bus bays will be commissioned soon. The works of comfort station has been completed and opened soon. Special staff will be appointed to keep the premises neat and clean

Vytilla mobility hub to get 100cr
If the Union Bank of India provides a loan of Rs 100 crore, then Vytilla mobility hub will soon start the second phase of construction. The bank's decision is also expected to have an impact on other banks, which have come forward to provide financial assistance to the hub.

"We will get the information from the Union Bank on Monday. Depending on the terms and conditions put forward by them, other banks which are part of the consortium of banks formed to raise funds for the hub too will take up the matter with their respective boards," said Vytilla mobility hub managing director Dr M Beena.

She said that Union Bank would lead the consortium of banks. The bank would also decide on interest rates of the loan for Rs 100 crore. After understanding the bank's decision, the executive committee of governing body of the hub would be convened to give approval for the same, before submitting the proposal to the state government.

"We plan to use the money earned by leasing out the commercial spaces, to pay back the loan amount,'' said Beena, who added that it would at least take a month to get clearance from the government.

It is reported that the consortium of banks plans to raise Rs 270 crore. The amount will be utilized for the second phase of construction, which involves construction of five lakh square feet of commercial space and main bus terminal.

Apart from these, widening of entry and exit points will be done. "At present it is a single lane, we are planning for a six-lane entry and exit. Though we don't have plans to raise funds for the construction of boat jetties, we will try to build jetties from the savings,'' said Beena.

She also said that the Vytilla Mobility Society's governing body would soon be reconstituted. "The government has already initiated the process. But the delay in reconstitution will not be a hindrance for making any crucial decisions," she said.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Vytilla-mobility-hub-to-get-100cr/articleshow/9783246.cms)

the mobility hub might surely be going to reduce the traffic woes inside the city...

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2011/09/02/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2011_09_02_F_LO_002/36_68_1948_274.jpg

Buses coming from within 30km of the city will be permitted to go upto Kaloor stand, instead of terminating at the mobility hub.

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/7303/vmhi.png

2 more bus bays will be commissioned soon. The works of comfort station has been completed and opened soon. Special staff will be appointed to keep the premises neat and clean

Any confirmation about Sept 5?

Saw a news that says it will be postponed after Onam.

VMH at nite
Lighting was really Awsome.Sorry for low quality pics..
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RK68MLzlaWI/TmSUDkKR-mI/AAAAAAAAAFE/GrSVJTn-8iE/s640/04092011822.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5EtkrN5DctE/TmSUELoQ7FI/AAAAAAAAAEs/iX4bIiE4jDk/s640/04092011809.jpg

http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8BM7bOnQuJY/TmSUEYdjRMI/AAAAAAAAAEw/Q3_wJ-b3N6Q/s640/04092011815.jpg

http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JR7Az0ecTgE/TmSUE5-3RxI/AAAAAAAAAE0/iEjKe4buDoc/s640/04092011816.jpg

http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zp6fhBRtmc0/TmSUFIx6M6I/AAAAAAAAAE4/EzdHDG0QQfk/s640/04092011819.jpg

http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tm_YoWW7y0Y/TmSUFZWEaqI/AAAAAAAAAE8/dMzCI_SiY4I/s640/04092011820.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RZqhcvXKvGc/TmSUF6E_oNI/AAAAAAAAAFA/zCc14U2KMlM/s640/04092011821.jpg

VMH at nite
Lighting was really Awsome.Sorry for low quality pics..


Awesome!!! thanks Neeraj for the pics

Why does it differ from what is shown in their website? :|

Thanks manu..But the problem with VMH is that, after 8pm, no private bus enters there...it s deserted at that time...another problem is the distance frm the junction...now two unauthorised bus stops are created, one at the entry road of kaniyampuzha and another near the temple..people hesitate to to enter the terminal...there was a sky walk proposed to connect VMH and vytilla junction...bt seeing the design of the skywalk in todays' news paper, i doubt whether it connects VMH...correct me if i am wrong..

Private buses operating from the city to different destinations in the district would be based at the Vytilla bus terminal-cum-mobility hub from September 12.

This was decided at a meeting held here on Tuesday in which the managing director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited Tom Jose, the Ernakulam RTO, T.J. Thomas and senior police officials participated. Circular buses would operate from the hub to the city. A pre-paid autorickshaw counter at the hub would begin next week.

The proposal to reroute through the Edappally-Aroor NH 47 bypass many of the KSRTC superfast buses that now travel through congested roads to the RTC's main bus stand in the city and from there to Aroor through Thopumpady, is hanging fire. The formal rerouting is expected once the RTC arranges to refuel buses at its Aluva depot. The issue has been taken up with the RTC authorities, Mr. Jose said.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2434539.ece

The second phase of development of the Vyttila mobility hub project is set to take off soon, despite the fact that it is still struggling to ensure full functioning of the hub. The government agency KITCO Ltd, has already initiated the preliminary work of the tender preparation for the project’s second phase aimed at decongesting city traffic. “We have given directions to KITCO to start the preliminary proceedings for tender work. We hope to begin the work in three months,” said hub managing director, Dr M Beena.

The tender would be floated when the loan agreements are signed officially. '”The only delay is in the approval from the executive committee of the hub,” she added. The phase II work is estimated to cost Rs 370 crore. The Vyttila Mobility Hub Society has raised nearly Rs 270 crore through a consortium of banks. The Union Bank has chipped in with a loan of Rs 100 crore. Other banks, including Federal Bank and Canara Bank would be providing Rs 100 crore as financial assistance. The work involves construction of the main bus terminal in the hub and commercial spaces. “Many banks are ready to invest but they have sought some more time, which we can't provide. Dena Bank has agreed to provide a Rs 64 crore loan and the rest would be funded by the government,” Dr Beena said.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/vyttila-hub-next-phase-offing-184

The next director board meeting of Vyttila Mobility Hub Society would give the nod for initiating tender procedures for installing a fuel bunk in the hub. With hundreds of buses, especially KSRTC buses, shifting their base to the hub from Monday, a bunk is inevitable for its smooth functioning.

Three oil companies such as Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharath Petroleum Company Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HP) have submitted expression of interest for the project, M Beena, managing director, Vyttila Mobility Hub Society, said. “However, installing a fuel bunk will take quite some time. Until the fuel bunk is constructed, the KSRTC buses can fill fuel from the fuel bunks in neighbouring depots,” Beena said.

The measures taken for opening a police aid post at the hub are almost over. City Police Commissioner has given permission to open the aid post. Prepaid auto-rickshaw counters will be started at the hub.

With the authorities deciding to divert more buses to the mobility hub from Monday as part of the traffic regulations in the wake of reconstruction of North ROB, the hub will soon become more active. As per the plans, all the private limited stop, fast passenger, super fast, super express and super deluxe buses should end their trips at Vyttila Mobility Hub. All the city service buses plying via Vyttila, except buses coming from Tripunithura side, should enter the Mobility Hub.

The KSRTC limited stop, fast passenger, super fast, super express and deluxe buses also should halt at mobility hub between 7 am to 8 pm. These buses should use mobility hub as the bus station instead of the Ernakulam KSRTC stand. Half of the Ernakulam-Guruvayur KSRTC buses should end their trips at the mobility Hub

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/nod-for-fuel-bunk-soon/182634-60-116.html

The [B]
The KSRTC limited stop, fast passenger, super fast, super express and deluxe buses also should halt at mobility hub between 7 am to 8 pm. These buses should use mobility hub as the bus station instead of the Ernakulam KSRTC stand. Half of the Ernakulam-Guruvayur KSRTC buses should end their trips at the mobility Hub
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/nod-for-fuel-bunk-soon/182634-60-116.html

It means after 8pm, all the night services from other places of Kerala will again to Present Stand? Is VMH not a permanent solution?

The long distance buses,including Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), won’t be plying in the city from Monday, but will enter the Vyttila Mobility Hub. The new proposal is expected to help the transport authorities in their plan for the proposed traffic diversion.

As per the proposal by Regional Transport Authority (RTA), the operations of both KSRTC and private buses that cover over 140 km in each trip will operate from the Mobility Hub. With the long distance buses skipping the KSRTC bus station near Ambedkar Stadium and Private bus stand at Kaloor, the traffic congestion in the city is expected to be reduced considerably.
The authorities also stated that more Vyttila-Vyttila circular buses would start plying from the Hub for passengers wanting to reach the city.
The limited stop private buses, KSRTC fast passenger and super-fast buses will operate from the Hub.

The buses going to Tripunithura from the city will also halt at the hub. But buses coming from Tripunithura towards the city will not be entering the Hub. But these buses will have a stop at Vyttilla Junction. Private buses from Vaikkam, Thalayolaparambu, Piravom, Cherthala, Muvattupuzha, Perumbavoor and Kodungalloor won’t be entering the mobility Hub, and will continue to use the private bus stand at Kaloor. Some of the KSRTC buses to Guruvayoor will also run from the Boat Jetty stand.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/streamlining-bus-services/183352-60-116.html

Went to VMH yesterday. Its a visual delight, Kudos to the people behind it! :cheers:

The terminal seemed picking up after long distance buses started plying, the only issue being the people got to walk some distance from the jn. to the hub!

Sorry, could not click snaps!

KOCHI: All is not well at the Vyttila Mobility Hub as the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) expresses inability to re-route traffic through a partially functional system. The KSRTC has stated that long distance buses will continue to operate through the city till all required facilities are put in place at the Hub.

"The Vyttila Hub is not ready and long distance buses will avoid it. These services will pass through the KSRTC bus terminus in the city. Though we welcome the new system, all bus services cannot be re-routed till it becomes completely operational," said Alexander K Luke, Chairman and Managing Director, KSRTC.

He added that KSRTC's city services and those buses which had earlier been passing through Vytilla Junction would enter the Hub. Luke also said that KSRTC would introduce feeder services when the Hub was ready. "I have seen the drawings of the Hub and we are definitely willing to make use of the Vytilla Mobility Hub," reiterated the Chairman.

KSRTC points out that the Hub lacks an office space for the Station Master and there is no rest room and canteen facility for staff. The list of KSRTC services operating through the Hub is not available and there is no public announcement system to inform passengers of arrival, departure and cancellation of services.

"Passengers come to the Hub unaware of the fact that buses proceeding to Northern Districts do not enter the place. The bus stops at Vytilla junction on National Highway (NH) 47 were removed. So, commuters heading to places like Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode and the like are forced to shuttle between the Hub, the bus stop on the NH and finally, the KSRTC bus terminus in the city to catch a bus," said Sunil Kumar, Station Master posted at Vytilla. He also said that he had been receiving complaints from aggrieved passengers.

Meanwhile, Vytilla Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) Managing Director, M Beena said the concerns of KSRTC would be addressed. Cabins and restaurant facilities for staff will soon be introduced in the Hub. "The markings at the base will be done and provisions for public announcement system will also be introduced at the earliest. There is also a need for more lights," she said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Vyttila-hub-not-ready-says-KSRTC/articleshow/9987948.cms


The fact that these basic facilities are required are pretty obvious. Surely, the authorities realize that a bus terminal is much more than a few aesthetically designed bus bays and a tea stall.

Issuing orders to re-route busses without putting even the basic of arrangements in place for the commuters, staff, refuelling/repairs and maintenance of busses suggests sheer incompetence or irresponsibility. If these are the people who are supposed to shape the city's future destiny, only God can save the city.

By the way. I've no issues with using VMH AFTER completing all facilities there, which include flyovers to decongest Vytilla Jn

y7PCGQkYA9I
watch the first story


Vytilla Mobility Hub's ambitious plans. The Rs 367 crore Phase-2 aims much larger projects for the terminal. The company MD Beena IAS, informed that they have plans to connect the Hub with proposed Metro stop and proposed Vytila Suburb Rail station thro' a skywalk.

The project also now aims urgently to develop 3 Boat jetties, one for Kochi Water Metro project (govt transport ferries), one jetty for Houseboat and tourism operations and another jetty for private operators.

happend to take a ride thru mobility hub , afraid to say , those who designed it has acted so brainlessly... it will become utter chaos at vytila once the hub start working in full fledged way...

the reasons

1. Buses coming from SA road has to take left turn at Vytila Jn , then a U turn , then a left turn to enter VMH road. This looks easy to read , but one must remember all these are to happen at Vytila Jn , kerala's busiest jn..

2. Buses coming out from hub needs to take left turn crossing SA road to reach bypass . again this looks easy . catch here is once the signal turns green at vytila jn , vehicles rushes and its only a few mtrs away from jn . Traffic jam is guranteed there. and my experience was similar.


though i feel the entry to the hub shud be from SA road and exit thru By pass, this would have resulted somewhat seamless movement for buses..under the present scenario we are heading to a disaster at vytila....

^^

Vytilla Mobility Hub is a perfect case study of how NOT to execute a project, and to an extent explains why Kerala lacks the development that other states enjoy. Poor execution of the project means that people, far from benefiting from such projects are actually put into inconvenience, and wish that a bad status-quo was much better than an even worse change. Such a feeling spreads, and people develop a tendency to resist new projects.

In due course things would become alright, but that is no excuse for poor planning and putting the people to inconvenience. The taxpayers pay the administrators salary, and they not doing what they are supposed to do (poor planning, neglecting to put basic infrastructure in place such as lights, PA systems etc) is another form of corruption.

Most of the developments that have come up in Kerala in recent years have been driven primarily by vested interests (mainly raising land value). The benefits to the people at large are only incidental. This is probably a reason why the planners and executioners become more concerned about the project as such rather than the finer execution points.

In this specific case, though Vytilla is good enough location for the mobility hub, there was absolutely no discussion (in the press or elsewhere) on the various alternatives sites. The site was selected on the basis of some study and all through the project execution, one could feel extreme haste and urgency, as if the authorities were working against some invisible deadline.

^^Vyttila Busstand (Mobility Hub) can be used fulfledged only after completing the proposed flyovers in Vyttila

Also, Vyttila -Eroor road should have been developed and inbound vehicles from Tripunithura side would have been diverted through this way.

a classic case of a good project turning to a disaster due to improper study and planning. Ideally they shud have visited some Big cities in India which has already attempted such things , do a proper study , arrange the basic infrastructure needed , then go ahead with the project.

No body seems to hv learned from previous mistakes.....How ridiculous ....
Next danger is in the form of metro rail ..... Hope presence of DMRC will help us in some way ...

too disappointed by VMH ..... structure in isolation is brilliant ....but sadly in totality its turning out to be a failure .

Skywalk to Petta for an ambiguous reason !!! Already there are two stops for metro at Vyttila and Thykoodam. Metro may take another 10 years to complete. So, Mobility hub will be taking more than 10?

^^

Vytilla Mobility Hub is a perfect case study of how NOT to execute a project, and to an extent explains why Kerala lacks the development that other states enjoy. Poor execution of the project means that people, far from benefiting from such projects are actually put into inconvenience, and wish that a bad status-quo was much better than an even worse change. Such a feeling spreads, and people develop a tendency to resist new projects.

In due course things would become alright, but that is no excuse for poor planning and putting the people to inconvenience. The taxpayers pay the administrators salary, and they not doing what they are supposed to do (poor planning, neglecting to put basic infrastructure in place such as lights, PA systems etc) is another form of corruption.

Most of the developments that have come up in Kerala in recent years have been driven primarily by vested interests (mainly raising land value). The benefits to the people at large are only incidental. This is probably a reason why the planners and executioners become more concerned about the project as such rather than the finer execution points.

In this specific case, though Vytilla is good enough location for the mobility hub, there was absolutely no discussion (in the press or elsewhere) on the various alternatives sites. The site was selected on the basis of some study and all through the project execution, one could feel extreme haste and urgency, as if the authorities were working against some invisible deadline.

As we said sometime before, we are not living a prefect world and under prefect system. Typical to Kerala, we live in a system where, one reason generates another reason and that generates another reason......

VMH is not one stand alone solution for Kochi's traffic congestion. But the attempt is good. In that process, a whole set of new problems arises. This would be facililate the urgency of widening Vytila-Eloor road, into a four lane road which would eventually end as Infopark Expressway extension.

I see, the whole of troubles, more positive, as it speeds the demand for flyovers/grade separators. Don't need to imagine, that would solve the issues. Something will arise.

We are not living in any Ahmedabad or places like that, where a whole set of barren land surrounds us, to decide how to grow a city. Typical to Kerala, we live in extremely dense area and land is extremely costly. Only one project and genuine need for development of that project, help us to acquire more land for it.

With congestion and other issues, there is a genuine demand for making Vytilla-Eloor road into a 4 lane, which without VMH couldn't think about it at all.

And secondly, we live in a Business city, where business interests are paramount and acquisitions happens at cost of business. Its pretty more easy to acquire houses or petty small traders as seen elsewhere. But impossible to touch big shots, unless the demand is very genuine and serious.

Perhaps this would increase need of multi-stacked flyovers at the junction.

As we said sometime before, we are not living a prefect world and under prefect system. Typical to Kerala, we live in a system where, one reason generates another reason and that generates another reason......

VMH is not one stand alone solution for Kochi's traffic congestion. But the attempt is good. In that process, a whole set of new problems arises. This would be facililate the urgency of widening Vytila-Eloor road, into a four lane road which would eventually end as Infopark Expressway extension.

I see, the whole of troubles, more positive, as it speeds the demand for flyovers/grade separators. Don't need to imagine, that would solve the issues. Something will arise.

We are not living in any Ahmedabad or places like that, where a whole set of barren land surrounds us, to decide how to grow a city. Typical to Kerala, we live in extremely dense area and land is extremely costly. Only one project and genuine need for development of that project, help us to acquire more land for it.

With congestion and other issues, there is a genuine demand for making Vytilla-Eloor road into a 4 lane, which without VMH couldn't think about it at all.

And secondly, we live in a Business city, where business interests are paramount and acquisitions happens at cost of business. Its pretty more easy to acquire houses or petty small traders as seen elsewhere. But impossible to touch big shots, unless the demand is very genuine and serious.

Perhaps this would increase need of multi-stacked flyovers at the junction.

Well Said MI.. This is just a begining..I am optimistic that VMH will be a sucess once the approach is made proper. We are just done with Phase I so it is not fair to jump into conclusion that it will be a failure.

The VMH team did what is possible, leaving out some to be done later. If they had waited for everything, we would have waited forever.

Tell me WHICH project happened in a systematic way in this great land? We are like this onlee.. And we do things like this onlee...

MI hit it on the head when he said "we are a business city". That is both our boon and bane. A lot of things ends up ad-hoc, because pretty much anyone could throw a spanner in the works. We should be thankful that at least some part of VMH is operational, thanks to people like Dr. Beena.

What I believe better would be, change the alignment of Vytilla junction in such a way, the SA road from the city, goes straight towards Eloor Side, as new SA Road.

The current Tripunithara road, instead of entering Vytilla, must directly proceed towards Ponnurruni-Thamman road, via an underpass, eliminating the road at the junction.

This means, the Ponnurruni road which creates a second junction at Vytilla, can be eliminated the the current road can be diverted as side road to Vytilla ROB underpass.

Tell me WHICH project happened in a systematic way in this great land? We are like this onlee.. And we do things like this onlee...

do we need to add one more project to that list . and how long we keep expanding that list....

Yes, and forever, unfortunately.

I hope you remember the back story of VMH. It was an effort akin to that of Bhageeratha to get the land from the 'jungle growing operations' of the agri deptt. Even silly things take a lot of time and trouble.

Shouldn't they change? Of course!! But nothing short of the "Emergency" period would change it. Yes, I am pessimistic there.

Give it some time guys! Its still an infant and remember Vytilla Jn development is considered a predecessor to VMH, that has not happened!

What I believe better would be, change the alignment of Vytilla junction in such a way, the SA road from the city, goes straight towards Eloor Side, as new SA Road.





MI, it is Eroor.. initially i got confused of reading it ELOOR...jz said...by d way, enjoying your postings very wel...
the VMH board should take up the phase 2 urgently...i saw 2day evening that, buses were blocked due to lack of spaces...initially, thought that, since the terminal is too big, there is no question of block inside it,eventhough d congetion at entry n exit points r horrifying..but nw , since almost all long route buses ends services there, it s in need of more spaces...however, it is nice to see that, a lot of employees has been appointed for its management ...

As we said sometime before, we are not living a prefect world and under prefect system.

Agreed, but that cannot be an excuse to justify incompetence. For instance, even Bangalore and Chennai are also imperfect, albeit in a different way than ours. We just have to compare how Chennai executed their Koyembedu Bus Terminal project and how we are executing Vytilla...

Typical to Kerala, we live in extremely dense area and land is extremely costly. Only one project and genuine need for development of that project, help us to acquire more land for it.



developments in Vytilla Jn or further improvement in VMH does not require any land acquisition

With congestion and other issues, there is a genuine demand for making Vytilla-Eloor road into a 4 lane, which without VMH couldn't think about it at all.


Four laning Vytilla-Eloor road is needed, but not urgent as of now, and would not reduce the congestion at Vytilla. What is urgent is improvements in Vytilla Jn, especially flyovers, and basic passenger amenities in VMH.

The VMH team did what is possible, leaving out some to be done later. If they had waited for everything, we would have waited forever.

The VMH team is responsible for lack of basic facilities inside the hub, but they are alone not to blame. The developments in Vytilla Jn and approach to the hub is more the responsibility of the District administration and the Corporation. As usual, what we see is lack of coordination and one agency passing the buck to another.

Tell me WHICH project happened in a systematic way in this great land? We are like this onlee.. And we do things like this onlee...

I was associated with CIAL when they started operations. The team worked 24x7 during the last few weeks to put the basic infrastructure in place. There were many challenges, vested interests, conflicting authorities, and more, but still before the first flight landed we had the public announcement system in place, a functioning pre paid taxi system, public toilets, passenger and visitor waiting areas and comfort stations, public restaurant, canteen, and more. None of these were incidentally essential to start operations. True, more improvements such as the rail overbridge was added later, but the plan was already drawn up and basic infrastructure was in place before operations started.

Credit goes to Mr V J Kurian for pulling that off. Both the previous LDF and the current UDF governments were/are supportive of the Vytilla hub. V J Kurian achieved all this with a hostile NDA government at the center, a (then) uncooperative LDF regime ruling the state, and Mr S Sharma in the director board.

Agreed, but that cannot be an excuse to justify incompetence. For instance, even Bangalore and Chennai are also imperfect, albeit in a different way than ours. We just have to compare how Chennai executed their Koyembedu Bus Terminal project and how we are executing Vytilla.

If we look even today, can you point out whats all are surrounding Koyembedu? Can you point any single Highrise in that area? Can you tell me can you compare Koyembedu with Vytilla?

I too can consider a Koyembedu in Kochi, perhaps, I would have to consider Thuravoor or Open fields somewhere after Angamally.... But will it be solution to Kochi's city traffic?

We are talking about a project, that is happening in ground ZERO of Kochi City. Hence its surely bound to create some problems untill it is to be settled.

Its easy to dream Bangalore and Chennai here.... But not a single case of Bangalore can be reciprocted in Kerala, be it positive aspect or negative aspect? Can Ommen Chandy freeze acres of land in Kochi and denotify it to sell it to Chandy Ommen, as in case of Yedurappa?


developments in Vytilla Jn or further improvement in VMH does not require any land acquisition

It surely requires... From where Flyover can be constructed? Will its spans and side roads, happens in heaven? Should we construct another South ROB there in Vytilla? Naturally LA is required.....

Four laning Vytilla-Eloor road is not urgent as of now, and would not reduce the congestion at Vytilla. What is urgent is improvements in Vytilla Jn, especially flyovers, and basic passenger amenities in VMH.

If we analyse the traffic, the congestion is primarly caused because of narrow SA road, especially when SA Road from Vytilla to Tripunithara side is least expandable due to KSEB sub station and presence of water body nearby.

Secondly Vytilla-Eroor road is ideal, as it can be 4 laned and expandable. Moreover it touches at one of the important roads to Kochi's industrial Hub. In future it can convert as Infopark Expressway.

Moreover bus from city, can directly enter to VMH, without confusion. The exit can be done thro' current road.

This is just one option. More other options can be checked upon. Unless projects are planned, nothing can happen in Kerala.....

If we look even today, can you point out whats all are surrounding Koyembedu? Can you point any single Highrise in that area? Can you tell me can you compare Koyembedu with Vytilla?

what has that to do with facilities INSIDE the hub in both places?.... its the approach to planning and execution that matters. Just because Koyambedu is isolated and Vytilla is crowded, it does not mean we cannot compare Koyembedu and Vytilla...... and the flyovers in Chennai city are anyway an example of how to plan and build even in the midst of urban chaos.

We are talking about a project, that is happening in ground ZERO of Kochi City. Hence its surely bound to create some problems until it is to be settled.

I am not arguing for an Oriwellean world where everything takes place perfectly. There is a difference between improvements needed and basic facilities lacking .... and as I have already stated, I agree that in time things will improve. But that is not the issue here.

This is just one option. More other options can be checked upon. Unless projects are planned, nothing can happen in Kerala.....


Anywhere else in the world, such planning takes place BEFORE the project is complete, not AFTER. Execution may be delayed for any number of reasons, but the plan would be clear and known to all before the project starts off. Here no one who matters still has a clue on what to do with Vytilla Jn. even after VMH is already functional. That is the incompetence I am talking about.

what has that to do with facilities INSIDE the hub in both places?.... its the approach to planning and execution that matters. Just because Koyambedu is isolated and Vytilla is crowded, it does not mean we cannot compare Koyembedu and Vytilla.

By the way, is these 13 bays and one platform comprises of VMH? Its not even Phase One... Just Part A of Phase One. We are comparing a one month old baby with a school going kid!!!

Its just because of urgency of works going in the city, the VMH has opened now. And now a host of problems might prop up. And we have to settle that and start now. Chennai has some good bus stations, built since the days of British. Hence Koyambedu was just a value addition to move out long distance bus out of the city.

What Kochi had, was an Ethopian kind of bus stand, which now reduced to almost little due to flyover works.... And hence it was of paramount urgency to move the station out of city, on war-footing....

Both are not comparable in any means. May be, comparable, once Phase One and Two ends......

Its just because of urgency of works going in the city, the VMH has opened now.


which again highlights the poor planning I am talking about. It is easy to pass the buck and make excuses when things are taken in isolation, but when taken as a whole the incompetence become glaring.

The simple fact that VMH is not ready should have been reasons enough to postpone the diversion of long distance busses through the hub. These busses could easily have used the container road without going through the North or South ROB! Busses from Kaloor and South anyway did not use the ROBs. So where was the need for such a hasty diversion through the hub?

The sensible approach would have been to shift only the busses terminating at Vytilla using what we have now, and then gradually shift or divert busses as facilities expand.

Chennai has some good bus stations, built since the days of British. Hence Koyambedu was just a value addition to move out long distance bus out of the city.

What Kochi had, was an Ethopian kind of bus stand, which now reduced to almost little due to flyover works....



The bus station at Parrys where long distance busses used to start from before Koyembedu came was no better than Ernakulam KSRTC stand.

^^ A Bus terminal nearby a major junction - is always a traffic problem. It is solution to none. Since we dont have any other option, we are going for that.

Taking out a main chunk of traffic off the city roads, the Vyttila Mobility Hub has become a hub of activity. Despite various handicaps, the hub could play a key role in easing the traffic snarls in the city within a few days.

All the buses except some of the buses operating from Ernakulam KSRTC stand and the private buses from Perumbavoor, Kanjiramattom and Pirvaom side are not allowed to enter the city. All these buses halt at the mobility hub as the city buses enter the hub and pick up the passengers to the city from there. “Though there may be some difficulties for the long-distance passengers as there are only a few shops and facilities in the hub, it has already gone a great way in streamlining the traffic in the city,” Joseph, a commuter from Perumbavoor said.

There is lot of space for parking all the buses as 13 terminals have already been opened. According to the plans, six terminals will be allotted exclusively for KSRTC buses.

Around 650 buses enter the mobility hub every day. “As the hub has become functional, traffic in the city has come down significantly. Of the 650 buses that enter the hub, all except 80 city service buses halt there. The city buses mainly Vyttila-Vyttila circulars and the buses from Tripunithura side pick up the passengers to city from the hub,” said Baby Vinod, Assistant Commissioner, Traffic East.

Though the hub has become functional, it has a lot of handicaps as well. The narrow exit from the hub to the Vyttila-Tripunithura Road is adding to the congestion there. The authorities are yet to plan the development of Vyttila junction. “Efforts are still on to acquire the land for widening the stretch between the hub and Vyttila junction,” Baby Vinod said.

The shortage of adequate city buses to take the passengers arriving at the hub is another major drawback. In the absence of adequate buses, the commuters have to wait for a long time to board buses to reach their destinations in the city. “We will take measures to arrange more city buses from the mobility hub,” Baby Vinod said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/vyttila-hub-helps-ease-city-traffic/186106-60-122.html

Vytilla mobility hub gears up to meet an increased inflow of traffic, which is expected after demolition of North railway overbridge. As part of it, the hub will introduce prepaid autorickshaw service.

In the initial stage, the hub has roped in 50 autorickshaws. "We have taken into account the security of passengers. It is also ensured that all these autos have valid permit," said managing director Dr M Beena. A police outpost will also be set-up, she said. Benny Behannan MP will inaugurate the outpost on Saturday and city police commissioner M R Ajithkumar will inaugurate the prepaid auto service.

The hub had invited criticism after being not able to provide adequate facilities for passengers and KSRTC and private bus staff. Meanwhile, office for the KSRTC station master has not been provided yet. Canteen facility for transport corporation's staff too is absent here. "We expect Vyttila Mobility Hub Society to speed up the processes," said station master Sunil Kumar.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Prepaid-auto-service-to-be-introduced-at-Vyttila-mobility-hub/articleshow/10194244.cms

വൈറ്റില മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ്ബിലെ രണ്ടാംഘട്ട വികസനത്തിന് ഒരുക്കങ്ങള്* ആരംഭിച്ചു. ഇതിനുള്ള ടെന്*ഡര്* നടപടികള്*ക്ക് ഉടന്* തുടക്കം കുറിക്കും.ടെര്*മിനലിന്*െറ രണ്ടാംഘട്ട വികസനത്തിന് 264 കോടിയുടെ ബാങ്ക് വായ്പയ്ക്ക് തിരുവനന്തപുരത്ത് ചേര്*ന്ന എക്സിക്യൂട്ടീവ് കമ്മിറ്റി തത്വത്തില്* അംഗീകാരം നല്*കി. ആദ്യപടിയായി 40 ബസുകള്*ക്കുള്ള പുതിയ പാര്*ക്കിങ് ബേ കൂടി നിര്*മിക്കാനാണ് കമ്മിറ്റി തീരുമാനം. ഇത് പൂര്*ത്തിയാകുമ്പോള്* 105 ബസുകള്*ക്ക് ഒരേ സമയം പാര്*ക്ക് ചെയ്യാനാവും. ഭൂമിക്കടിയില്* രണ്ടു നിലകളിലായി 1200 കാറുകള്*ക്ക് പാര്*ക്കിങ് സൗകര്യമേര്*പ്പെടുത്തും. സമീപം ബോട്ട് ജെട്ടി നിര്*മിക്കും. നിലവില്* 20 മീറ്റര്* നീളവും 13 മീറ്റര്* വീതിയുമുള്ള അഞ്ച് പാര്*ക്കിങ് ‘ബേ’കള്* ഇവിടെയുണ്ട്. ഇതില്* 65 ബസുകള്*ക്ക് പാര്*ക്ക് ചെ യ്യാം. രണ്ടാം ഘട്ട നിര്*മാണത്തിന് 376 കോടി രൂപ ചെലവുവരുമെന്നാണ് കണക്കുകൂട്ടല്*.
യൂനിയന്* ബാങ്കില്* നിന്ന് 100 കോടി , ദേനാ ബാങ്കില്* നിന്ന് 64 കോടി, ഫെഡറല്* ബാങ്ക്, കാനറ ബാങ്ക് എന്നിവിടങ്ങളില്* നിന്നു 50 കോടി രൂപ വീതവും വായ്പയെടുക്കാനാണ് തീരുമാനം. മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ്ബില്* പുതിയ ഇന്ധന ബങ്കിന് ദര്*ഘാസ് ക്ഷണിക്കും. സ്വകാര്യ വാഹനങ്ങള്*ക്കും ഇത് ഉപയോഗപ്പെടുത്താം. കെ.എസ്.ആര്*.ടി.സി സ്റ്റേഷന്* മാസ്റ്റര്*ക്ക് മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ്ബില്* പ്രത്യേക മുറി നിര്*മിക്കും. മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ്ബില്* നിന്ന് വൈറ്റില- പേട്ട റോഡിന്*െറ പ്രവേശന കവാടം വരെ ഫുട് പാത്ത് നിര്*മിക്കാനും കൂടുതല്* സ്ട്രീറ്റ് ലൈറ്റുകള്* സ്ഥാപിക്കാനും തീരുമാനമായി. യോഗത്തില്* ചീഫ് സെക്രട്ടറി, ധനകാര്യ, നഗരകാര്യ സെക്രട്ടറിമാര്*, മേയര്* ടോണി ചമ്മണി, മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് സൊസൈറ്റി എം.ഡി ഡോ. എം. ബീന, നഗരസഭാ സെക്രട്ടറി അജിത് പാട്ടീല്*, മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥര്*, കൃഷി വകുപ്പു പ്രതിനിധി എന്നിവര്* പങ്കെടുത്തു.

http://www.madhyamam.com/news/122933/111002


The Second Phase of VMH will be commenced soon. The expected cost is 264 Crore Rs, funded mainly thro' consotrium of banks lead by UBI which has agreed in principle to provide Rs 100 crore, Dena Bank for 64 Crore, while Federal and Canara Banks for 50 Crores.

The immediate plans is to construction of additional Bus bays to accommodate 105 buses at a time. Similar 3 boat jetties would be constructed soon.

The VMH has agreed to allow KSRTC to establish a Petrol Bunk station as well as rooms for Station Masters/drivers.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/14102011/14102011-md-ek-2/35137511.JPG

VMH Society to issue Pre-qualify Tender notice for 300 crore second phase


The Society has started steps of starting issuing the Pre-qualify tender, for which date will be soon announced. This was announced by Dr. Beena, the MD of VMH Society.

The tendering for starting a food court in the VMH has already been completed. The food court will start functioning from next month onwards.

From october 17th onwards the Hub will function 24 hours, to cater long services inter-state services.

Street lighting will be installed in all sides to help passengers to reach terminus via foot.

Way to Go!! Dr. Beena!!

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/17102011/17102011-md-ek-1/1353812.JPG

The Vyttila mobility hub is going to be operational 24x7 from Monday in an effort to expand its services and reach out to more passengers. This move will facilitate entry of long distance buses from neighbouring states to the hub.

Currently the hub is active between 8am and 8pm.

"The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation Ltd have expressed their willingness to operate through the hub. Private operators, who operate inter-state services, are also interested in using the hub," Vyttila Mobility Hub Society managing director M Beena said.

Beena added that the buses would be able to operate from the hub without entering city, on getting the approval from the regional transport authority (RTA). Once the expansion work of parking areas is completed, inter-state buses will be allowed to park at the hub during day time and two bays will be reserved for them.

The society also plans to charge a higher entry fee for these services. Both Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses operating within the state are charged Rs 20 per day as entry fee. Long-term plans include introducing an integrated entry control system with card reading facility to regulate entry fee collection.

Beena said the offices for KSRTC and food courts would be set up within a month. Tendering process in this regard has been completed. The government has provided fast-track sanction for works related to land acquisition at the exit point of the hub. With the widening of the Vyttila-Pettah road, the society expects to solve issues that lead to traffic snarls.

With regard to the second phase of development, the society has started pre-qualification process and Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organization Ltd (KITCO) is expected to begin tendering process within two weeks.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Vyttila-mobility-hub-to-go-24x7-from-today/articleshow/10382909.cms

^^
Why long distance KSRTC buses starting from Kochi still using city bus stand?

What about the arrangements in night at VMH? Any frequent service by KSRTC during midnight to Kaloor, High court etc....areas?

There is no driver/conductor rest rooms, announcement facility, account section, fuel pump, station master offices in Vyttila Busstand.

^^
Why long distance KSRTC buses starting from Kochi still using city bus stand?

Is there any street lights between busstand and vyttila junction?

What about the arrangements in night at VMH? Any frequent service by KSRTC during midnight to Kaloor, High court etc....areas?

Is there any street lights between busstand and vyttila junction?

Currently no.... But VMH Society announced that they are going to install street lights in both the roads for entry and exits at their cost as well as installing a generator to ensure uninterrupted supply of power. It will done within 2 weeks.

In addition works for a 24 hour open general inquiry counter as well as open counters for passenger reservations for inter-state buses is currently undergoing.

In addition a permanent police aid post will be opened soon.

VMH's 24 hour operations couldn't able to start today after KSRTC's order regarding appointment of night staff and station master for night duties didn't reach Kochi.

The VMH MD- Dr.Beena said that she will talk this matter with CM today and make arrangements within a couple of days.

VMH's 24 hour operations couldn't able to start today after KSRTC's order regarding appointment of night staff and station master for night duties didn't reach Kochi.

The VMH MD- Dr.Beena said that she will talk this matter with CM today and make arrangements within a couple of days.

Mathrubhumi news about new proposal. It says VMH needs more bus services at night time if the proposal has to benefit common man

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperstory_26513-2212437-10/18/2011-.aspx

KOCHI: As part of the mobility hub authorities’ decision to stop the entry of all long-distance private buses and KSRTC buses into the city, the KSRTC and private bus unions have come out in protest against the inconveniences and losses caused to them.

KSRTC bus inspector S Udayappan at the Vyttila Mobility Hub said: “Since our superfast buses are not entering the Ernakulam bus stand anymore, our daily collection has gone down immensely low. Some days we are forced to travel with a few seats empty.”

According to KSRTC union members, the problem has arisen because people are still not aware that all the superfast buses are not available anymore in the Ernakulam bus stand. It is only when they reach the bus stand that they realise that there are no superfast buses. In order to save the trouble of coming to the mobility hub, these passengers opt for the fast passenger buses which is a major time-consuming affair for them. In the long run the KSRTC will suffer more losses if proper action is not taken.”

The unions state that the decision to stop the entry of buses to the city has proven to be a foolhardy one. “People are stranded on road sides without bus services. The best decision is to ply the buses through both the mobility hub and the other bus stands.

But the Mobility Hub officials said that the decision was taken to decrease the heavy traffic in the city. “Proper steps are being taken one by one. The only thing that is presently standing in the way is the protest by these unions.”

Meanwhile, there are strong protests from private buses plying from the high range areas. Kerala Bus Transport Association secretary Suresh Oommen said: “The high range private bus owners are coming out in strong protest raising the demand to ply their buses through Kaloor.

Shibu S, a private bus conductor from Poopara, Idukki, said: “We take only one trip to and from Kochi every day. If we are denied access through the major regions of the city, then what profits are we supposed to make? We are facing losses to the tune of `1,500 every day.”
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/hub-of-discontent/194088-60-122.html


Another example of knee-jerk planning.

"Mobility Hub officials said that the decision was taken to decrease the heavy traffic in the city." But side-by-side they also plan to introduce some 50 new Vytilla-Vytilla circular busses through the city to increase connectivity to the mobility hub. How will traffic in the city reduce if long distance busses are replaced by circular busses?

The best approach is to re-route 50% of the long distance busses via Vytilla and retain the other 50% via the old route (and through Container Road to avoid North ROB) instead of the 8 to 8 approach.

As things stand, the people who benefit most from the Vytilla Hub are the private city bus operators and auto-rickshaws.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00812/18kijlp02_hub_REV_G_812486e.jpg

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation(KSRTC)'s moffusil and inter-district buses which were rerouted through the Vytilla bus terminal-cum-mobility hub during the past month will continue to call at the agency's main bus stand in the city from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.

These buses will enter the city through Thoppumpady during these hours, while plying through the NH 47 Bypass and the Vytilla terminal from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Buses from Kottayam, Vaikom, Thodupuzha and so on will operate through the terminal even during night. This was decided at a meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday.

The terminal has been opened to buses round-the-clock since Monday.

“The decision was taken since the passengers who got down at the Vytilla terminal at night and wanted to reach the two railway stations, bus stands and other places in the city were finding it tough to get public transport. Even our employees were finding it tough to reach the city stand after 8 p.m.,” said District Transport Officer K.C. Venugopal.

The KSRTC buses that start or end their trip in the city bus stand will continue to call at the bus stand.

Inadequate lighting on the Kaniyampuzha Road — the approach road to the bus stand — and the absence of footpath had been cited as the reasons for the Vytilla terminal remaining out of bounds for buses after 8 p.m. till Monday.

Managing Director of the Vytilla Mobility Hub Society M. Beena said that an office, garage and fuel station for KSRTC would be readied at the terminal in another four months, following which more buses would be shifted here. “We have asked the RTC to operate more feeder buses to the city through Vytilla for the convenience of passengers.”

Information counter

The dissonance between the KSRTC, the Society and the Motor Vehicles' Department has resulted in passengers getting confused about the operation of RTC buses from the city stand and the Vytilla terminal. The Society has directed the RTC to begin a full-fledged enquiry counter at the terminal, to help passengers.

“If the RTC is unable to do so, we have sought the list and timings of buses so that we can guide passengers,” Ms. Beena said.

The Society has planned a punching system at the terminal. Thus, apart from ensuring prompt operations of buses, passengers can be alerted about the arrival of buses and the bay where they will call at through LED screens.

It also plans to rope in student police cadets to create awareness of traffic rules, cleanliness and the need to wait in queue while boarding buses.

The KSRTC should operate night services on the Vytilla-Vytilla circular and other routessince passengers who arrived late in the city were often stranded at bus stops, said Ernakulam RTO T.J. Thomas. “It should also operate buses from bus stands, railway stations and so on to suburbs such as Fort Kochi, Aluva and Tripunithura, even if it means charging an additional 50 per cent fare like in Chennai and other metros,” he said. Mr. Thomas suggested that the RTC run mini buses, during off peak and night hours and through prominent side roads.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2550497.ece

Another example of knee-jerk planning.

"Mobility Hub officials said that the decision was taken to decrease the heavy traffic in the city." But side-by-side they also plan to introduce some 50 new Vytilla-Vytilla circular busses through the city to increase connectivity to the mobility hub. How will traffic in the city reduce if long distance busses are replaced by circular busses?

The best approach is to re-route 50% of the long distance busses via Vytilla and retain the other 50% via the old route (and through Container Road to avoid North ROB) instead of the 8 to 8 approach.

As things stand, the people who benefit most from the Vytilla Hub are the private city bus operators and auto-rickshaws.

well, this is just the initial teeting troubles, which anyone would face when moving out of status quo. The inertia is the main reason and that doesnot simply require criticism.

There are mulitple agencies involved and ego clashes. That will solved in due course. VMH director Beena met CM and got directions for starting night services of KSRTC. You will not believe, the main reason which employees of KSRTC says they cannot operate from VMH is lack of Chayakada, where they can have a banana fry or tea for less than Rs 10.... i wonder Kerala's most busiest junction, Vytila lacks a Chayakada or peedika for having a quick bite?

These are silly petty reasons which unions cite for ensuring status quo.

Well, I hope Beena won't assure setting up a Thattukada in a 300 crore project.....:banana::banana:

Ofcourse there is a requirement of food court and nobody is looking for a KFC or Mcdonalds there.... Something affordable. And works are going on, ready within a week.

^^ Ya..I saw this on CITY time and was wondering why they are making such complaints like Chayakada ella...Lime Juice kudikan soukaryamilla...etc :bash:.VMH just started it mit take some time to be in full flow and we need support from various agencies..but nammude keralam..oru kochu brandalyam thanne..

^^
Please check today’s 'Nagaram' there is some valid points from KSRTC side too.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperstory_26751-3431578-10/19/2011-.aspx

I don’t think it is a wise decision to move all the KSRTC buses to Vyttila other than those which are passing through the city, unless Vyttila is directly connected to all suburbs of the city. I know the pain to reach Infopark or SEZ from Vyttila by bus, when I was living there.

Also just think about the traffic chaos once all these buses have to pass though the busy Vyttila junction.
And as of now, considering the facilities in Vyttila bustand, it is never comparable with the major busstands at other cities like Kannur,Thrissur or Kozhikode. At this stage, I will call it as "Immini vallya Ulliyeri bustand" . (Ulliyeri is a cross junction between Kozhikode and Perambra which have a pass through bustand without bus bays and handles around 500+ schedules a day,which multiplies the traffic at the junction) -

Once VHM project is fully functional it will not be successful without those proposed flyovers.

^^^^^^^^

Here are those reports

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/19102011/19102011-md-ek-17/3433859.JPG

KSRTC not ready to divert night buses from current KSRTC station to VMH after 8pm. The official reason cited due to passenger inconveniences and complaints.

The VMH considers that a few officials of KSRTC are hijacking the process, though the Ernakulam Zonal Officer of KSRTC agreed to divert the buses. The society will take up with MD of KSRTC to sort out the differences.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/19102011/19102011-md-ek-17/34251453.JPG

Regional Transport Authority ordered KSRTC to run 50 circular buses throughout the night to ensure the public donot get affected to reach VMH. The KSRTC officials are against it.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/19102011/19102011-md-ek-17/3431578.JPG

KSRTC VS VMH

While VMH and RTA wants KSRTC moves to VMH completely, the employee unions and few officials of KSRTC feels, it would put terrible burden on the ailing KSRTC and increase financial difficulties.

Unions cite, while moving to VMH, they are getting less passengers, while private buses increasing profits....

The situation has gone into a major issue between two govt departments.

Well this is a major tricky question?

Its just like asking, which is Ground Zero of Kochi. A few centuries back, the Ground zero of Kochi was at Mattacherry, then moved to Fort Kochi, then it moved to Tripunithara and finally from start of last century, it was Jos Junction in Ernakulam, referred as city center..... So things deserve a change for start of this century......

Today, things are again changing, the city has grown 40 kms in its radius, hence Jos Junction or Durbar Hall cannot be considered anymore as Ground Zero of the city.

Perhaps as of now, Vytilla Junction is the Ground Zero, which after few years or a decade, may move to Kakkanad or Trans-Asia Junction in SP/AP road.....

Hence, feeling that Ernakulam Bus station is the center of Kochi, is almost like frog's feeling that the world is inside his well.....

No-one, including me likes a change. We are used to a way and loves to continue that. We are used to eat with right hand, used to write from left to right and things like that. It will be so difficult for us to change. But change is inevitable.

While most of KSRTC officials agree, the congestion inside city core has reduced a lot, the company making a fuel savings due to VMH, they too must understand sooner or later people will start feeling Vytilla is very much inside the city.

Today, most of the people, including a long time resident like me, feels the city starts from cross South Overbridge and ends at North Overbridge. Thats a perception issue, as the real city is now outside this. Its just like centuries back, no one could think beyond Mattancherry Market or Jew Town or Fort Kochi.......

A well coordinated effort and conceived action plan, in my opinion solve the problem.

Ofcourse, there is no need to make every bus to go thro' VMH. It can act as South-East axis hub, while a redesigned Kaloor or somewhere in north, Probably in Edappally area can make itself for North axis hub......

I feel, these are teething troubles, which every project faces at beginning. We too have fallen down numerous of time, before started walking properly during childhood... Feeling the baby fall as failure is a coordinated efforts of vested lobbies who loves to see the city not advancing......

^^ There is an urgent need for revising bus routes..Some routes just dont have enough buses.. For Eg.. Kakkanad to Thripunithara. F.Kochi/E.Kochi to Thripunithara and Vyttilla. Most of the buses still go through CBD.

KSRTC divided on night use of Hub. While Managing Director Alexender Luke and Ernakulam Zonal Officer in favour for night services at Hub, few trade unions affiliated to congress and CPIM who have close access to Minister Sivakumar as well as Chief Traffic Officer of KSRTC feel otherway round.

Meanwhile Sivakumar seems to be against the move for night city services, after speaking to media against it. Responding the minister's statement, Dr.Beena spoke to Manorama that she has spoken to Chief Minister and he has agreed to directly intervene in the issue.

I am now sure, who is behind the vested moves..... Last week, under orders from CM's office, all Thirukochi buses returned back to services.

^^

കൊതുകിനുമില്ലേ കൃമി കടി :lol:

Today, things are again changing, the city has grown 40 kms in its radius, hence Jos Junction or Durbar Hall cannot be considered anymore as Ground Zero of the city.

The issue here is not of Ground Zero. Regardless of whether Vytilla or Rajaji Road is ground zero or center of Kochi or not, the issues here are simply that:
1. there is no easy way for people from most places in the city to reach VMH / get to their destination after disembarking at VMH; and this problem is even more accute at night where the people are literally stranded. Reaching other destinations in the city is much easier from KSRTC stand or the old route that passes through most of the city with stops at important places such as Kaloor, Kacheripady, Palluruthy, Pallimukku etc. The people who get down from busses are concerned how to reach their destination TODAY, not about how shifting to VMH will make their commuting easier 5 or 10 years down the lane, or even six months later.
2. VMH, as of now lacks basic facilities.

While most of KSRTC officials agree, the congestion inside city core has reduced a lot, the company making a fuel savings due to VMH, they too must understand sooner or later people will start feeling Vytilla is very much inside the city.

The contention that congestion inside the city core has reduced to any substantial manner owing to diversion of a few KSRTC superfast busses is based more on assumption and propaganda rather than actual fact. In any case, if more Vytilla circulars are introduced to improve connectivity to VMH, then there will be no difference in the number of busses plying.

It is true KSRTC saves on fuel, but the gains it makes on fuel is now apparently lost owing to decreased patronage.

I feel, these are teething troubles, which every project faces at beginning. We too have fallen down numerous of time, before started walking properly during childhood... Feeling the baby fall as failure is a coordinated efforts of vested lobbies who loves to see the city not advancing......


This may be teething troubles all right, but then the solution to that is not adding more and more busses to the hub. As things stand, VMH has a decent share of busses. The right approach is to solve the pressing issues with the busses on hand, and then seek more busses......

...... and there's only a thin line separating genuine teething troubles and making it an excuse for lack of foresight / bad planning. Love for our city cannot make us blind to the shortcomings.... True, we need not feel this baby fall as a failure (even I know in due course much of the problems will go away), but we also do not have to bury our head in the sand and pretend that baby has not fallen when it actually falls.

It is all essentially Inertia.

There are lots of places in the city that is not directly served by the KSRTC buses snaking through. People are just 'used to' this old route, that's all. That should not hold ransom upon progress.

The ONLY way forward is to run a rationally designed local connectivity services to these places from VMH. It is more important to maintain consistency on the VMH. This 8am/8pm business is not at all productive, and in fact, is RIDICULOUS. Even operating the originating services from the old stand is a bad idea, unless those services visit VMH.

Think from a passenger's viewpoint. The foremost concern I have is to get the maximum chance of catching a bus. For that I would prefer to have ALL the buses coming to the terminal I choose. Right now, I would be forced to choose VMH and take a 'passing thru' bus, or old stand and take an 'originating bus'.

And it is WORSE with the 8am/8pm cutoff.

KSRTC often forget its primary mandate, ie of being the transportation system for the people. The argument that the connectivity services run from VMH won't be profitable is RIDICULOUS. Let me prove it to you.

See how many buses 'snake thru' the city. Add up all the running kilometres, and calculate the running kilometres saved by going via VMH. It would be sufficient to run just that many running kilometres to keep satisfactory service to those places.

That is my layman's view. What do you think Binai? You should be able to give expert comment.

The issue here is not of Ground Zero. Regardless of whether Vytilla or Rajaji Road is ground zero or center of Kochi or not, the issues here are simply that:
1. there is no easy way for people from most places in the city to reach VMH / get to their destination after disembarking at VMH; and this problem is even more accute at night where the people are literally stranded. Reaching other destinations in the city is much easier from KSRTC stand or the old route that passes through most of the city with stops at important places such as Kaloor, Kacheripady, Palluruthy, Pallimukku etc. The people who get down from busses are concerned how to reach their destination TODAY, not about how shifting to VMH will make their commuting easier 5 or 10 years down the lane, or even six months later.

In 1946, when the current Bus station was commissioned, I believed the people of that time have same complaints to make. That time, it complaint was probably that buses donot originate at the easy points of Kochi city, aka Mattancherry, Fort Kochi etc.

Ernakulam city was not there effectively that time. What probably constituted EKM was just Durbar Hall, Shiva Temple, Huzur Cutchery, Maharajas College, Jos Tailors, Raja's School and the then the newly laid 70 feet Road and upgraded Tripunithara Royal Highway.

I see an exact replication of issues now..... If in 1940s a choice of bus stand was made near to a newly laid wide road, same happens now at Byepass road in Vytilla.

Tommorrow it will happen when a new terminus comes up in Puthencruz or Pallikara.....

Eariler there was no need of Vytila-Vytila Circular bus, which was started due to demand. More passengers at hub, demands more facilities, more development of the region and soon we will see Byepass becoming another MG Road. This is common to every time.

We cannot remain to one place, stating how to reach home.... If so Ernakulam South Railway station etc won't been there at all.... When a new thing starts, there will be issue of connectivity, that sooner/later will be resolved.....

I am sure, even if VMH was built in Majestic or CMBT manner right now itself, there will be complaints.....

I was surprised to see the main complaint made by drivers is not lack of street lighting or information facility of buses etc... But lack of Chayakada... Do you mean, Dr.Beena herself has to stand in the corner, serving tea to all?

That will come, once so called critical mass for Chayakada is required or felt by prospective owners......

^^
Keeping public transport out of the city to ease private car/bike traffic is always a RIDICULOUS move. It is business and other institutions has to be replanted from city core to suburb, Not transport anyway.

Pass through buses/passengers can save atleast one hour if buses are passing through vyttila. So, as of now, i feel only that is a practical move. But should be without 8am/8pm rule.

^^
Keeping public transport out of the city to ease private car/bike traffic is always a RIDICULOUS move. It is business and other institutions has to be replanted from city core to suburb, Not transport anyway.

Pass through buses/passengers can save atleast one hour if buses are passing through vyttila. So, as of now, i feel only that is a practical move. But should be without 8am/8pm rule.

Well, city core should be used only for City buses.... Intercity and intrastate buses must not come into City core.

Someone must post Metro manorama page here. Its lot of good information....

The issue can be solved by running circular buses..... With Sivakumar heading the dept, I am sure, he will object every deal in Kochi..... First he tried to sabotage Thirukochi buses, but thanks to Media and intervention of CM, all buses are now restored..... Now he is against night services....

I am sure, media has started their campaign against it......

^^ MI. As u said long distance buses shouldnt be allowed to enter city but before that Vytilla should be very well connected to different parts of the city. For Eg. To reach vytilla from places likes palluruthy,Edakochi,F.kochi,Kakkanad is very difficult.There aint enuf buses .

There is no need to add more buses..instead they can revise the routes.

Here is some math

Running km from Edapally-Aroor via bypass : 18km
Running km from Edapally-Aroor via snake-route: 34 km
Diff in running km: 16km

So, you can run one city bus instead of every two long distance bus during the whole night. Let them run in exactly the snake-route, ie Edapally-Aroor, connecting at either end with the route of the long distance buses. Still it will turn economical, because:

1. Time value for the long distance travellers.
2. Running efficiency of long distance buses. Better mileage, less wear&tear
3. City buses cost less to run.

VMH - A night capture

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/8015/43688838.jpg

cc: Manorama

In 1946, when the current Bus station was commissioned, I believed the people of that time have same complaints to make. That time, it complaint was probably that buses donot originate at the easy points of Kochi city, aka Mattancherry, Fort Kochi etc.


The current bus station was commissioned in the 1970s I Believe. Before that the KSRTC stand was the one we have at in front of the Boat Jetty and now used for Goshree services.

I see an exact replication of issues now..... If in 1940s a choice of bus stand was made near to a newly laid wide road, same happens now at Byepass road in Vytilla.

Tommorrow it will happen when a new terminus comes up in Puthencruz or Pallikara.....


These arguments are valid if someone is making a case against VMH. This is not the issue here. The issue here is delaying shifting of additional services to VMH until the lacking arrangements are put in place. Not to abandon VMH and revert to KSRTC.

When a new thing starts, there will be issue of connectivity, that sooner/later will be resolved.....


As I have said before, such a line of thinking actually justifies or legitimizes incompetence / lack of foresight / poor planning. For instance, what prevents starting additional services or making some other arrangements to improve connectivity simultaneously with the diversion? And what prevented opening a canteen / staff rooms along with other works that have been done, when it was clear such facilities would anyway be required?

I know KSRTC and VMH are two different entities, and ego clashes between the departments may have a role to play, but it is precisely to solve such issues of coordination that we have the District Admin / RTO / Transport Department / Transport Minister/ local MLAs / Corporation / and a plethora of other entities or departments.

If we give in saying "things will improve in due course of time," the authorities concerned will get away with such irresponsibilities and the ultimate sufferers will be the common man.

Dr Beena's suggestion to route busses terminating at Ernakulam KSRTC Station to pass via VMH is a good suggestion to end the impasse by the way.


I was surprised to see the main complaint made by drivers is not lack of street lighting or information facility of buses etc... But lack of Chayakada...


The issue of Chayakuda is being blown out of proportion. It's only a phrase to highlight lack of basic facilities. "Oru chayakuda polum illatha stalam" is a common enough phrase.



Do you mean, Dr.Beena herself has to stand in the corner, serving tea to all?


What do you mean by this?

The current bus stand was commissioned in the 1970s I Believe. Before that the KSRTC stand was the one we have at in front of the Boat Jetty and now used for Goshree services.

There were bus station that time in both here and boat jetty side. The bus stand today here opened by Sir Robbin Wilsons, Commissioner in British Residency in 1946. I seek you to refer Cochin Gazetteer- Archives Volume-3 published by Dept of Press and Archives- GOK. Infact I never knew there was a station here that time, before reading this.

KSRTC took over this station and build new station bldg in the current place. The old station was slightly near to open areas of current stand.

The main bus station at Ferry station was commissioned by Government of Cochin, when Railway station and Rammohan palace was commissioned during reign of Rajashri Rama Varma, while this one done during reign of Akiya Kerala Varma Maharaja.


As I have said before, such a line of thinking actually justifies or legitimizes incompetence / lack of foresight / poor planning. For instance, what prevents starting additional services or making some other arrangements to improve connectivity simultaneously with the diversion? And what prevented opening a canteen / staff rooms along with other works that have been done, when it was clear such facilities would anyway be required?

If we wait for getting things done and then start, it would be like corporation's Chittoor road works saga....... We should be happy, unlike KSRTC or Corporation, things are fast in VMH. When people said, lack of a food court, works started and will be ready within 2 to 3 weeks. Well, do you believe, how many food outlets owners will come and apply for a counter, before VMH is actually open. Its not any big project to do a pre-feasibility study, how many passengers eat from a counter etc. Now with sufficent crowds, any entrepreneur can actually assess the passenger profile and start ventures.

Every project initially faces such starting troubles. Inertia is main reason for public and unions. Any TV Reports, every one is happy with VMH, be it the security it has to offer, be it hygiene. Then there is no point in sticking with old stand to save a few sari shops or stationery units in KSRTC Bus stand.

I know KSRTC and VMH are two different entities, and ego clashes between the departments may have a role to play, but it is precisely to solve such issues of coordination that we have the District Admin / RTO / Transport Department / Transport Minister/ local MLAs / Corporation / and a plethora of other entities or departments.

Here the problem is that a few unions and a Minister is trying to hijack the project when several others are trying to improve the city's traffic scenario. So it surely requires a political willpower to deal such hijackers common to any new project.....

If we give in saying "things will improve in due course of time," the authorities concerned will get away with such irresponsibilities and the ultimate sufferers will be the common man.

The public is suffering because of uncertainty of schedules, poor information due to coordination of KSRTC with VMH authorities or lack of circular services..... Its not lack of Chayakada in heart of Kerala's largest junction or other silly excuses that makes people suffer.

Dr Beena's suggestion to route busses terminating at Ernakulam KSRTC Station to pass via VMH is a good suggestion to end the impasse by the way.

Thats a good suggestion for time being. Once more facilities set up, no long distance buses must be allowed inside city core, including private buses. Maybe, in long run, we need to redesign Kaloor and current KSRTC bus stand to allow better inter-state/inter city buses.


What do you mean by this?

Well, I too was trying to say, people will have reason to complaints even if we recreate a Majestic or CMBT or Singapore Central Bus terminus recreate here..... Its not possible to silence everyone.....

Well KSRTC arguments are these

1. If moving to VMH, buses from south side will have to move to NH Byepass avoid West Kochi and Thoppumpady, which will cause enough hardships to them

Solution:- Let south side buses enter West Kochi-Thoppumpady, but instead of servicing to Thevera side, let KSRTC Buses exit to NH Byepass via W.Island South and Kundannoor. Increase more Thirukochi services to West Kochi, rather depending Long distance buses for locals to commute to city.

2. Circular buses at night will cause losses as people donot feel to travel from South to Vytilla. Instead they will go to Kaloor Bus stand and get private buses.

Solution:- Distance from South to Vytilla is less than distance to Kaloor. People in Edappaly/Palarivattom side will depend only Kaloor, whether KSRTC has service in Rajaji road or not, unless they are particular for KSRTC. So let particular one travels to Vytilla, rather Rajaji road.

Circular buses from 8:00 PM-6:00 AM need not be as constant at in morning time. Perhaps KSRTC can deploy AC and SLF buses from 8:00 AM to 7:00 AM from Nedumbassery-Palarivattom-CBD-Vytilla-Irupanam-SP/AP road-Airport

Night services from Airport is not there and there are enough passengers from Airport as most of international flights are at night as of now. So low passenger issues in CBD can be compensated. Since SLF and ordinary now has almost same charges, it can be solved. Low passengers at CBD can compensated if night buses from Airport charges a slightly higher rates like Rs 80 to CBD etc instead of regular charges.

3. Lack of food court and refuelling points in VMH

Steps taken already and will be ready in 2 weeks time. Increased security at VMH always attracts crowds here rather than unsafe KSRTC Bus stand.

4. User fee at VMH

KSRTC saves lot on fuel, hence a lower charge like User fee will be compensated. Maybe additional 50 paise can be charged for Long distance buses/night buses as night charges, can solve the issue

Can anyone please advice me in simple words about the real advantage to the majority passengers or to traffic,by re-routing the Ernakulam originated long distance buses through Vyttila ? Sorry, I cannot digest an essay. :)

Keep in mind, still Kadavanthra, South and North stations, MGRoad, Kacherippady, and Kaloor are the popular passenger hot spots in City.

Advantage for Inter-city buses

1. Vytilla is located in center a 4 laned Byepass road, which is outside the CBD limits and thus buses not require to snarl into City traffic once they cross South ROB or Edappally.....

2. City Core only for city traffic, reduced traffic from non-city based services

3. improvements of collections for City buses services, when catering CBD-Vytilla

4. Passengers get better amenities existing or soon to be, at VMH, one of Kerala's largest Public transit n travel management centers

5. Savings for buses in form of fuel wasted in congestion

Advantages of Inter-state buses

1. One Hub - One stop destination for all private and state RTC services. (I don't know whether VMH mandates transfer of Private services to VMH ), like CMBT-Chennai

2. Again increased savings from fuel and avoidance of traffic

3. Vytilla's geo-centric location helps to cater people from all regions of city equally.

Soon to be added advantages

1. Ferry stations under construction, which hopefully be opened by July or August 2012.... This means passengers from Eastern islands/places like Poonithara, Kakkanad, even from Thevera can reach hub via dedicated STWD Ferries

2. Central Bus terminus works to be commenced soon, hopefully to be completed by 2014. Increased floor space, better passenger amenities, shopping space, one stop transit and travel and easy for city transfers....

3. Central Parking station also part of the hub, where passengers can park cars and take public transport to go to anywhere in the city for shopping/business etc without cluttering for parking space here and there

4. By 2015, Metro will have stop in Vytilla Hub, again another multi-modal transport station

5. Efforts are underway to construct Vytilla Rail Station, to reduce traffic at EKM South and North, which means from Station to Hub, passengers can move via Skywalks and transit.

--------------------------------------------------------

Well, hotspots are decided on current traffic basis. It can be changed by planning too. Once upon a time, Mattancherry was the hotspot of Kochi's traffic. So there was no point in saying for status quo.

Yes, One hub alone may not help. Perhaps, we also require development of another Hub for North Bound and another for North-West bound......

As of now, our focus should be development of Vytilla Hub as center for travel and transit.

Let south side buses enter West Kochi-Thoppumpady, but instead of servicing to Thevera side, let KSRTC Buses exit to NH Byepass via W.Island South and Kundannoor. Increase more Thirukochi services to West Kochi, rather depending Long distance buses for locals to commute to city.

Yesterday's Metro Manorama had a similar proposal, but using the SA Road and turning at Pallimukku to proceed to Willingdon island instead of the Kundanoor bridge. This route has the added advantage of catering to the city center also. Pallimukku is after all more approachable than the KSRTC station itself.

I believe this proposal will be a win-win solution for all parties.
1. All busses will touch VMH
2. KSRTC can cater to West Kochi and city based passengers without having the burden of running extra busses.
3. Since only night time busses will be diverted this way, it wont add to the congestion, and this route will avoid the under reconstruction North ROB
4. It will still be a "snake-route" compared to the direct Vytilla-Arur route but will result only in about 15 minutes of extra time compared to the 45-60 minutes lost in the old route during day-time. In any case, KSRTC cannot go solely by fuel and time considerations alone. Connectivity to different places is also an important factor, and West Kochi is not the only place where KSRTC takes a circuitous route.

Circular buses from 8:00 PM-6:00 AM need not be as constant at in morning time. Perhaps KSRTC can deploy AC and SLF buses from 8:00 AM to 7:00 AM from Nedumbassery-Palarivattom-CBD-Vytilla-Irupanam-SP/AP road-Airport

Night services from Airport is not there and there are enough passengers from Airport as most of international flights are at night as of now. So low passenger issues in CBD can be compensated. Since SLF and ordinary now has almost same charges, it can be solved. Low passengers at CBD can compensated if night buses from Airport charges a slightly higher rates like Rs 80 to CBD etc instead of regular charges.


Additional busses from VHM is another valid alternative to the problem, and both the approaches (routing via West Kochi-city center and feeder busses from VMH) have their pros and cons. Eventually feeder busses from various parts of the city connecting VMH is the way to go, but considering the present ground level situations, we cannot say one approach is definitely superior or better than the other.

If feeder busses are the solution, my take on the routes are:
1. Nedumbassery - Alwaye RS - Edapally- VMH - SA Road -Pallimukku - Gammon bridge - Eda Kochi & Arur (50% of busses) / Fort Kochi (other 50% of the busses)
2. Nedumbassery - Alwaye RS - Kalamassery - Seaport Airport Road - Tripunithura - Pettah - VHM - SA Road - Pallimukku - Eda Kochi & Arur/Fort Kochi

3. Vytilla - Ernakulam - Vytilla circular to provide connectivity to North and Kaloor (only if needed - routes 1 and 2 would suffice in my opinion)


In this context I would also like to share that way back in 2001 when I was associated with CIAL I had made a suggestion to reroute at least some of the KSRTC busses in the Kochi-Trichur route via CIAL (Athani - Airport Road - CIAL - Nayathodu - Angamaly). Various complexities and pressures (taxi operators and others) however resisted public transportation from the airport to the city.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/24102011/24102011-md-ek-17/31714218.JPG

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/24102011/24102011-md-ek-18/31732718.JPG

Yesterday's Metro Manorama had a similar proposal, but using the SA Road and turning at Pallimukku to proceed to Willingdon island instead of the Kundanoor bridge. This route has the added advantage of catering to the city center also. Pallimukku is after all more approachable than the KSRTC station itself.

Well, Pallimukku again city center and then it bring back all the woes. We all know the snail traffic congestion happening at Venduthurthy Bridge, in peak hours and how much fuel is simply wasted by KSRTC, when there are N number of city services connecting Pallimukku with Fort Kochi via Island.... We must remember, when most of buses and other vehicles are wasting hours at Venduruthy bridge, a parallel bridge is simply wasted without much traffic. Atleast KSRTC buses and four wheel private vehicles must be diverted to that side... Perhaps once Vrikant Bridge opens, may be there might be some relief to traffic. But still, there is no point in bringing Non city buses to CBD....


If feeder busses are the solution, my take on the routes are:
1. Nedumbassery - Alwaye RS - Edapally- VMH - SA Road -Pallimukku - Gammon bridge - Eda Kochi & Arur (50% of busses) / Fort Kochi (other 50% of the busses)
2. Nedumbassery - Alwaye RS - Kalamassery - Seaport Airport Road - Tripunithura - Pettah - VHM - SA Road - Pallimukku - Eda Kochi & Arur/Fort Kochi

Thats a wonderful suggestion, considering the fact, these routes are to be operated by City buses, not long distance services..... It will improve night traffic connectivity as well as provide good circular services...... The policy should be city buses for city and non city buses outskirts of city........

In this context I would also like to share that way back in 2001 when I was associated with CIAL I had made a suggestion to reroute at least some of the KSRTC busses in the Kochi-Trichur route via CIAL (Athani - Airport Road - CIAL - Nayathodu - Angamaly). Various complexities and pressures (taxi operators and others) however resisted public transportation from the airport to the city.

I feel, they have/in process of sorting it out the issues.... Now several city buses operate from Morning till evening. If we look, in international sector, there are little passengers who come out, will take a cab and move, unless he is alone..... Even in that case, most of them now catch an auto and proceed to Aluva.....

Then there is a segment who catches a cab, irrespective bus is there or not. CIAL too understood this point well and now they fear these things will be reflected in the annual ASQ..... With rail connectivity and probably metro line, the cab owners have to adjust to new conditions. So night buses won't be an issue, when they finds okay with same buses in morning times, despite of the fact, morning times are patronized by Domestic passengers who are more likey to get a cab than Malayalee expats in International sector.

Now a days, Mathrubhumi and Manorama are literally crusading for VMH.... Happy to see the media and Kochi's lobby's intervention has forced a defiant transport minister before meeting tables......

Good to see this change
:cheers:

Well, Pallimukku again city center and then it bring back all the woes. We all know the snail traffic congestion happening at Venduthurthy Bridge, in peak hours and how much fuel is simply wasted by KSRTC, when there are N number of city services connecting Pallimukku with Fort Kochi via Island....

We just need more buses thru Aroor-Thoppumpady-CBD. Let all othe long distance buses go via VMH. Passenger who intend to go to places like palluruthuy and thoppumpady can get down @ Aroor and take these buses.


We must remember, when most of buses and other vehicles are wasting hours at Venduruthy bridge, a parallel bridge is simply wasted without much traffic. Atleast KSRTC buses and four wheel private vehicles must be diverted to that side...

This has been the problem with Kochi. Some roads are very congested..Some are like empty streches for Racing. Atleast some of buses bound for Aluva and Angamali should be routed thru this route. Right now only some of the JNURM AC Volvo's take this route .More Private buses should be re-routed.

Perhaps once Vrikant Bridge opens, may be there might be some relief to traffic. But still, there is no point in bringing Non city buses to CBD....


This is the entry point to CBD.Strange that they have built a 2 Lane bridge .

We just need more buses thru Aroor-Thoppumpady-CBD. Let all othe long distance buses go via VMH. Passenger who intend to go to places like palluruthuy and thoppumpady can get down @ Aroor and take these buses.

As long as Aroor donot have a bus station or atleast a proper bus shelter we cannot think of Aroor becoming a transit point. Yes its true, Aroor is the Southern Gateway to Kochi U/A and hence in future a proper bus terminal must be developed...... To solve the crisis of West Kochi transportation, more Thirukochi and city buses must ply. Its so strange in Kochi, that Thirukochi buses ply to Goshree Islands, which is supposed NOT TO BE PART OF COCHIN CORPORATION-1962 limits, while the same Thirukochi not running in West Kochi, which was part of 1962 Cochin Corporation.

I am not saying, there is no need of Thirukochi services to Goshree. In today's context, its well part of City as equal as West Kochi and city buses must ply in both directions, instead of forcing West Kochi passengers to adopt Superfast and Long distance buses for their intra-city travel.


This is the entry point to CBD.Strange that they have built a 2 Lane bridge .

I am not sure.... But what I understand is that, once Vikrant is opened for traffic, works will be undertaken to strengthen and restore current Venduruthy bridge, so that in future we have a 4 lane Venduthurthy Bridges.

The same concept was used when Marthanda Varma Bridge in Aluva was done, when bridge was opened......

In future, even the Parallel Bridge in W.Island south will have to be relaned to 4 lane with construction of another bridge, after FTWZ is opened..... You cannot expect every single mega containers to be moved via Vikrant/Venduthurthy in heart of CBD......

MI, you don't need a bus station at Aroor or Edapally. those are 'turn-around' points. all you need is a bus shelter there.

I am surprised that the media is not raising the simplest solution, which is running city buses at a lower frequency from Aroor-Edpally all through the night. It serves ALL arguments against the long distance buses going to VMH

Well, Pallimukku again city center and then it bring back all the woes. We all know the snail traffic congestion happening at Venduthurthy Bridge, in peak hours and how much fuel is simply wasted by KSRTC, when there are N number of city services connecting Pallimukku with Fort Kochi via Island....


The suggestion is only to re-route night busses, not day time busses. So the issue of adding to the congestion does not arise.

We must remember, when most of buses and other vehicles are wasting hours at Venduruthy bridge, a parallel bridge is simply wasted without much traffic.


Firstly, busses do not waste hours at Venduruthy bridge. Chances are they will waste more time at Kundanoor Jn alone then what they waste at Venduruthy bridge..... and even the few minutes they waste will be over with the commissioning of the Vikrant bridge.

Secondly, Kundanoor-Thevara-Willingdon Island is by no means underutilized. The container traffic alone makes it a highly dense route, leave alone the many vehicles from West Kochi that use this route to get into the Bye Pass. In fact the traffic is so heavy that a parallel bridge is justified to covert to route into a 4 lane one.

A few city busses do connect Vytilla and West Kochi using this route now, and more such busses may be introduced. But diverting city busses through this route, even if the destination is Alwaye is foolhardy as end-to-end passengers are few. Most of the people get down at various points in the city and virtually an entire new crowd gets in and proceeds to Alwaye.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/25102011/25102011-md-ek-3/31642375.JPG

Finally some effect is seen in KSRTC, after media gave a shock to them....

A special meeting under leadership of Transport Minister Shivakumar will be held on 31st of this month. This is done as part of medidation attempts of Minister K Babu to resolve the stand-off between KSRTC and VMH.

Meanwhile Residents Associations strongly came out with support to VMH and night services from there. A meeting with various Residents association and other officials is planned on November 3rd at Collector's Camp Office to discuss the various strategies based on Oct 31st meeting decisions.

Meanwhile Residents Associations strongly came out with support to VMH and night services from there. A meeting with various Residents association and other officials is planned on November 3rd at Collector's Camp Office to discuss the various strategies based on Oct 31st meeting decisions.

Read the news... Residential associations are demanding buses should enter Vyttila Stand as well as KSRTC station. !!!! :ohno: Tuglaks !!

I think it is an uber-stoopid idea to route the buses to BOTH VMH and the bus stand. Are all these guys out of their darned minds?

The issue is being subverted into the problem of "Buses getting into VMH", from the more important "Buses going via bypass". And people are proposing to ADD 5 extra kilometres to the already long snake-route.

No Way.., repeat No Way.. we should allow such lunacy to continue the illusion of providing service to west kochi. City services should be provided to West Kochi, not at the disadvantage of the long distance passengers.

The bottom line should be West Kochi continuing to get the privilege of having night time bus service. They should not demand that it must be provided by the long distance buses.

Well Metro Manorama has an interesting article about night circular buses, which they propose as a plan. I feel its very geninue and good. Can somebody post it here.... My current PC donot have Print Screen option... Thats why....

^^

Here it is, please do the translation MI, as i'm lil bc :)

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/7183/jellyfishi.jpg

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/6027/circularbusmapkochi.png

Manorama suggests two circular bus routes, based on a colour code, as Blue-line and Redline, as marked in this translated Map.

Manorama proposes two routes from night 9.00 PM to morning 4:00 AM. As per the proposal, a set of 8 buses can be used from night 9:00 pm-12:00 midnight and 4 set of buses from 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am.

This will help night travellers to commute within city and ensure connectivity.

That is a good proposal.

I will support any proposal that would ensure that all long distance buses go via bypass. I live in a place where bus service end at 9:00pm (or earlier), so ANY night service proposal would be a good proposal to me :)

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4485/3226125.jpg

Well, as part of resolving disputes between KSRTC and VMH, a meeting has been called by Transport Minister on Oct 31st for discussing various proposals. VMH's one of strong proposal is either allow all buses to pass in both places, the main bus station and VMH or divert 50% of bus from KSRTC and remaining from VMH.

Well the main concern is a few officials and unions are damn against using VMH at night and hijacked the proposal right from day one.

Its under this scenairo the discussions are happening.

While the main suggestions

1. Allow all buses to go via both Central Station and VMH

Under this, buses from Northern parts, enter the city via Edapally Byepass, enter into Hub and further proceed to Central Bus station via SA Road, MG Road and from there proceed to West Kochi via MG Road itself

Bus from south enter first Bus station and from there proceed to VMH via SA Road and from VMH it will go south via Byepass.

However the concern is the bus will ignore Palarivatom-Edapally-Kaloor side completely and if to cater them, it will create more distance to run

2. Allow half buses to run only to Bus stand and remaining half to VMH

In such case, people will get confused which bus goes where and ends up in public anger, which is the main arguement of KSRTC.

---------------------

In meantime, KSRTC General Manager ruled out any night service/circular buses for the city. It seems its part of lobbies against Kochi and its growth....

While Dr. Beena, the MD of VMH said she has taken into consideration what Mathrubhumi and Manorama suggested to her as route proposals and will present the case as alternate proposals.

------------------------------

The best thing is to remove the useless MD at helm and making someone strong and powerful like Beena or IG Sen or Siby Mathew at Helm who is capable to deciding based on today's and tommorrow's growth, rather than interests for few Sari shops and tea stalls!!!!

It is time to buy a tonne of Santhosh Brahmi (ayurvedic brain stimulant) and give to these morons!!

EVERY bus that go via bypass is saving 16 running kilometres. That saving is more than enough means to run circular city buses. Still KSRTC is claiming it is facing losses!!

KSRTC have hundreds of buses lying around during nights. Still they claim that buses are not availlable to run the night services!!

Every bus that go via bypass is saving at least half hour staff time. Still, KSRTC is claiming that there is no staff!!

And the GM claims that he is concerned about passenger convenience. Taking every long distance passengers via the city, losing more than half an hour is very convenient according to the GM!!

No wonder the White Elephant is dying!!

^^ Well said.

The issue here is not lossing passenger's . Once VMH becomes fully operational for KSRTC , passengers would obviously come (Allathe ellavarum train pidichu pokathilla).

KSRTC is more worried abt the traders in the station :bash:.

It is 9 Km difference not 16. But sure it is not half an hour, a passenger can save at least one hour in peak time if the bus passes through Vyttila, IF and only IF he is a pass through passenger . And most of the passengers are NOT.

Most of the buses have a 12 hrs schedule,365 days, so they need rest and maintenance. And most of the drivers and conductors need enough rest after 4-5 continuous duties. And None of the pass though buses and its employers belongs to EKM depot, so they need new buses and new employees for running circular buses. Am I right????

If a long distance passenger has to ride in the red crap city buses for half an hour to reach his hotel/office/business/market/Railway with all his luggage and belongings and without having a seat, I don’t think it will be convenient for him. Does it to anyone?

My Conclusion: Since, Vyttila is congested and less connected to suburbs, Vyttila re-routing of long distance buses will be worth only for pass through passengers. So, ONLY the pass through buses can be re-routed.



EVERY bus that go via bypass is saving 16 running kilometres. That saving is more than enough means to run circular city buses. Still KSRTC is claiming it is facing losses!!

KSRTC have hundreds of buses lying around during nights. Still they claim that buses are not availlable to run the night services!!

Every bus that go via bypass is saving at least half hour staff time. Still, KSRTC is claiming that there is no staff!!

And the GM claims that he is concerned about passenger convenience. Taking every long distance passengers via the city, losing more than half an hour is very convenient according to the GM!!

No wonder the White Elephant is dying!!

RKPV, Google Maps tell me the distance between Edapally And Aroor via the bus route is around 34km, and via bypass it is 18km. Hence the 16km number.

I am demanding only pass through buses use bypass, and not go via the city. The buses terminating at Ernakulam can still be operated from the current KSRTC stand.


If a long distance passenger has to ride in the red crap city buses for half an hour to reach his hotel/office/business/market/Railway with all his luggage and belongings and without having a seat, I don’t think it will be convenient for him. Does it to anyone?

So, do you mean to say that the buses drop the passengers right at the hotel/business? They will have to take local transportation anyway. So, what is the bigg deal?

We are talking about just 8 buses running during night. Please don't tell me that all the buses are so tightly being used, that you can't allocate 8 buses. Also, I am not asking the staff from other units to operate the city buses. The point is there will be net reduction in staff utilization, which could be used for the additional services.

Please check google maps , it is 22.5 kms + 1 km for KSRTC Stand. And through bypass it is 17kms.


So, do you mean to say that the buses drop the passengers right at the hotel/business?

Is that practically possible? If possible we should. Or at least we can do as much as possible. That is more meaningful to the term 'convenience', I feel. :)


We are talking about just 8 buses running during night. Please don't tell me that all the buses are so tightly being used, that you can't allocate 8 buses. Also, I am not asking the staff from other units to operate the city buses. The point is there will be net reduction in staff utilization, which could be used for the additional services.

8 circular buses in extisting Vyttila - City -Vyttila , not going to answer all the questions. Vyttila should have good connectivity to all the suburbs ( Even city -Kaloor/MGRoad - does not have that much connectivity in night time !)

We are talking about just 8 buses running during night. Please don't tell me that all the buses are so tightly being used, that you can't allocate 8 buses. Also, I am not asking the staff from other units to operate the city buses. The point is there will be net reduction in staff utilization, which could be used for the additional services.

One additional issue is that KSRTC being KSRTC, you can be rest assured that any night city services would soon become erratic and unreliable, and all the eight busses will end up running as a convoy, benefiting no one.

In an ideal world, long distance busses touching VMH and feeder busses serving different parts of the city round the clock makes sense, but the ground realities are far from ideal, and this makes re-routing services to touch both VHM and Central station as the only workable solution, at least for the time being. (I would prefer these busses to turn from Medical Trust Jn without going all the way to the central station though - that will take off about 4 kms from the long route).

On a related note, Kochi is not the only place where long distance busses enter the city rather than use the byepass. For example, busses passing through Trichur follow a equally long snake route to touch the central station rather than halt at Mannuthy to let off and take in Trichur based passengers.

Again, it is true many cities (such as Chennai, Madurai etc) have build central bus stations nearer to the highway and outside the city core, but other cities (such as Coimbatore, Bangalore) continue to develop their bus stations in the heart of the city. My point is, VMH has its uses (just as the various satellite bus stands at Bangalore have their uses) but it is not advisable to insist that all busses should base from here; at least now.

In future, after Vytilla gets flyovers, public transport in the city improve (with hopefully a SPV launched to run JNURM busses) to ensure reliable night time services, the metro taking concrete shape and other developments, VMH can indeed become the main hub for bus operations in Kochi.

I feel the current problems can be solved only if an SPV is formed, not just to handle buses alone, but it should intergrated transport services for the city, just like how RTA works for Dubai City.... Even Metro can come under it.

Only then, multi-modal transportation works out and issues between multiple agencies be sorted out. Else it will continue forever. If we settle KSRTC-VMH, the next big crisis is going to come in form of State Water Transport Corporation and Kochi City Corporation sponsored CATS..... Imagine, they are going to launch water metro without any coordination with bus timings and in future metro timings....

Things will go erratic. As Sir said, KSRTC is highly unreliable organization. It will end up like a convoy if not done properly. A joint company with Govt, Cochin Cochin Corporation, KSRTC, STWD, KTDC and even public like in CIAL's model will be helpful to solve the transport crisis forever.....

My campaign for cost comparison of running the buses via bypass has found some traction. Today's Manorama picked it up with the numbers.

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2011/10/28/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2011_10_28_F_MT_021/1152_2056_1906_2870.jpg

Night buses via hub: No extra expenses.
It shows that moving the long distance buses via the hub will in fact be profitable to KSRTC.

Now a days we had enough pulp fiction in some local city pages.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/29102011/29102011-md-ek-2/14519734.JPG

KSRTC passengers going to have a Kochi Darshan Sightseeing, due to its stubborn stand of not using VMH at night

From Thursday onwards, no vehicles have been allowed to use North ROB from midnight onwards, due to full scale work going on there. Since works of Chitoor road and other side roads are progressing at night, buses are also not allowed to use Pullepady ROB too. As a result, buses coming from Northern sides, need to take diversion from Kaloor to reach Kadavanthara and need to travel to Bus station via South and MG Road. The same process gets repeated, increasing the number of KM to be run and causing much anger by public against KSRTC to making them tour around the city due to their stubbornness.

Whereas only half of the existing KMs to be run required, if instead of Station, Hub is used.... This matter will be highlighted in the meeting soon...

From Thursday onwards, no vehicles have been allowed to use North ROB from midnight onwards, due to full scale work going on there.

AFAIK, the restriction was only for Thursday night to move machinery, and not Thursday onwards. It makes no sense to block the North ROB completely. The present works have nothing to do with the main bridge, and does not require access to the bridge either.

Since works of Chitoor road and other side roads are progressing at night, buses are also not allowed to use Pullepady ROB too.

If the narrow and obstacle laden approach roads to the Pulleppady ROB that cannot even accommodate two and three wheeler traffic (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/pullepady-rob-a-headache-for-commuters/197268-60-122.html) leave alone bus services were touted as the reason, the report would have been credible. Instead it is now nothing more than pulp-fiction.

1. The works on Chittoor Road (Kacheripady - KSRTC stretch) and the side roads have already been completed long ago
2. Even when busses come via North ROB the same Chittoor Road is used. Rather, if Pulleppady ROB is used, the busses can enter the KSRTC station straight via CP Ummer Road without going anywhere near Chittoor Road!

The same process gets repeated, increasing the number of KM to be run and causing much anger by public against KSRTC to making them tour around the city due to their stubbornness.


1. The same process does not get repeated since busses go to /come from West Kochi

2. The "much anger by public against KSRTC" is relative, depending on the person. Someone traveling from say Trichur to Trivandrum will have a reason to be angry, but for a good number of people staying in Kochi (people staying at Kaloor, Ernakulam City, North Kochi (Pachalam-Vadathala-Chittoor), Goshree Islands, West Kochi etc), the much anger will come if KSRTC shifts to VMH without touching the present route.

Considering that the Bye Pass VMH route is a "new" privilege, it cannot be offered by snatching away the privilege enjoyed by others. That will only serve to exemplify the adage "Robbing Peter to pay Paul." Only after fool-proof arrangements to ensure people on the existing route get their due can the new privilege be introduced.

How many people actually use this 'privilege'? Very few, as per a sample survey done by Manorama.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/30102011/30102011-md-ek-3/5594662.JPG

CM Ommen Chandy is intervening into the KSRTC-VMH Tussle, after realization the gravity of the incident. The meeting called by Transport Minister Shivakumar tomorrow is now postponed to Wednesday to allow CM to head the meeting and sort out the differences.

Since KSRTC and the department is sticking to its stubborness, there was an active pressure from Public seeking for CM's intervention. District Collector Sheikh Pareek, Ministers Babu, Ibrahimkunju, MLAs like Benny Behanan, Dominic, Hibi Eden, Mobility Hub MD Beena and Mayor Chammany will attend the meeting.

Well, the standoff between VMH-KSRTC may turn into a blessing in disguise, with now cries for Unified Transport Authority being raised. Perhaps, if the momentum is kept, Kochi will have its own Dubai kind of RTA for the city

The Vytilla Mobility Hub Society must ideally be the sole custodian vested with powers to coordinate and strengthen public transport in Kochi, the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) has said.

By making it a single-point window for streamlining the bus, auto-rickshaw, ferry, railway and the proposed metro-rail system, it would function as a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) for Kochi.

The Authority would coordinate with transportation stakeholders like the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, associations of private bus owners and workers, auto rickshaw unions, agencies which operate boats, the Railways and the Kochi Metro Rail Limited. It would also liaison with the traffic police and the Motor Vehicles Department, the CPPR said.

Though all transportation and rule-enforcement stake holders would be represented at the Authority's meetings, the Mobility Hub Society would have the power to decide on the routes through which the buses and boats would ply. In the absence of such a coordinating agency, there is mismatch between the operations of different modes of transport, to the detriment of commuters.

The Vytilla bus terminal cum mobility hub was envisaged as a hub for inter-modal transport – a place where commuters could chose their mode of travel, be it buses, autos, metro-rail, boats or trains, the CPPR said.

Once the Mobility Hub Society is vested with powers of the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority, officials of different departments would not have to rush to Thiruvananthapuram every now and then to redress transportation and traffic problems encountering the city.

The city will have a comprehensive transport plan too.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2584075.ece

The Vytilla Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) has informed that Chief Minister, Oomen Chandy will convene a meeting to end impasse over operating Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) services through the terminal on round-the-clock basis.

The Chief Minister will hold discussions with Minister for Transport, V S Shivakumar and other senior officials from KSRTC and VMHS at Thrivananthapuram on Wednesday. "It is brought to the attention of the ministers the importance of the hub in easing traffic congestion in the city, particularly in the wake of dismantling the North Railway Overbridge," said Dr M Beena, Managing Director, VMHS.

KSRTC has refused to re-direct buses through the hub after 8 pm stating that it would isolate the city and cause inconvenience to passengers. Though the idea of operating additional feeder services connecting the city and terminal was mooted, the corporation maintained that they would consider the option depending on demand and passenger patronage.

KSRTC officials maintain that commuters to West Kochi, Ernakulam Town Railway Station and Ernakulam Junction Railway Station will be heavily affected by the change. "The commuters to Aroor, Edakochi and Thoppumpady areas will also find it difficult if all the long distance KSRTC buses are made to operate through the Mobility Hub after 8 pm," said P L Jose, KSRTC, Ernakulam Zonal Officer.

For ensuring optimum utilisation of facilities at terminal, it was suggested to operate part of night services through the hub and the rest through the bus station at south. KSRTC has pointed the absence of garage and fuelling facilities at the hub as major reasons for refraining from operating services through the hub during night hours.

Currently long distance superfast and other high end services pass through Vytilla terminal between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm. Private buses which operate services to neighbouring states, Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation and Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation have expressed willingness to operate from the hub.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/CM-to-convene-meeting-to-resolve-impasse-at-Vytilla-Mobility-Hub/articleshow/10581301.cms

Mayor Speaks!

The Govt. has taken a favourable stand on KSRTC night service in Kochi city through Vyttila mobility hub. KSRTC is getting 100 new buses in the next 6 months,which will facilitate the night service.The Govt. has asked Vyttila mobility hub society MD,Transport secretary & KSRTC MD to report in a week,how best the present facilities in the mobility hub can be used for city service. In the meeting with Chief Minister Sri. Oommen Chandy, i made a suggestion to upgrade the Vyttila mobility hub society into Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority, which will take care of all means of transportation in the city including the metro rail.

Source: FB/Tony Chammany

Government with Public Opinion (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&programId=1079897624&contentId=10360556&district=Cochin&BV_ID=@@@)

കൊച്ചി: കൊച്ചിക്കു രാത്രികാല സിറ്റി സര്*ക്കുലര്* സര്*വീസ്, കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി ദീര്*ഘദൂര ബസുകള്* 24 മണിക്കൂറും വൈറ്റില മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് വഴി - കൊച്ചിയുടെ ആഗ്രഹങ്ങള്* സര്*ക്കാര്* അംഗീകരിച്ചു.

മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയുടെ അധ്യക്ഷതയില്* ചേര്*ന്ന ഉന്നതതല യോഗം രാത്രികാല സിറ്റി സര്*ക്കുലര്* സര്*വീസിനും കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി ബസുകള്* വൈറ്റില മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് വഴി തിരിച്ചുവിടാനും വേണ്ട ക്രമീകരണങ്ങളെക്കുറിച്ചു പഠിച്ച് റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് സമര്*പ്പിക്കാന്* മൂന്നംഗ സമിതിക്കു രൂപം നല്*കി. റിപ്പോര്*ട്ടിന്റെ അടിസ്ഥാനത്തില്* മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് 24 മണിക്കൂറും പ്രവര്*ത്തനസജ്ജമാക്കും.

ഗതാഗത സെക്രട്ടറി ജ്യോതിലാല്*, കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി എംഡി അലക്സാണ്ടര്* ലൂക്ക്, വൈറ്റില മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് എംഡി ഡോ. എം. ബീന എന്നിവരാണു സമിതി അംഗങ്ങള്*. ഒരാഴ്ചക്കകം റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് സമര്*പ്പിക്കും.

കൂടുതല്* ബസുകള്* ഇല്ലാത്തതിനാല്* രാത്രി സര്*വീസ് ആരംഭിക്കാന്* പ്രായോഗിക ക്ളേശങ്ങളുണ്ടെന്നു കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി വാദിച്ചെങ്കിലും മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി അംഗീകരിച്ചില്ല. എത്രയും വേഗം സിറ്റി സര്*വീസുകള്* ആരംഭിക്കാനും ദീര്*ഘദൂര ബസുകള്* മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് വഴി ഒാടിക്കാനും മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി നിര്*ദേശം നല്*കി. ഇതിനുള്ള പ്രായോഗിക നടപടികള്* സമര്*പ്പിക്കാനാണു സമിതിയോടു നിര്*ദേശിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത്.

ഇടപ്പള്ളി മുതല്* അരൂര്* വരെയുള്ള യാത്രക്കാര്*ക്കു യാത്രാ സൌകര്യം ഇല്ലാതാവുമെന്നതിനാലാണു രാത്രി ബസുകള്* വഴിതിരിച്ചു വിടുന്നതിനെ എതിര്*ക്കുന്നതെന്നു കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി യോഗത്തില്*
വാദിച്ചു. പ്ളാന്* ഫണ്ടില്* ഉള്*പ്പെടുത്തി പുതിയ ബസുകള്* വാങ്ങാന്* ബജറ്റില്* 14 കോടി രൂപ അനുവദിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടെന്നു കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി എംഡി പറഞ്ഞു. 100 പുതിയ ബസുകള്* വാങ്ങാന്* ആറു മാസം വേണ്ടിവരും. അതുവരെ നിലവിലുള്ള രീതിയില്* കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി ബസുകള്* സര്*വീസ് നടത്തേണ്ടിവരുമെന്ന് എംഡി പറഞ്ഞെങ്കിലും അതിനകം എന്തുചെയ്യാന്* കഴിയുമെന്നു മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി ആരാഞ്ഞു. മന്ത്രി കെ. ബാബുവിന്റെ നിര്*ദേശം അനുസരിച്ചാണ് ഇതിനു വേണ്ട ക്രമീകരണം പഠിക്കാന്* മൂന്നംഗ സമിതിയെ ചുമതലപ്പെടുത്തിയത്.

പശ്ചിമകൊച്ചിയിലെയും നഗരത്തിലെയും യാത്രക്കാര്*ക്കു പകരം സൌകര്യം ഏര്*പ്പെടുത്താതെ കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി യുടെ രാത്രി ബസുകള്* വൈറ്റില വഴി തിരിച്ചുവിടരുതെന്ന് എംഎല്*എ മാരായ ഡൊമിനിക് പ്രസന്റേഷനും ഹൈബി ഇൌഡനും വാദിച്ചു. എന്നാല്*, യോഗത്തിന്റെ പൊതു അഭിപ്രായം ദീര്*ഘദൂര ബസുകള്* വൈറ്റില വഴി പോകണമെന്നു തന്നെയായിരുന്നു.

രാത്രികാല സിറ്റി സര്*വീസ് ആരംഭിക്കുമ്പോള്* അതിന്റെ റൂട്ട് ഏതു വിധമായിരിക്കണമെന്നു കമ്മിറ്റി പരിശോധിക്കും. കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസിക്കു പുതിയ ബസുകള്* വന്ന ശേഷമേ പൂര്*ണ തോതിലുള്ള സിറ്റി നൈറ്റ് സര്*വീസ് ആരംഭിക്കാന്* സാധ്യതയുള്ളു. എന്നാല്*, അതിനു മുന്*പു തന്നെ ദീര്*ഘദൂര ബസുകള്* വൈറ്റില വഴി തിരിച്ചുവിട്ടേക്കും. മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ്ബിനെക്കുറിച്ചു ഹബ് സൊസൈറ്റി എംഡി ഡോ. ബീന യോഗത്തില്* വിശദീകരിച്ചു.

ഫോര്*ട്ടുകൊച്ചിയില്* നിന്ന് ആലപ്പുഴയ്ക്കു പുതിയ ബസ് സര്*വീസ് ആരംഭിക്കണമെന്നു ഡൊമിനിക് പ്രസന്റേഷന്* യോഗത്തില്* ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടു. എന്നാല്*, പുതിയ സര്*വീസുകള്* ആരംഭിക്കുന്നതു പ്രായോഗികമല്ലെന്നു മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി പറഞ്ഞു.
നഗരസഭയ്ക്കു ലഭിച്ച എസി ലോഫ്ലോര്* ബസുകളും സെമി ലോഫ്ലോര്* ബസുകളും നഗരത്തിനു പുറത്തേക്കാണ് സര്*വീസ് നടത്തുന്നതെന്നും ആ ബസുകള്* തിരിച്ചു വിളിച്ചു സിറ്റി സര്*വീസിന് ഉപയോഗിക്കണമെന്നും മേയര്* ടോണി ചമ്മണി ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടു. തിരു കൊച്ചി സര്*വീസുകള്* 70 ഉണ്ടായിരുന്നത് ഇപ്പോള്* കാണുന്നില്ലെന്നും മറ്റു ഡിപ്പോകളിലേക്കു അയച്ചെന്നും ടോണി പറഞ്ഞു. എന്നാല്*, സര്*വീസ് ആരംഭിച്ച ബസുകള്* തിരിച്ചുവിളിക്കുന്നതു യാത്രക്കാരുടെ പ്രതിഷേധത്തിനിടയാക്കുമെന്നു കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി എംഡി പറഞ്ഞു.

മന്ത്രിമാരായ കെ. ബാബു, വി.കെ. ഇബ്രാഹിംകുഞ്ഞ്, എസ്. ശിവകുമാര്*, മേയര്* ടോണി ചമ്മണി, എംഎല്*എമാരായ ബെന്നി ബഹനാന്*, ഡൊമിനിക് പ്രസന്റേഷന്*, ഹൈബി ഇൌഡന്*, ലൂഡി ലൂയിസ്, കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി എംഡി അലക്സാണ്ടര്* ലൂക്ക്, ട്രാന്*സ്പോര്*ട്ട് സെക്രട്ടറി ജ്യോതിലാല്*, മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് എംഡി ഡോ. എം. ബീന, ആര്*ടിഒ സി.ജി. തോമസ്, കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥര്* തുടങ്ങിയവര്* യോഗത്തില്* പങ്കെടുത്തു.


Three member committee formed to recommend the arrangements to move long distance buses to VMH.

Metropolitan Transport Authority for Kochi (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&programId=1079897624&contentId=10360556&district=Cochin&BV_ID=@@@)

കൊച്ചി: വൈറ്റില മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് 24 മണിക്കൂറും പ്രവര്*ത്തന സജ്ജമാകുന്നതോടെ കേന്ദ്ര അര്*ബന്* ട്രാന്*സ്പോര്*ട്ട് പോളിസിയനുസരിച്ചു കൊച്ചിയിലും മെട്രോപ്പൊലിറ്റന്* ട്രാന്*സ്പോര്*ട്ട് അതോറിറ്റി രൂപീകരിക്കാനുള്ള സാധ്യത തെളിയുന്നു.

പത്തു ലക്ഷത്തിലേറെ ജനസംഖ്യയുള്ള നഗരങ്ങളുടെ പൊതു ഗതാഗതം ഏകോപിപ്പിക്കാന്* മെട്രോപ്പൊലിറ്റന്* ട്രാന്*സ്പോര്*ട്ട് അതോറിറ്റി വേണമെന്നതു കേന്ദ്ര സര്*ക്കാര്* നയമാണ്. കൊച്ചിയില്* റോഡ് ഗതാഗതം തന്നെ സ്വകാര്യ ബസുകളും കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസിയും കൂടിയാണു കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്യുന്നത്. ഇതിനു പുറമേ ജലഗതാഗതവും കൊച്ചിക്കു പ്രധാനമാണ്.

എല്ലാത്തരം ഗതാഗതവും ഏകോപിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഏക ഗതാഗത ഏജന്*സിയായി വൈറ്റില മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് സൊസൈറ്റിയെ വികസിപ്പിക്കാന്* കഴിയും. മെട്രോ റയില്*, റോഡ്, ജല ഗതാഗത സൌകര്യങ്ങള്* സംഗമിക്കുന്ന കേന്ദ്രം എന്ന നിലയില്* ഇത് ഏറെ പ്രസക്തമാണ്. മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് സൊസൈറ്റി മെട്രോപ്പൊലിറ്റന്* ട്രാന്*സ്പോര്*ട്ട് അതോറിറ്റി എന്ന നിലയിലേക്ക് ഉയര്*ത്തണമെന്നു മേയര്* ടോണി ചമ്മണി മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി വിളിച്ചുകൂട്ടിയ യോഗത്തില്* ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ടിരുന്നു.

കേരളത്തിനു പുറത്തുള്ള എല്ലാ വന്* നഗരങ്ങളിലും വിവിധ പൊതു ഗതാഗത സംവിധാനങ്ങള്* ഒരു ഏജന്*സിക്കു കീഴിലാണ്. ബസ് സര്*വീസ് സാധ്യമല്ലാത്തിടത്തേക്കു ബോട്ട് സര്*വീസ് നടത്താനും ഒാരോ ഗതാഗതമാര്*ഗത്തിന്റെയും തുടര്*ച്ചയായി മറ്റൊരു സംവിധാനം ഉറപ്പാക്കാനും വന്* നഗരങ്ങളിലേതു പോലെ ഏകീകൃത ടിക്കറ്റ് കൊണ്ടുവരാനും ഇതുവഴി കഴിയും. നഗരത്തിലെ ബസ് റൂട്ടുകള്* നിശ്ചയിക്കാനും നിയന്ത്രിക്കാനും അധികാരമുള്ള ഇൌ ഏജന്*സിക്കു നഗരത്തിലെ തിരക്കു പരിഗണിച്ചു സര്*വീസുകള്* ക്രമീകരിക്കാന്* കഴിയും. ഇപ്പോള്* തിരുവനന്തപുരത്തു നിന്നാണു കൊച്ചിയിലെ കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി ബസുകള്* സംബന്ധിച്ച തീരുമാനം വരേണ്ടത്.

കേന്ദ്ര നഗരനവീകരണ പദ്ധതിയില്* ലഭിച്ചിട്ടുള്ള എസി, നോണ്* എസി ലോ ഫ്ലോര്* ബസുകള്* മറ്റു നഗരങ്ങളില്* മെട്രോപ്പൊലിറ്റന്* ട്രാന്*സ്പോര്*ട്ട് അതോറിറ്റിയാണു നടത്തുന്നത്. തിരുവനന്തപുരത്തും കൊച്ചിയിലും ഇതിന്റെ നടത്തിപ്പു കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസിയെ ഏല്*പ്പിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണ്. കൊച്ചിയില്* മാത്രം 150 ബസുകളോളം ഇൌ വിഭാഗത്തില്* ലഭിച്ചിട്ടും രാത്രി സിറ്റി സര്*വീസ് നടത്താന്* ബസ് ഇല്ലെന്നാണു കെഎസ്ആര്*ടിസി പറയുന്നത്.

According to the central urban transport policy, cities with more than one million population needs a metropolitan transport authority to co-ordinate public transportation. Mayor Tony Chamminy has proposed to elevate VMH to the status of Metropolitan Transport Authority.

Currently, the decisions on the transportation are taken by KSRTC at the capital. The Metropolitan Transport Authority will be able to manage the bus routes as needed.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/3112011/3112011-md-ek-1/31932812.JPG

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/3112011/3112011-md-ek-2/31721859.JPG

A three-member sub committee comprising the transport secretary and managing directors of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and the Vytilla Mobility Hub has been asked to recommend interim measures to improve the functioning of the mobility hub till KSRTC was in a position to operate circular night services centered around the hub.

The decision came at a high level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday to iron out the problems borne out of the reluctance of KSRTC to operate circular night services through the hub. The sub-committee has been asked to submit the report within a week, said M. Beena, managing director of the Vytilla Mobility Hub.

She said that the meeting approved in principle to ensure the optimum utilization of the hub by operating all long distance buses through it.

Transport Minister V.S. Sivakumar said that KSRTC will operate feeder services from the hub to Western Kochi and other interior areas of the city and back. For this, KSRTC will buy 100 buses using the funds allocated in the budget.

KSRTC took the position that purchasing the buses and deploying it for circular services as demanded would take six months.

It was in this context that the sub-committee was entrusted with submitting a report on the possibilities for expanding the night time city services as an interim measure. A decision was taken to continue with the existing system till an interim arrangement is put in place.

Ministers K. Babu and V.K. Ibrahim Kunju, MLAs Dominic Presentation, Benny Behanan, and Hibi Eden, Mayor Tony Chammany, Transport Secretary Jyothilal, KSRTC CMD Alexander Luke and general manager G. Venugopal, and Ms. Beena were among those present.

The inability of KSRTC to operate circular night services had prevented the Vytilla Mobility Hub from operating to its full potential creating much furore.

At present, the long distance KSRTC buses are operating through the hub between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. only.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2593438.ece

You just need eight buses to run from 9:00pm to 6:00am, and KSRTC can't find them!!

What should we do when someone really pretends that they couldn't find their own buttocks with both hands and a flashlight!!

^^

All these issues are created for CITU. So its assured that this Govt. will favor the VMH! :)

You just need eight buses to run from 9:00pm to 6:00am, and KSRTC can't find them!!

What should we do when someone really pretends that they couldn't find their own buttocks with both hands and a flashlight!!

Well, the basic problem is KSRTC is not an effective professional body. Its like Air India, working with 100 vested interest groups, with 1000 objectives and 10000 goals, except people. One cannot expect any positive decision, even if You or me are the transport minister or KSRTC MD.

The only solution to this is creation of new Unified Transport Body for the city and the body itself takes over city transportation, leaving KSRTC to run Long distance services.....

and other interior areas of the city and back. For this, KSRTC will buy 100 buses using the funds allocated in the budget.


100 Buses for night services in the city!!!!????.. Enthinanavo?

100 Buses for night services in the city!!!!????.. Enthinanavo?

Thats mere time pushing excuses... The Minister is saying, within 6 months, 100 buses will be induced into the city and then feeder services to hub will be launched 24 hours.... So that Long distance buses need not go via West Kochi, rather use NH Byepass....

But these are all stupid excuses. Almost the entire 70 Thirukochi Buses and other buses are lying idle after 9:00 PM.... It can be used for this... But simply, some excuses

^^ Yes. Stupid excuses for an equaly stupid move.

I dont think those buses lying idle after 9.00 PM can move themselves without drivers. Those machine needs some humans to drive. And Those humans and machine needs care and basic facilities, like fuel/food, rest, leisure etc.

^^ I am from West Kochi..I dont think its a stupid move..

^^ Yes. Stupid excuses for an equaly stupid move.

I dont think those buses lying idle after 9.00 PM can move themselves without drivers. Those machine needs some humans to drive. And Those humans and machine needs care and basic facilities, like fuel/food, rest, leisure etc.

No body is asking 70 Thirukochi Buses, 60 A/c Buses and other buses to ply from night 9:00 PM to morning.

All is require is just 8 buses, 6 set of buses from 9:00 pm to 12 midnight and 4 sets from 12 midnight to 4 am.

Thats perfectly possible.....

^^ I am from West Kochi..I dont think its a stupid move..

I didn’t counted the problem of west kochi people. I really doubtful about the advantage to long run passengers who intend to reach city/starting from city. Only the pass through passengers and those who are living nearby By-pass will get beneficed with this move. Majority will lose for sure.

I didn’t counted the problem of west kochi people. I really doubtful about the advantage to long run passengers who intend to reach city/starting from city. Only the pass through passengers and those who are living nearby By-pass will get beneficed with this move. Majority will lose for sure.

Are you sure that most of the people using night services really want to go to city centre? How come you say the MAJORITY?? and are people supporting Vytilla stoppage low class. Why should preference be given to CBD alone, if proper night city services are implemented.

I didn’t counted the problem of west kochi people. I really doubtful about the advantage to long run passengers who intend to reach city/starting from city. Only the pass through passengers and those who are living nearby By-pass will get beneficed with this move. Majority will lose for sure.

Well, the question is why should long distance buses cater city traffic? For this you have city buses. Its like telling, Ernakulam-Bangalore Buses must cater people in Jayanagar, Indira Nagar and Whitefields in Bangalore. For that we have city buses.

The issue is since 1950s, the KSRTC have been ascustomed to using old NH which passes thro' West Kochi and CBD.... They are not ready to move to modern NH....

For people to West Kochi, there is no issue of running city buses Thirukochi or Orange buses as circular services, as envisioned by VMH. Thats how things work in every city.

Why should KSRTC, which normally worries for fuel, waste so much by travelling thro' old route, when they can save more than 16 kms od running distance travelling by NH Byepass.

We should first embrace a policy, City Buses for city, long distance buses from Inter-cities, not intracity.

First of all, only a feeble minority of passengers who get down at the current bus stand would be actually going to some place closer to the south region. Most would be going to other places, which would be equally accessible from the terminal at VMH, as from the stand. So, your argument of convenience of the passengers going into the city doesn't hold.

Passengers arriving (not departing, you see. Long distance Buses don't stop to pick up passengers) to west Kochi from other cities (not local pax, you see. People coming from Aluva, Cherthala or beyond) will have a bit of inconvenience of making a connection at VMH.

Is that such a bigg deal? How many passengers (who originated from another city) alight in the stretch between Aroor and Island during night? What is the % of those passengers to the through passengers? A feeble minority once again.

Your arguments do not stand RKPV.

^^ Instead of giving individual responses, let me clarify my conclusion . I feel some one here wrongly conclude me that I am arguing for West kochi, and escaped from answering other issues. But actually I have never supported that west kochi point anywhere in this thread. ( i reffered that too as 'stupid' point )

Night circular buses should be there, even if the re-routing happens or not. It will resolve the existing night traffic issues. And there are some other points

1. I cannot understand the logic behind, the argument to CLOSE DOWN the existing KSRTC stand and Jetty busstand. As Kochi is growing to a metro there should be more than one public transport terminals (or 'mobility hubs'-in a hyped manner),Vyttila should be ONE among them , not the ONLY centre. Kakkanad is another ideal place, Aluva and Thripunithura too. Bus traffic should be diverted according to passenger interest.

2. West Kochi is just another place in city like Elamakkara,Vallarpadam, or Kakkanad. Nothing special about West Kochi's demands, I feel, FP/SF/EX buses should take Vyttila- Kundanoor bypass to reach Aroor from existing KSRTC stand.

3. Vyttila is not Domlur. It cannot be developed as Majestic too. It is lacking years behind Domlur or Majestic in terms of Infra. What is the point in talking about Vyttila as the ONLY centre to intra/inter district services? It will make Vyttila traffic a real mess.

4. I haven't read anywhere in this thread about the real advantage by diverting the route to Vyttila, to one who is travelling to city/coming from city. I have read about the amount of fuel and kms can save by KSRTC, But KSRTC itself knows better than us, from where they are getting the MEJORITY passengers, and what will be the impact on their collection, extra expensses, wages, shortage of facilities, based on that they come to some decisions. I don’t think they are that kind of fools, they must have the fact and figures and better analytical skills on their business economics, Let us listen them at least for a while.
Re-routing is an advantage to pass though passengers, so ONLY those buses should.

In a KSRTC pass-through superfast the 'MEJORITY' is getting down somewhere in CBD, as CBD accommodates majority of floating population.

1. I cannot understand the logic behind, the argument to CLOSE DOWN the existing KSRTC stand and Jetty busstand. As Kochi is growing to a metro there should be more than one public transport terminals (or 'mobility hubs'-in a hyped manner),Vyttila should be ONE among them , not the ONLY centre. Kakkanad is another ideal place, Aluva and Thripunithura too. Bus traffic should be diverted according to passenger interest.

Vyttila is what we have. We don't have mobility hubs at other places.

The south/jetty KSRTC stands can not and should not serve as long distance bus terminals. Long distance bus terminals should move close to highways. Vyttila is where we have the facility.

I wouldn't mind services originating/terminating in the city to come to CBD, BTW, but they must also take a rational route, ie get to Vyttila and take bypass.


2. I feel, FP/SF/EX buses should take Vyttila- Kundanoor bypass to reach Aroor from existing KSRTC stand.

Agree, with the clarification that FP/SF/EX buses originating from Ernakulam should do that.


3. Vyttila is not Domlur. It cannot be developed as Majestic too. It is lacking years behind Domlur or Majestic in terms of Infra. What is the point in talking about Vyttila as the ONLY centre to intra/inter district services? It will make Vyttila traffic a real mess.

All it needs is an interchange (which we falsely call flyover). It will get built sooner or later. In any case, Vyttila is where we have a hub, so better use it.


4. I haven't read anywhere in this thread about the real advantage by diverting the route to Vyttila, to one who is travelling to city/coming from city.

There is no real advantage for the passengers travelling to/from city CBD. But there is huge advantage for the passengers passing through. Once again, the passengers passing through outnumbers the passengers to/from the city.

THEN, there is advantage for the OTHER users of the road, as the long distance buses move out of city roads.


I have read about the amount of fuel and kms can save by KSRTC, But KSRTC itself knows better than us, from where they are getting the MEJORITY passengers, and what will be the impact on their collection, extra expensses, wages, shortage of facilities, based on that they come to some decisions.

If that was the case, this big discussion wouldn't have happened. None of those are the real reason for KSRTC's opposition. It is the inertia, lobby by the shop owners and staff etc.

I challenge KSRTC to come up with numbers on this. I will let my school going son to 'polichadukkify' their arguments!! IF they had any substantial argument, we would have heard it by now. They have NONE!!


I don’t think they are that kind of fools, they must have the fact and figures and better analytical skills on their business economics, Let us listen them at least for a while.

Oh, they ain't no fools. They just have the wrong priorities, that's all. I would more than welcome them to come with facts and figures, other than statements like we are for passengers onlee.. The west kochi will lose onlee.. We don't have busses onlee....


In a KSRTC pass-through superfast the 'MEJORITY' is getting down somewhere in CBD, as CBD accommodates majority of floating population.
NOT True. Not at all.. Just check with autowalahs in front of the stand!!

Night circular buses should be there, even if the re-routing happens or not. It will resolve the existing night traffic issues. And there are some other points

1. I cannot understand the logic behind, the argument to CLOSE DOWN the existing KSRTC stand and Jetty busstand. As Kochi is growing to a metro there should be more than one public transport terminals (or 'mobility hubs'-in a hyped manner),Vyttila should be ONE among them , not the ONLY centre. Kakkanad is another ideal place, Aluva and Thripunithura too. Bus traffic should be diverted according to passenger interest.

Well, no one is saying to close down all bus stations and make VMH as sole hub.... VMH is just a nodal point where all buses meets, be it city buses and long distance buses. The other stations, say KSRTC CENTRAL, Park or upcoming Thevara etc must be city bus depots.

Tommorrow, more Mobility hubs are required, say one in Aroor, one in Athani or Nedumbassery, One in Paravur Side..... These all act as Hub and spoke methods....

City buses will ply on all hubs, while ideally all long distance buses must start/end at one main hub, from where passenger interchange for city services.

Some hubs of future, which I mentioned are logically interconnected, which means, a long distance after starting from one point can serve other hubs. Say a long distance catering Thrissur side, can start from VMH, proceed to NH 47 touching major hubs like Aluva, Athani/Angamally and move on. Another bus bound to Trivandrum side can touch Aroor hub and proceed, while a bus bound to Guruvayur/Ponnani etc can touch Paravur etc.

Kakkanad Hub can make sense, only if NH Bypass is moved out from current alignment and making SP/AP as NH Byepass, which would again take time..... Untill then, Kakkanad Hub could remain only as a city bus depot or those buses designated to Kakkanad itself.

3. Vyttila is not Domlur. It cannot be developed as Majestic too. It is lacking years behind Domlur or Majestic in terms of Infra. What is the point in talking about Vyttila as the ONLY centre to intra/inter district services? It will make Vyttila traffic a real mess.

Vytilla can be developed in that manner, provided an effective flyover and interchanges are planned properly. In current mode, yes its a disaster in making. But thats not the case. An interchange is planned and the current traffic is pressurizing for that. Secondly the Kochi Ring Road is planned via VMH. All these make it as primary Hub. But as I said, in a long run, one Hub model will not work, so we require multiple hubs and city buses ply inbetween.

For example, within a couple of years, Aroor side would be fully developed as part of city. So then there is no point in seeing a Trivandrum bound Bus starting from VMH. Such buses can start and end at Aroor Hub, while city buses or even Ferries from CBD will operate and fill the transit gap.

But we require one hub for Inter-state buses to commonly start/end the journey. In such case, VMH is ideally.

4. I haven't read anywhere in this thread about the real advantage by diverting the route to Vyttila, to one who is travelling to city/coming from city. I have read about the amount of fuel and kms can save by KSRTC, But KSRTC itself knows better than us, from where they are getting the MEJORITY passengers, and what will be the impact on their collection, extra expensses, wages, shortage of facilities, based on that they come to some decisions. I don’t think they are that kind of fools, they must have the fact and figures and better analytical skills on their business economics, Let us listen them at least for a while.

Well, no trial runs have been done to prove it scientifically that passenger patronage will be lost if moved to VMH. And if any now, its only because of confusion, as people donot know which bus goes to which side etc.... That would settle, once people are used to it.

The only major issue KSRTC is arguing is case of West Kochi. That part can be resolved by extending city services to that side, instead of plying regular buses. After all West Kochi is indeed part of City Corporation of 1962 limits, there is no need to show discrimination by not extending City's Thirukochi brand there.....

Secondly the issue of KSRTC's lack of food or rest room etc are now resolved with a food court going to open soon and several rest room for KSRTC's workers now opened. The issue of fuelling is under resolving, as VMH is in talks with IOC to open their fueling station. Garage is not a big issue, as existing garage is just 4 Km from VMH and Metro Corporation is constructing one such in Thevera side, which is also within 7 kms in radius. Or that could be discussed with VMH for a facility there....

No one would deny the best facilities available at VMH, in terms of passenger comfort and most important the security. VMH has more than 10 private security guards working around the clock, offering protection to all its passengers, which none of KSRTC stations in Kerala have..... Ofcourse, there is no sari shops or Lungi Kadas in VMH or those stinky leaking toilets or unhygienic restaurants selling paripuvadas under rat infested corridors or prostitutes walking here and there luring customers..... Wells thats all are some disadvantages ONLY for KSRTC.....

Re-routing is an advantage to pass though passengers, so ONLY those buses should. In a KSRTC pass-through superfast the 'MEJORITY' is getting down somewhere in CBD, as CBD accommodates majority of floating population.

The concept of CBD is changing a lot. Even today Vytilla is emerging as CBD and with Metro works in full swing, the CBD will have to move to Vytilla side.... Whats then the point of making all people in discomfort with buses going to snail in just 2 lane MG Road with all kinds of works going on here and there....

This mentality has go.... Kochi CBD is no more a city sandwiched North/South ROBs and Arabian sea....

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9655/hub1.png
KSRTC started study on how many long distance buses could be routed via VMH. It is likely that the services with low collection will be routed via VMH while retaining the rest in the current route. The Transport Secretary has asked KSRTC to obtain information on such buses.

Talk about TORPEDO!! They want to retain the services with good collection, ie services with more through passengers, via the snake route, and move the low collection services via VMH!!

What exactly is the logic behind that? I know it is too much to expect LOGIC from these guys, but the Transport Secretary is an IAS officer, and it would take some capability in logic to pass the test, ain't it?

They are trying to move SOME services, maybe the political services like Mala-Kottarakkara to VMH and keep the 'good services' with the current route.

The ONLY reason I could see is EGO. Nothing else!!

^^

It could be that they are trying to find out which services have more patronage from Kaloor, Central Station, Pallimukku, Thoppumpady and Palluruthy, and planning to divert those services where no of pax passing through rather than alight/disembak at Kochi are more.

What exactly is the logic behind that? I know it is too much to expect LOGIC from these guys, but the Transport Secretary is an IAS officer, and it would take some capability in logic to pass the test, ain't it?

Just to add more confusion to general public. Its better to leave the things as it is now than implementing such a stupid method
"Please all, and you will please none"

The first sitting of the high-level committee formed to study the starting of more night services to the Vyttila mobility Hub will be held in Kochi in two days. It is learnt that the three member committee is planning to schedule trips in such a way that the long distance Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses will ply alternatively to Vyttila Mobility Hub and the Ernakulam bus stations respectively.

The committee is expected to finalise which buses coming from the Edappally side and Aroor side will be diverted to the Hub on an alternative basis.
Currently, long distance KSRTC buses enter the hub only between 8 am and 8 pm. Though the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society requested KSRTC authorities to shift their entire operations to the hub, KSRTC said that if its entire services were diverted to the hub, the passengers from West Kochi would suffer.

The Chief Minister who convened a meeting in this regard at Thiruvanathapuram the other day decided to constitute a three member committee comprising of KSRTC managing director, transport secretary and Vyttila Mobility Hub managing director to give a study report.

“The Committee will prepare a detailed report on the number of long distance buses that can be rerouted via Vyttila hub. The date of the sitting will be finalised after consulting the transport secretary,” said Vyttila Mobility Hub Society managing director M Beena. Meanwhile, the Eranakulam KSRTC depot hasn’t taken any steps towards rerouting of its services.

“We are waiting for the committee to submit its report. We will reschedule according to the instructions issued by the higher authorities,” said KSRTC zonal manager P L Jose.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/highlevel-committee-sitting-within-two-days/199502-60-122.html

What exactly is this "alternative" business?

It has all come down to the egos of the babus now. This bureaucratic dance is going to continue for several months.

Still Thrissur - Ernakulam Jetty KSRTC buses (Via Varappuzha Bridge, Kodungallur) using Palarivattom, Kaloor, Kacheripady route.

^^Guruvayoor - Eranakulam. In morning and Evening.
Once all the busses are moved to Vyttila stand , we would be in need of mini-busstands at pipeline jn and Edappaly. (Even a small shelter is not there now:ohno:)

So.... Any news on the finding of the committee proposed to solve the VMH - KSRTC tussle . Last time I heard they were given one week of time and now its already more than one week.... ?:ohno:

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/17112011/17112011-md-ek-2/23258875.JPG

The first meeting between VMH Chief Dr.Beena, KSRTC MD Alexender Luke and Transport Secretary Elagovan to meet on Saturday at Trivandrum.

^^
Mobility Hub to be functional 24x7
KOCHI: In two weeks’ time, the Vytilla Mobility Hub will be functional 24X7. The decision was taken by the special committee appointed by the government at a meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.

37 buses which ply in the Alappuzha-Kottayam route will have to operate through the hub after 8 pm. 32 buses which operate from West Kochi will ply through the hub between 8pm and 8 am as connecting services.

Two-weeks’ time has been allowed for the KSRTC to reschedule its services. The new arrangement will continue for 6 months, after which more buses will be procured for the purpose and decisions will be taken regarding allocation of more circular services. Though a proposal was made to convert it into a 24 hour affair, the KSRTC had refused it stating the lack of connecting services. The special three-member committee, comprises the KSRTC managing director, the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society managing director and the transport secretary.http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/mobility-hub-to-be-functional-24x7/335031.html

Fare-Stage to be introduced @ Vytilla
With Vytilla developing as the main transit point in Kochi, CM has approved fare-stage introduction there for Fast, Superfast and express buses. Currently there is no fare-stage between the 10km Tripunithura and Ernakulam.

http://i44.tinypic.com/2uxxym8.jpg

cc: Manorama

Fare-Stage to be introduced @ Vytilla :applause:

A punching system will be introduced in the Vyttila Mobilty Hub soon to make sure that the buses entering the facility are maintaining proper timings. The Hub Society will install a system using censors to track the timings of the entry and exit of the private buses. The system will be launched in the second phase development of the Vyttila Mobility Hub.

“At present there is no proper system in the hub to track whether the private buses are sticking on to the time limit. Instead of punching cabins, we are planning to install an advanced log-in system for the buses that enter the hub. An electronic card will be given to the buses which can be swiped at the time of entry and exit,” Vyttila Mobility Hub Society managing director M Beena said.

She said the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation would soon be allotted a counter for operating their buses from the hub. This will be the first inter-state service to begin from the hub. “The Karnataka RTC has already requested a separate counter in the hub to manage the buses to Karnataka. We will allot a separate counter for them at the hub soon. Apart from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu had also asked for a counter for them to operate their services,” Beena said.

Regarding complaints that the Vyttila-Vyttila circular bus service operators have been frequently violating the prescribed timing, Beena said she had already given instructions to the bus operators that such bunking should be avoided. “Earlier, when there was an uncertainty over KSRTC buses entering the hub during night, some private buses also started bunking services to the hub. However, now with KSRTC deciding to divert services through the hub during night, we should ensure proper connectivity to the hub. So we have instructed private bus owners to make sure that no such bunking happens,” she said
.
To a query related to the traffic bottlenecks at the Vyttila Junction, Beena said the issue would be sorted out after the construction of separate entry and exit points. “At present, there is only one entry to the hub. The system will change and soon there will be two exits from the hub, one to the Vyttila Junction and the other for buses going to the Tripunithura side,” she said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/punching-to-be-launched-at-hub/205589-60-122.html

Vytilla hub: phase II work soon


The second phase of development works at the Vytilla bus terminal-cum-mobility hub is all set to begin, with 18 firms responding to the pre-qualification bid.

The bids would be evaluated by KITCO, the project consultants. Seven firms had responded to the construction undertaken in the first phase. Currently, work is on to build a parking lot for 40 cars. Landscaping works too are underway. “Both works would be over by December end,” said M. Beena, the managing director of Vytilla Mobility Hub Society.

Punching machines

The society is also in touch with firms to obtain punching machines that would be used to record the time of buses entering the hub.

Counters to be opened

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Tamil Nadu-government owned buses would be permitted to open ticket counters in the terminal.

As for the entry of the KSRTC buses to the terminal at night, Ms. Beena said that most buses from eastern parts of the district have begun to call at the terminal after 8 p.m. Buses from northern parts too would do the same in another fortnight.

Meeting disrupted

In the meanwhile, a couple of people's representatives allegedly disrupted a meeting between Ms. Beena and representatives of residents' associations in progress at the Society's office on Friday, saying that attempts were being made to close down an eatery run by Kudumbasree workers so as to transfer the contract to a private firm.

Sources said that the Society had entrusted the Kudumbasree with running a nearby stall temporarily till the eatery was tendered.

Following Friday's incidents, it was decided that the Kudumbasree stall would sell only products manufactured by Kudumbasree self-help groups.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2667018.ece

http://www.kochivibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/vytilla-mobility-hub.jpg

http://www.kochivibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/vytilla-mobility-hub.jpg
^^ Disgusting to see lamps already going dead!

The VMH is a good example where a dedicated firm to handle bus stations can do a good job. There are enough teething troubles in the bus station - but they all can be ironed out in the coming days.

I for one would've loved to have common bays for KSRTC and Private buses, so that passengers get equal choice - now one has to decide whether to take a private bus or a government bus and stand accordingly. KSRTC should be asked to move all their services to VMH as well - may be except some services to serve Edakochi area, all other services should run from VMH.

For the Edakochi area too, I'd suggest running more Thirukochi buses on say Kaloor-Aroor or some such route.

I traveled from EKM to Kottayam by KSRTC a couple of days back - the bus was more or less empty from EKM Bus Station to VMH - it filled up as it reached VMH! This is a good example which shows that a single point for Private and KSRTC buses will help both operators equally.

Some snaps of VMH:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1ivAGPowdTk/TtJnSWRNIQI/AAAAAAAALSA/49kh3ZcjmGU/s640/IMG_0339.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eofuoPoxK88/Ts5cU1TgapI/AAAAAAAALCk/Wv9HWxj8wEM/s640/IMG_0291.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-po4tf42xdxw/Ts5cV9fmwaI/AAAAAAAALCo/c9REQk9ybWg/s640/IMG_0297.jpg

^^

Nice pics there Binai.

Expecting the 2nd phase of the project start soon. I must say that this terminal stands on par or even better than Bus Terminals here in Middle east.

List of buses to go through hub readied


The KSRTC's regional authorities have readied a list of 33 long-distance buses that would be diverted through the Vytilla mobility hub between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

The list has been sent to the agency's head office for approval. “The boards of these buses would clearly specify the route (through the hub or the conventional route via Thopumpady) through which the buses would ply,” said the RTC's zonal officer P.L. Jose.

The time schedule of the buses that would be routed through the hub is being rearranged since they would take less time through the NH bypass.

On the demand to introduce night bus services within the city, sources in the RTC said that this would be introduced once Kochi gets 100 more Thirukochi city buseshttp://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2683228.ece

beautiful facility. should be an example for the rest of the country

Hub introduces new facilities for KSRTC
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has geared up to conduct full-fledged operations from the Vyttila Mobility Hub. The hub has set up separate facilities for the KSRTC, which include office space and restrooms. The Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) has also resolved the issue of having a restaurant by setting up a food court.

"We have addressed the primary concerns of the transport corporation. They had earlier indicated lack of facilities for staff as a major reason for not being able to divert buses through the hub," M Beena, managing director of VMHS, said on Monday. The hub will have a separate counter for the Regional Transport Office.

Welcoming the additional changes, the KSRTC officials said the services of a station master and controlling officer would be provided at the hub during night hours.

"We have written to the headquarters seeking permission to utilize the new facilities. But, we will shift operations after the formal inauguration," P L Jose, zonal officer of KSRTC, said.

Regarding the 33 buses that are to be diverted through the hub during night hours, Jose said that they were awaiting sanctions from the headquarters.

It had been agreed that 16 buses proceeding towards the northern side of Ernakulam and 17 buses heading towards the south would pass through the hub.

As part of the second phase of development of the hub, a separate complex will be constructed for KSRTC. Additional office space will be provided for the corporation to facilitate shifting of the entire facilities from the KSRTC bus station at south.

"A garage will be set up at the ground floor of the complex. Night shelters will be provided for the staff of both KSRTC and private bus service operators," Beena said.

The VMHS officials said that the landscaping works were nearing completion and the parking facilities were getting ready.

Though it was decided to hold the inaugural function of KSRTC's facilities on Friday they had to postpone it owing to the inconvenience of transport minister V S Shivakumar.

ToI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Hub-introduces-new-facilities-for-KSRTC/articleshow/11001729.cms)

Last Friday around 1.20 PM, I was waiting for more than half an hour to get a circular bus to Kadavantra from Pipe line jn bus stop (palarivattom side), in between one bus came , but it was only up to Vyttila. Lost my patience, last i boarded a bus to Vyttila stand and wait another 20 minutes to get a bus to Kadavanthra from bus stand.
It took 1 hr and 20 minutes to reach Kandavanthra from Padamugal in a much less OFF-PEAK traffic.

The connectivity to Vyttila should have been increased a lot before moving KSRTC schedules through there.

^^

Even though the time you mentioned here has something to do with the situation you faced, the transport scene in Kochi has left a lot to be desired. Hope Metro propels up the scene :)

^^

Even though the time you mentioned here has something to do with the situation you faced, the transport scene in Kochi has left a lot to be desired. Hope Metro propels up the scene :)

Very true. Its high time they go for a full revamp of the City bus permits. Kochi needs to have a hub-and-spoke model - a city bus system based out of Kaloor and Vyttila - Kaloor taking care of the intra-city routes, and Vyttila taking care of suburban routes. A frequent service between Kaloor and Vyttila (via Kadavanthra-MG Road, Pipeline-Palarivattam and Kathrikadavu) should be established.

Some Kaloor based city routes should be established - in fact, Kaloor should be revamped to a City bus station. Sadly our city does not have a proper City bus station - its important landmarks are still not properly connected. There should be buses going all the way to Ernakulam Junction railway station (not dropping passengers 400mts away).

Very true. Its high time they go for a full revamp of the City bus permits. Kochi needs to have a hub-and-spoke model - a city bus system based out of Kaloor and Vyttila - Kaloor taking care of the intra-city routes, and Vyttila taking care of suburban routes.

Exactly. City routes (includes Alwaye-Kakkanad-Tripunithura-Parur-Chittoor-Cheranallur-Fort Kochi/Mattanchery-Eloor-Nettoor) based from Kaloor (terminal to be revamped).

Suburban routes (Poothotta-Kothamangalam-Angamaly-Cherthala-Kodungallur-Piravom) from VMH.

Spokes @ Aluva, Tripunithura, Kakkanad, Nettoor, Chittoor, F.Kochi

All inter-city routes should operate from VMH including KSRTC (KSRTC intracity routes from South & VMH).

I feel/hope the buses will touch South RS once DMRC completes the road development.

Vytilla Bus Terminal

qeTBNbWia1c#!

Is this design shown in the video being worked out now? If so where does the current waiting sheds go in the design shown here?

Inadequacy of KSRTC buses at Vytilla hub causes concern

There is concern at the inadequate number of the KSRTC buses calling at the Vytilla bus terminal-cum-mobility hub in between 8 p.m. and early in the morning. This is reportedly because of the delay by the agency's head office in approving the route diversion of 33 long-distance buses through the hub during night and early morning. The buses now ply through the conventional national highway route via Thoppumpady. The agency's zonal office here had forwarded the list of 33 buses to the head office, over a month ago.

In the meanwhile, the District Transport Officer K.C. Venugopal said, the RTC's station master office would soon be inaugurated at the hub. “More low-floor buses from the Goshree islands would ply to the hub.”
Buses can be stationed at the Vytilla hub once the garage and fuel station are readied here.
The RTC's Thevara depot is being developed to become a base for city buses. This is because there is acute congestion at the Ernakulam bus stand after 8 p.m., when a total of 153 buses come here to berth, he said.
The Vytilla Mobility Hub Society is in the process of sorting applications received to open kiosks at the hub.

It has received dozens of applications to open ATMs, lottery vends, cell phone shops etc., in the premises. “The eligible people would be shortlisted through a transparent process,” said the society's managing director, M. Beena. A regular committee meeting of the society was held on Thursday.

It is readying parking space for 40 cars in the hub where a pay-and-park has been envisaged. It is also scrutinizing the 18 applications that it received for constructing phase two of the hub.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2719577.ece

Vytilla Bus Terminal

qeTBNbWia1c#!

Is this design shown in the video being worked out now? If so where does the current waiting sheds go in the design shown here?

No, this was old plans, which got changed to the following video

9YkU9BKgHIQ

Towers were added to the new plan and city buses planned outside the terminal, like today, while only inter-city (Moffusil) and Inter-state buses inside the terminal, along with an underground pay-park and 3 storied commercial/shopping mall complex.

Empty liquor bottles dot the Hub

Empty liquor bottles, cigarette butts, vomit sprayed across the floor is slowly becoming a common sight at the comfort stations, especially during the night hours, in the Vytilla Mobility Hub. The contractors and cleaning people said that they are trying their best to keep the premises of the hub clean. Sadly, some of the passengers think that the comfort stations at the world class mobility hub is just another place to dump the waste.

According to the cleaners at the station, quite a few empty liquor bottles can be found in the toilets, especially during the night.

“At times, the bottles can be seen carelessly left in the station toilets. For some, it is a convenient drinking spot. The other day, two people were caught carrying a couple of bottles into the bathroom. This is becoming a common practice. We are trying our best to keep the toilets clean but we cannot ensure that people don’t indulge in such activities,” contractor Giri said.

According to the sources, people drink while escaping the attention of the security guards dispatched to the front of the comfort station. Cleaning people also complain that the smell of liquor and vomit usually pervades the station at times in the night.

For passengers, who avail the services of the toilet, the callous attitude of their fellow passengers is disgusting. Most of the discomfort they state is when they find the faucets of the toilets not in working condition.

The contractor said, “In the past few weeks, after we found the springs and the other equipment in the toilets removed, we were forced to purchase five new faucets and flushes for the toilets. From the attitude of some of the passengers, destroying the toilets seems to be just a timepass.”

“Also, cigarette butts stashed into the toilets in men’s bathrooms have become a common sight,” said M Beena, managing director of the mobility hub.

“We have received some complaints from the people that some passengers are callous and use the comfort station as a place for anti-social activities. We have stuck boards asking the people to be more careful and keep the bathrooms clean. When we find people not following the instructions, we fine them. Unless, they themselves feel the need to keep the premises clean, nothing much can be done,” Beena said.http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/empty-liquor-bottles-dot-the-hub/344244.html

Inadequacy of KSRTC buses at Vytilla hub causes concern (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2720228.ece)
There is concern at the inadequate number of the KSRTC buses calling at the Vytilla bus terminal-cum-mobility hub in between 8 p.m. and early in the morning. This is reportedly because of the delay by the agency's head office in approving the route diversion of 33 long-distance buses through the hub during night and early morning. The buses now ply through the conventional national highway route via Thoppumpady. The agency's zonal office here had forwarded the list of 33 buses to the head office, over a month ago.

In the meanwhile, the District Transport Officer K.C. Venugopal said, the RTC's station master office would soon be inaugurated at the hub. “More low-floor buses from the Goshree islands would ply to the hub.”

Buses can be stationed at the Vytilla hub once the garage and fuel station are readied here.

The RTC's Thevara depot is being developed to become a base for city buses. This is because there is acute congestion at the Ernakulam bus stand after 8 p.m., when a total of 153 buses come here to berth, he said.

The Vytilla Mobility Hub Society is in the process of sorting applications received to open kiosks at the hub.

It has received dozens of applications to open ATMs, lottery vends, cell phone shops etc., in the premises. “The eligible people would be shortlisted through a transparent process,” said the society's managing director, M. Beena. A regular committee meeting of the society was held on Thursday.

It is readying parking space for 40 cars in the hub where a pay-and-park has been envisaged. It is also scrutinizing the 18 applications that it received for constructing phase two of the hub.

Hub’s facility is ready, but not the Minister

Two months after its construction, the facility meant to host the KSRTC office and the Road Safety Cell of the Motor Vehicles Department at Vyttila Mobility Hub remains unoccupied. The Mobility Hub Society and KSRTC officials state that the inauguration is being delayed owing to the unavailability of the Transport Minister.

The facility is 470-sq feet and ready to be occupied anytime.

“The facility was supposed to be inaugurated by Transport Minister V S Sivakumar on December 9. It was postponed to December 17 as the minister was busy with the Mullaperiyar issue. Later, the function was cancelled as the minister was unavailable,” said an official with the KSRTC.

He added that the Mobility Hub Society officials had said that they would arrange for the inauguration as soon as the minister was available. However, the hub officials passed the buck stating that the KSRTC was reluctant to occupy the facility before inauguration.

“The KSRTC officials feel that the facility should be occupied only after its official inauguration. We had asked them to start functioning at the office cabin when the inauguration got delayed,” said M Beena, Managing director, Vyttila Mobility Hub Society.

Currently, the KSRTC staff at the hub, consisting of a controlling inspector and two station masters, work at a make-shift counter in front of the cabin.

The facility was designed to accommodate a KSRTC enquiry counter, an office cabin for the KSRTC controlling inspector and station master and an office for a motor vehicle inspector.

Officials with the Motor Vehicle Department said that the Road Safety Cell of the department at the Vyttilla Mobility Hub would act as a monitoring cell of the vehicles at the Mobility hub.

"The office will function to ensure that all the rules pertaining to the buses are adhered to. A Motor Vehicle inspector will be posted at the place. He will be reporting to the regional Motor Vehicles Department. This facility will help to keep an updated record of the vehicles using the Mobility Hub," said T J Thomas, Regional Transport Officer, Kochi.http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/hub%E2%80%99s-facility-is-ready-but-not-the-minister/345094.html

“The KSRTC officials feel that the facility should be occupied only after its official inauguration. We had asked them to start functioning at the office cabin when the inauguration got delayed,” said M Beena, Managing director, Vyttila Mobility Hub Society.


These system of rules should be ceased. Why can't a project start soon after its completion? Why wait for someone to cut the ribbon! :bash:

These system of rules should be ceased. Why can't a project start soon after its completion? Why wait for someone to cut the ribbon! :bash:

Name plaque is something very important in this world..... Even in democractic world, the Aluva Bridge is known after current Maharaja of Travancore- Marthanda Varma, because he opened this when he was Crown Prince and the name plaque still stands, keeping his name immortal.... If Kings like this, why not poor People's representatives....

We all saw how Air India MRO opened just on eve of Valayar Ravi's exit from Rajiv Bhavan.... Now, for time immortal, that name plaque will remain and his name will be enshrined in history.... Perhaps the controversies and politics behind it will die and not known for future generations, but the name remains which is heroic:)

^^

They can inaugurate and give announcements whenever needed. I was saying about a silent start!

A humble bus stand turns into hub of an integrated transport network (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/a-humble-bus-stand-turns-into-hub-of-an-integrated-transport-network/890489/2)
It began as a civic plan: a bus stand that would ease traffic congestion in the city of Kochi. Today, it is on the way to becoming a mega project integrating road, rail and water transport.

The Kochi Mobility Hub, locally known as Vyttila mobility hub, has ended up being designed not only as an integrated transportation terminal but also as a key business centre, the commercial space spanning 5 lakh square feet. The total project spans 25.19 acres of land, handed over to the project by the state agriculture department.

“The idea of a bus stand had come up over a decade ago from local people for decongesting Kochi’s roads. However, the project evolved into a mobility hub for three modes of transportation after the detailed project report was prepared,’’ said Dr M Beena, IAS, managing director of the mobility hub.

Buses started operating on June 1 from 13 bays, each accommodating five. The hub now caters to 780 buses, including city and long-distance ones, with up to 500 using the terminal an hour, a capacity that will go up to 2,000 after the completion of the second phase, targeted for March 2014. Comfort stations and eateries too have been opened on the complex.

Generally, bus terminals in Kerala are constructed by local bodies and have bays for 20 to 50 buses and rooms for shops, rented out by the local body as an extra source of income. Kochi’s Mobility Hub Society is registered as a charitable society, with the IAS officer as its managing director. The Chief Secretary is the ex-officio chairman of the governing body, while the Chief Minister is the patron and four other ministers are members.

Kochi, where national highways 47, 17 and 49 meet, is also part of National Waterway III. Water transport will come in the second phase. Three boat jetties, one for tourism and two for passenger traffic, will be constructed. The society will hand over the jetties to government and private agencies for operating their services connecting various parts of Kochi and nearby areas, across a network of several canals.

Also in the second phase, two underground basements will be developed for private vehicles to park. Besides, the ground and first floors of the main building will be converted into a bus parking facility.

The proposed commercial establishments will start from the second floor. “The society will lease out the area for commercial development. The hub will have a star hotel, multiplexes, swimming pools, food courts, health clubs, branded outlets and several other establishments,” said the MD.

To make it a rail hub too, the government has asked the Railways to allow trains to stop near the Vytilla mobility hub, which is only 100 metres from the Thiruvananthapuram-Shornur line. Once that is allowed, a corridor will be constructed to link the hub. The alignment of the proposed Kochi Metro, too, goes through the mobility hub.

Beena said the concept of the mobility hub as a meeting point of various modes of transportation was innovative. This is the first project in India where multi-modal transportation system has been integrated into a single platform, she said. Implementation in a time-bound manner was possible due to the flexibility in the functioning of the governing body, she added.

A humble bus stand turns into hub of an integrated transport network (http://www.indianexpress.com/news/a-humble-bus-stand-turns-into-hub-of-an-integrated-transport-network/890489/2)

13 bus bays? there are only 2 currently rite?

13 bus bays? there are only 2 currently rite?

There are 13 bays already.. each bay can hold 4-6 buses.

The gateway to Kochi
http://www.cochinsquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Vytilla-Mobility-Hub-Kochi.jpg

Clogged arteries can kill, whether it is a body or a city. Every day, narrow roads and disorderly vehicular movement create traffic blocks, causing heartache to the urban populace.

A multi-modal transport system is the solution, but setting up one is easier said than done. Vyttila Mobility Hub in Kochi may change the rules of the game when all its phases are completed in three years.

While the automobile boom is considered an indicator of industrial growth, people increasingly adopt personalised modes of transport. The resultant chaos on the roads means that the quality of life takes a dip.

This and the inadequate surface transport system in Kochi — worse than in many places in Kerala — are letting down this promising industrial, educational, medical, and tourism destination.

Streamlining traffic in the city is no easy task. Yet, the hub, considered the first such in India, with bus, train, and boat services set for launch from one centre, plans to achieve that.

M. Beena, Managing Director of the Vyttila Mobility Hub governing body and former District Collector, Ernakulam, is enthusiastic about the prospects of the hub. “The project has taken off without many problems,” she says.

The first phase was completed on schedule. While the project took shape in minimum time once the sanctions were received, more and more buses are being routed through the hub in a planned way. Apart from Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, which have started operations from the hub, those of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are set for launch.

Booking counters

The booking counters for the inter-State buses are being readied, Ms. Beena says. One of the striking features of the second phase of the project will be three boat jetties to connect to the waterways. The jetties will open up immense opportunities for utilising Kochi's potential as a place bound by water bodies. The government is looking at measures to promote water transport to decongest roads.

Another component will be a two-level basement parking area for buses. “The parking facility will be a big boon to the buses,” Ms. Beena says, pointing out that much of today's transportation issues could be traced to a lack of parking space.

A fuelling station of the KSRTC and a dormitory for workers will be constructed in the second phase. Commercial utilisation of space is under consideration.

The Kochi Metro Rail will have a station at the hub. The possibility of providing halts for trains at a point near the hub is being explored, as the Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram railway line is only a few hundred metres away. The entire project is estimated at around Rs.400 crore.

A consortium of banks is engaged in formulating the funding guidelines.

Fast growth

The factors that led to the creation of the hub are interesting and can set the pattern for similar projects elsewhere . Kochi is one of the fastest growing Tier-2 cities in the country. The population in the Corporation area is expected to grow 10 per cent every decade and in the remaining areas of the urban agglomeration, 19 per cent.

The city alone accounts for 40 per cent of the urban population in Ernakulam district. But 16 per cent of its roads have carriageways less than 3 metres wide, while 70 per cent have single or double lanes with carriageways of widths 3.5 metres to 8.5 metres. The remaining 14 per cent has three or four lanes with shoulders. The average speed during peak hours on 66 per cent of the important roads in the city is less than 16 kmph, hub authorities say.

The significance of the hub lies in the fact that the existing public transport system in the city consists of buses, mainly run by private operators.

Nearly 630 city buses operate on over 150 routes from 60 locations a day. Over 1,000 long-haul mofussil buses enter the city roads. The KSRTC's inter-city bus terminal, which operates over 450 buses in 750 daily trips, is in the heart of the city. Approximately 40,000 passengers access it daily, say hub authorities.

The KSRTC is expected to save Rs.1.7 crore and the private bus owners Rs.1.2 crore on diesel a year by routing the services through the hub according to studies conducted on the viability of the project.

The hub is expected to be a gateway to Kochi, as it connects places such as Alappuzha, Idukki, Kottayam, Thrissur, and Coimbatore through National Highway 47 and offers connectivity to National Highways 17 and 49. The seaport and the airport are approximately 25 km from the site. National Waterway 3, near the site, connects Kollam and Kottapuram.

Perhaps, the most important facet of the hub is the convenience it will provide to commuters and the number of hours saved. The quality of life will move up, a win-win situation for all.

The gateway to Kochi

Only a few kilo meters [ but FAR less than 14 per cent have THREE TO FOUR LANE roads with shoulders ] . don't go after official statistics .
Again , seaport is NOT 25 km frm mobility hub , damn sure

Hub gets night buses (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/hub-gets-night-buses-440)
Ending months of stand-off over operating night services through Vyttila Mobility Hub, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is all set to operate 34 buses during night through the world-class bus terminal from next month.

“The order in this regard will most probably be out by January 30. It is expected to be officially announced by transport minister V.S. Sivakumar on January 6,” zonal officer Mr P.L. Jose told DC.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting at Thiruvananthapuram on December 28 following the end of the Sabarimala mandala festival. Though the agency’s zonal office had forwarded the proposed list of buses for night services nearly two months ago, the decision was put off till now.

While the mobility hub society wanted commencement of the services at the earliest, KSRTC had expressed reservations, citing additional costs and fear of a drop in collection on conducting the night services through hub.

The services, mostly superfast buses besides three to four super expresses, will mostly be to Thiruvananthapuram (in the southern direction) and Thrissur (towards the north).

“Initially, we won’t be plying services to places like Kannur and Mangalapuram (towards the north) through the hub. This is because people travelling to farther places go to the depot and currently we don’t have the facility to transport them to the hub, say every 15 minutes,” Mr Jose said.

However, the officer admitted that slowly the entire superfast/express services will be rerouted through the hub.

“It will take time. Now we are getting passengers from hub during the
day and our collections are on the rise after the initial dip.”

Already, the buses towards eastern direction (Kottayam) enter the hub even in the night.

KSRTC's Station Master Office and Enquiry Counter at the Vyttila Mobility Hub (KSRTC Information Centre) is being inaugurated by the Minister for Transport VS Sivakumar on January 06, 2012. KSRTC would begin night services through the hub on the same day - further details about services that would run via the hub is not available at the moment.

32 more buses to ply through Vyttila hub (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2782819.ece)
The KSRTC would ply 32 long-distance buses through the Vyttila mobility hub from Friday (January 6) night, the Minister for Transport V.S. Sivakumar said. Of them, 16 would travel northwards of Kochi, while the rest would travel southward.

Mr. Sivakumar was speaking here on Friday after inaugurating the KSRTC's station master office and the Motor Vehicle Department's Road Safety Cell at the Vyttila Mobility Hub. He said that Kochi would get a good share of the 1,000 buses that the RTC intends to add to the fleet in a month's time. The agency was able to record an increase of Rs. 7 crore in the income during the past seven months. Steps have been taken to confirm the appointment of 3500 temporary personnel in the organisation. The possibility of introducing online reservation is also being probed.

The function also saw the release of ‘time cards' that have timings of the 42 Volvo buses that the RTC operates in the city. Different organizations had demanded that the RTC operate night services, since there is no intra-city bus service in Kochi between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.

In his address, Minister for Excise K. Babu said that road safety should become an area of focus since accidents are increasing at an alarming rate. Apart from basic safety measures, rule enforcement too must be strengthened.

Hibi Eden and Dominic Presentation, MLAs, demanded more bus services from the city to suburban towns and also adequate number of buses in the city at night.

The others who spoke include the managing director of Vyttila Mobility Hub Society M. Beena, the KSRTC's general manager G. Venugopal and Mayor Tony Chammany.

He said that Kochi would get a good share of the 1,000 buses that the RTC intends to add to the fleet in a month's time.

നടന്നതു തന്നെ!! ഇങ്ങനെ ഉളുപ്പില്ലാതെ പച്ചക്കള്ളം പറയാനും വേണം ഒരു സ്പെഷ്യല്* ധൈര്യം!!

നടന്നതു തന്നെ!! ഇങ്ങനെ ഉളുപ്പില്ലാതെ പച്ചക്കള്ളം പറയാനും വേണം ഒരു സ്പെഷ്യല്* ധൈര്യം!!

hopeless ..... they even took away buses running in kochi....:lol:

hopeless ..... they even took away buses running in kochi....:lol:

Its true, but there is a strong tug of war happening in the Govt..... 2 out of 3 ministers from Kochi (one passed away) are constantly there to push in, so I don't feel it won't happen.... Ofcourse it may be delayed.... We saw how hardly the minister tried to keep Hub out of 24 hour operations.... Yet it was forced to happen....

Now he appears to use another tatic, renovate old bus terminal into modern Transit and shopping terminal..... I don't understand the logic of two modern bus terminals in gap of less than 4 kms.....

If so, why can't such a terminal be planned in Aroor, which marks the southern border of Kochi and surely help interconnecting with West, South and Alleppey side..... Or upgrading of Paravur terminus, the northern border that interconnects North Kochi and Kodungallor....

The space at Rajaji road, can be used for a small city depot and rest given to Sports Department for enlarging Ambedkar Stadium..... But when Minister himself has ulterior designs presented in sweet coated offer, who else to challenge?

Babus of KSRTC are squirming to see another point of power encroaching into their domain, and that is what really going on. Add the heavy lobbying by the pvt bus mafia, and everything gets in trouble here.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/406993_247853141954970_100001908596693_598307_1123253462_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/391877_247849978621953_100001908596693_598299_1376754389_n.jpg
cc: Vipindas Koomullil

hopeless ..... they even took away buses running in kochi....:lol:

There is no single Trirukochi bus in Kakkanad - City , 1-2 was running earlier :(

^^:ohno:

Btw..How easy is it to commute to thripunithara from Kakkanad (via bus) ?

Earlier there was very less number of buses.

^^

Plenty of KSRTC buses from Aluva through SPAP road with an interval of 15 or 20mins(dont know exactly).

^^Many buses got 'sivakumared' these days, but I think there is one in at least half an hour

^^ Its still not good enough.. Btw are there any plans to revise the bus routes..Current routes doesnt fully use some of the roads that we have. For eg. there are very less number of buses which goes to Vyttilla/Maradu/Tripunithara/Chottanikara directly from thoppumpady side.

Passengers stage protest at Vyttila Hub

KOCHI: Passengers on Sunday staged a protest in front of the the newly inaugurated KSTRC station master’s office at Vyttila mobility hub. The passengers expressed their protest over the false promise of the KSRTC that it will start round-the-clock bus service from the hub from Friday onwards. The passengers tried to lock station master Salil in the cabin. “The passengers became agitated when they saw that there were no buses plying after eight O’ clock. But there is nothing that can be done, unless orders come from the top,” Salil said.


Transport Minister V S Sivakumar had officially made a statement during the inauguration of station master’s office on Friday that the KSRTC buses will ply 24x7 through the hub.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/passengers-stage-protest-at-vyttila-hub/219208-60-122.html)

Minister ensures night buses at hub (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/minister-ensures-night-buses-hub-623)
The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has started operating night services on full scale through the Vytilla mobility hub, following a strict directive from the transport minister, Mr V.S. Sivakumar, who had announced the services much earlier on January 6.

The corporation was initially planning to launch the full service on conclusion of the Makarajyothi on January 15.

“We started rerouting the buses two days earlier and the full scale operation of the 32 services are being done from Tuesday.

Following an official directive, we’ve also deployed a station master at the hub during the night to ensure that all services are operated via the hub,” KSRTC zonal officer, Mr P.L. Jose, said.

Mr Siva Kumar had announced the services during a function at the hub on January 6 but KSRTC officials failed to operate the services.

However, following reports of the services not being re-routed even after his announcement, the minister summoned the executive director and the general manager of Ernakulam depot and directed them to reroute services, the official said.

A total of 32 buses are being rerouted through the hub which includes TVM- Koduganllor (8.10 pm), TVM-Palakkad (10 pm), TVM-Thrissur (10.15, 11.10 pm), TVM-Coimbatore (12.50), Kattakada-Guruvayoor (2 am), TVM-Ponnani (3 am), TVM-Mannarkadu (5.50 pm) and TVM-Malappuram (8 am).

del

Auto drivers oppose cap on permits at Vyttila hub (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/auto-drivers-oppose-cap-permits-vyttila-hub-357)

After the controversy over night services has been nearly settled, another row hit Vyttila Hub .

This time it is among the auto drivers as the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) has given permit to just 60 autos to enter the hub, when hundreds wait outside the stand to get travellers.

The VMHS’ provision to provide permit only to certain autos has irked other auto drivers who have filed a petition before the Kerala High Court against the decision.

According to the Association of City Permit Auto Drivers (ACPAD), autos with city permit can enter any authorized bus stand in the city. The court too had issued an order directing VMHS to let other autos enter the hub.

“We have the HC order. But, still we are not allowed to enter the hub. If we have the right, how can they stop us,” asks Mr Thomas K.E., a member of ACPAD.

Meanwhile, the VMHS officials are still stuck to the rule that only 60 autos will be allowed inside the hub, saying that the order is not applicable to the autonomous society.

The autos that tried to enter the hub using the HC order were stopped by the police deployed at the hub. The outside autos have also filed a petition against the police officials who stopped them against the HC order.

“Permits are issued based on the unions they belong to, which is not fair. We should also be allowed to enter the hub,” said an association member Mohanan K.V.

Vytila Mobility Hub Society to seek Rs 40 Crore State's stake to be included this year's budget, to start the second phase works immediately. The Society Chairperson and RBCK Chief Dr. Beena IAS have urged Govt to increase the stake for the second phase. A new memorandum will be submitted to the Chief Minister in this regard.

Dr. Beena informed that the 300 Crore second phase will be initiated shortly. Rs 250 Crore will be funded by a constorium of banks lead by Union Bank of India and Federal Bank. Canara Bank and SBI will finalize their stake shortly.

The Pre-qualification bid process is expected to be complete before February 2012. KITCO is engaged in this process and they have informed that its in last stage. She expects that works can be started as per schedule to complete the second phase in time.

The second phase aims to set up a two storied underground parking area for private vehicles, a two storied above ground parking for Inter-state, inter-city buses, ground level for additional city buses parking/waiting and a shopping mall.

http://www.metrovaartha.com/2012/01/28072550/vytila-hub20120128.html

Vytilla: Tender for second phase work soon (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/vytilla-tender-for-second-phase-work-soon/225462-60-122.html)
The pre-qualification assessment for awarding the tender for second phase construction of Vyttila Mobility Hub has been completed. The Vyttila Mobility Hub Society is expected to float the tender for the work by the end of the month. In the pre-qualification assessment, the Society has identified 18 companies that have the experience, technical capacity, adequate resources and management systems necessary to execute the work competently. These companies can take part in the tender proceedings.
“We hope that the work can be awarded this month itself,” said Society managing director M Beena. Regarding the funds for the second phase, Beena said the total requirement was estimated at Rs 376 crore.
“The State Government has already allotted Rs 5 crore for the work. The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GDCA) and Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) will collectively provide Rs 40 crore. The Society has also urged the state to provide Rs 40 crore for the speedy completion of the work,” she said.
Beena said Rs 264 crore will be provided by leading banks. “The Union Bank of India and Federal Bank have already given their sanction letter. Other banks have given their nod in principle and informed us that they are processing the files for issuing the sanction letter,” Beena added.
The second phase of work includes the construction of a two-level under-parking facility, another two-level bus parking facility and a shopping complex. The under-parking facility will be for private vehicles and other facility will be for buses.
On the plans of setting up fuel station at the Hub, Beena said the last date for opening the bids was actually scheduled for January 27, but had been postponed owing to the Governor’s demise.
The Vyttila Mobility Hub now provides pay-and-park facility for two and four-wheelers. “The public now parks the vehicles near the Hub. We introduced parking facility so as to help them park the vehicles safely inside the Hub,” she added.
The charges for parking the vehicles are Rs 5 for two-wheelers and Rs 10 for four-wheelers.

City police control to get more mobility (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/city-police-control-to-get-more-mobility/227012-60-122.html)
The police control room will soon get a facelift with the authorities deciding to shift it to the Vyttilla Mobility Hub.

The advanced control room, that will come up at the hub, will have gadgets, computers with advanced software, a platoon of quick response team and an ambulance.

The control room also plans to increase its sectors in the city after moving to the new base.

Now it functions on the first floor of the South Police Station and the current building is not enough to contain many modern equipment. “We have so many computers and sophisticated software to monitor the entire city. The current office is not enough for the proper functioning of the control room. That is why the department decided to shift its base to Vyttila Mobility hub. A 5000-square feet building has been allotted by the Mobility Hub authorities for the purpose,” a police official said.

Sources said the new control room would have fully-air conditioned office to store sophisticated equipment and high-definition cameras.

“The new control room will be very modern keeping in view the law and order of the city in 2020. We will have a quick response team to reach the crime spot within minutes. New vehicles will be provided to the cops. In addition to this, an ambulance unit will also be attached to the control room to act quickly during mishaps. Besides, additional sectors will be allotted to the control room,” a police official said. According to K S Vijayappan, Assistant Commissioner, Control Room, the cops in the control room are being trained by the the Keltron and other agencies to handle law and order issues quickly.

“At present, we take around 3-4 minutes to reach the spot. This will be reduced to 1-2 minutes. Once we move to Vyttila Mobility Hub, the control room sector will be increased to 20 from the present 11. The additional sectors will make the control room more efficient and spontaneous,” K S Vijayappan said.

A Rare one - Bus with route name appears as "KOCHI"

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/2355/kc2k.jpg

A Rare one - Bus with route name appears as "KOCHI"

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/2355/kc2k.jpg

Excellent................. authorities should made compulsory in changing route name as KOCHI in vernacular and COCHIN in Anglican version.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-02/kochi/31016169_1_collector-pi-sheik-pareeth-road-safety-authority-kochi-metro

Rs 12.50 crore plan for Vyttila Skywalk project

Feb 2, 2012, 07.43AM ISTTags:Vyttila Skywalk project|Vyttila Mobility
KOCHI: The district administration has submitted a Rs 12.50 crore plan before the road safety authority for the Vyttila Skywalk project.

The project was announced by the district administration last year to contain traffic congestion at Vyttila Junction.

The project that was delayed following Kochi Metro's rail alignment works and it will start again after authorities take a final call soon.

Once initiated, the authorities plan to complete the 300-metre-long skywalk connecting the four roads at Vyttila Junction within a three month timeframe.

The six-metre tall skywalk will bisect the flyovers that will be erected in Edappally, Pipeline, Vyttila and Kundannoor junctions. Since the skywalk will bisect the flyovers, the district administration will consult Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and National Highway Authority of India NHAI to implement the project. District Collector PI Sheik Pareeth said that a meeting has been convened to discuss about the flyovers that will come up in the city and the project proposal is expected to be approved soon after this.

"Considering the fact that the skywalk will bisect flyovers, we have revised the plan," said the district collector.

Earlier in September, the road safety authority chaired by chief secretary P Prabhakaran had given an in-principle approval for the project. The project will feature shopping malls, ATM counters, public toilets and security box.

Vyttila Mobility Hub MD M Beena said that once the project is implemented it will benefit pedestrians. "At present there are no facilities for pedestrians to cross the highways in the state. Once this project materializes, they can safely cross the roads at the busy junction," she said.

Railway counter at Vytilla hub planned (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2871038.ece)
A railway ticket reservation counter has been envisaged at the Vytilla Mobility Hub, similar to the one at the Ernakulam Collectorate.

This is expected to be established based on the allocation of one reservation counter per MP, said Charles Diaz, MP. “This is a recent proposal and the space has to be earmarked to locate the counter at the hub. The facility is expected to benefit train commuters since they now have to travel all the way to Tripunithura or the Ernakulam Junction and Town railway stations to reserve their tickets,” he told The Hindu.

A nominal amount would be charged as fee on tickets booked here. This would be used to meet the recurring expenses of running the counter.

Ponnurunni halt

In keeping with the requirements of the inter-modal hub, people's representatives have demanded that the Railways sanction a halt for trains at Ponnurunni, located close to Vytilla. “The Railways has land there and I raised the issue in Parliament. I also discussed the issue with the Union Railway Minister. The Railways have promised to look into the issue,” said P. Rajiv, MP. The railway halt would come as a boon to passengers who now have to travel all the way to the congested city stations, through even more congested roads.

The Vytilla Mobility Hub Society is expected to build a boat jetty on the hub's eastern side in phase two of the developments, to enable passenger boats to ferry people from the hub to different places in Kochi and even beyond.

Thus, apart from buses and autorickshaws, commuters at the Vytilla mobility hub would be able to choose from two more commuting modes of transport- trains and boats.

Many months since KSRTC buses began to call at the Vytilla hub, its station master office has not got a telephone connection. The question is who would provide the connection – the KSRTC or the hub society. The agency's zonal officer P. L. Jose said that he would ‘soon' send a request to the RTC's head office, requesting a phone connection.

In the absence of a phone here, passengers often have to depend on the enquiry number at the main bus stand, where they often do not get factual information.

On passengers protesting against some RTC buses skipping the bus stop on the eastern side of Vytilla, Mr. Jose said that the agency has not got any intimation from the traffic police or the KSRTC head office.

Vytilla mobility hub to get ATMs (http://http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Vytilla-mobility-hub-to-get-ATMs/articleshow/11844433.cms)

Commuters opting to travel through Vytilla mobility hub (VMH) will soon get to draw money from the automatic teller machines (ATM) installed within the bus terminal. The mobility hub has decided to set up the facilities at the second and eleventh bays.

The Union Bank of India (UBI), the lead bank in the consortium of banks associated with the second phase development of the terminal will be given one ATM, whereas the second one will be tendered.

"The tender for ATMs and 10 kiosks will be announced within two weeks. The contract will be for three years. VMH will fix a base rate and tender will be awarded to the highest bidders," said M Beena, director, VMH.

While the hub allocates space in the terminal, the banks will have to carry out construction of structures required for the purpose. It has been decided to locate the kiosks between the food court and toilet block.

The kiosks include medical shops, mobile shops and books and newspaper stalls. Apart from UBI, Canara bank has agreed to be part of the consortium of banks. Though a few other banks have also agreed to join in, principle to join the consortium, they are yet to give a confirmation.

"The list of banks in the consortium is being prepared.

The financial closure will be ready by March 1 and then it will be possible to name the participating banks," she added. For the second phase of development, UBI has committed about Rs 100 crore and Canara Bank has agreed to provide Rs 50 crore. VMH has already started tendering process for the second phase.

According to Kitco, the implementing agency of the hub, the second phase includes the construction of three more floors of the building. The ground floor and first floor will be used exclusively for parking mofussil buses.

The second and third floors will be leased out to commercial establishments. Separate facilities will be provided for Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). Two basement floors will be used for parking private vehicles. Some commercial establishments too will function on the basement.

On completion, the Mobility Hub will have 124 bus bays where KSRTC and private buses will line up in their respective slots.

City needs decentralised hubs, says transportation expert (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2894922.ece)
Kochi needs of grid of transportation conveniences and decentralised hubs with the Vyttila mobility hub as the centre, Susan Zielinski, the MD of Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Research and Transformation (SMART) project of the University of Michigan said.

The agency catalyses research on a range of issues related to integrated and sustainable transportation.

She said here on Monday that the Vyttila hub is the first such hub she knows that would integrate water transport with bus (and later rail transport).

Its first phase has taken off way beyond expectations. Improvisations can be done to offer commuters a better deal, she said.

An expert on mobility hubs and related transportation ventures, Ms. Zielinski was advisor to city-based Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) for urban transport research.

She shared her expertise with the agency while it prepared the feasibility report for the Vyttila mobility hub in 2009.

On Monday, she visited the hub and also interacted with the MD of the Mobility Hub Society M. Beena and officials of the Corporation of Cochin.

CPPR Chairman D Dhanuraj was among those present.

At the meeting, there was a suggestion that the metro rail station proposed at Vyttila Junction be shifted to the hub so that commuters need not cross the busy junction.

“This aspect would be taken up with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited,” said Ms. Beena.

The possibility of sparing a floor of a building proposed in the hub for the station has to be looked into.

On the question of having a halt for trains at Ponnurunni near the hub, Ms. Beena said that MPs from the district are pursuing this.

Technology to track bus arrivals, departures (http://http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/Technology-to-track-bus-arrivals-departures/364526.html)

Buses entering the Vytilla Mobility Hub will soon be under constant vigil as the authorities are planning to implement a Radio Frequency Identification Control Access System (RFID) to ensure on time arrival of buses to the bays.
Both the KSRTC and private buses are bound to mark their entry and outgoing time by this system, said the hub officials. “The RFID system is similar to the punching system but is more advanced as every detail of the bus will be fed into the computerised system,” a Vytilla Mobility Hub official said. At least six RFID machines will be placed next to the bays in the terminal. Every bus will also get an identity card. Once the bus is stationed at the bay, the card should be placed in front of the machine. “By just placing the card in front of the RFID machines will enable it to scan the information. The information will be accessed by the main computer with the help of adequate software. This will ensure that all the buses reach the station on time,” she added.

Authorities also claim that the new measure is to reduce the complaints of the passengers. “We have been receiving a number of complaints from the passengers who say that most of the buses are skipping services and also don’t arrive at the hub on time. We have conjured this idea to avoid such problems as this system can identify those buses which are avoiding the trip,” she said.

“In the second phase of the project, toll will be collected from the buses through the identity cards which will also act like a credit card. Also, the timing of the buses will be displayed on the screen. This will hugely help the passengers to get information about the buses like their location, arrival and departure times,” she added.

8 companies shortlisted for VMH phase II development

The Rs 376 crore Phase II to build a 4 level parking space and a shopping complex.

The works are planned to start this month itself after finalizing the contractor.

PWD have started construction of Foot Path for pedestrians from Vytilla Junction.

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2897/39486030384280029701331f.jpg
source: Deepika

Plans are being drawn up to shift the proposed Metro Rail station at Vyttila from the Vyttila junction to the mobility hub.

A coordination meeting held on Monday between the representatives of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, Vyttila Mobility Hub Society and National Highway Authority of India approved the proposal in principle.

A task force, including the representatives of all the agencies concerned, has been formed to study the feasibility of the proposal. KMRL managing director Mr Tom Jose has asked the task force to submit a detailed feasibility report within two weeks.

The coordination meeting considered three major aspects related to the proposal – sharing of common amenities including parking area and toilets.

“The Metro station will facilitate smooth and comfortable transport system for passengers coming from outside the district to the city,” said KMRL sources.

The idea has been discussed as part of the concept of seamless integration of all modes of transport, promoted by the Union Ministry of Urban Transport.

Earlier, when Ms Susan Zielinski, transportation expert and managing director of Sustainable Mobility and Accessibility Research and Transformation (SMART) project at the University of Michigan, had visited the mobility hub, she remarked that the city needed an integrated mobility hub. She was one of the brains behind the Vyttila mobility hub project.

Kerala Metro Rail Limited managing director Mr Tom Jose, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation project director Mr P. Sri Ram, Vyttila Mobility Hub Society managing director Mr M. Beena, NHAI project director Mr C.T. Abraham and KMRL superintending engineer Mr Chandra Babu attended Monday’s meeting.

Bypoll hits kochi metro Rail works

The Kochi Metro Rail works have been hit by the Piravom by-poll as the differences over widening of Vyttila-Pettta road are not going to be resolved until the poll is over.

Authori-ties had to stop the widening process following the strong protest from the local people, who opposed the 30 metre width deman-ded by the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd officials for developing the 3 km stretch from Vyttila to Petta.

Locals said that they would only allow the land acquisition if the width is set to 26 metre for the road.

The Kochi Metro Rail authorities and district administration are waiting for the government to take a decision on the issue. “The government can take a decision on this only after the by-election.

The PWD Minister will meet the KMRL officials after the election. We are planning to acquire land after setting the width at 26 metres. People have agreed for 30 metre width in some areas along the stretch.” said District Collector, P.I. Sheikh Pareeth.

According to the collector KMRL has also agreed to this and is ready for a re-alignment.
“KMRL has no problems with this. They informed us that they are ready for a re-alignment with 26 metre as the width”, Mr Sheikh Pareeth added. However, Collector admitted that the proceedings would be delayed as no meeting or government decision would be possible until the election is over.

Meanwhile, KMRL officials said, “We are awaiting a government decision. We have to redraw our design if they set the width as 26 metre.”



Link: DC (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/metro-may-join-vyttila-mobility-hub-714)

^^^^

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/2922012/2922012-md-ek-17/124931119.JPG

As per recommendations of Sustainable Mobility And Accessibility Research in Transport (SMART), an international agency, the Vytila Mobility Hub has hold discussions with Kochi Metro Rail Limited, DMRC, NHAI and other officials to shift Vytila Metro Station to Vytilla Mobility Hub, to transform into complete transportation hub.

This also need rapid changes in design of the upcoming 300 crore VMH Terminal. A feasibility study for this change is planned by KMRL and DMRC.

In meantime, KMRL MD Tom Jose suggests to have water transport in sync with Metro, from VMH, to allow Water Metro-Metro transfers, connecting other interiors parts of Kochi.

In future, dedicated Water Metro lines will take passengers to Fort Kochi and other parts of city, making VMH focal point for all transportation needs

^^

That's some great news. And VMH is going to be one stop-spot for all transportation needs in Kochi!

Fantasy representation of Metro in VMH though ;)

^^

That's some great news. And VMH is going to be one stop-spot for all transportation needs in Kochi!

Fantasy representation of Metro in VMH though ;)

Now if Railways consider setting up Vytilla station, that would finally make it 100% transportation hub.... But its really hard to bring in Railways inside.....

I wish, the idiots at Transport Ministry, will abandon plans for unnecessary investment for KSRTC Bus station at Rajaji Road...

The next to consider would be Aroor Mobility Hub, so that it can be one-stop connectivity to West Kochi and other parts of upcoming Kochi........

^^In fact this would make the KSRTC to double their efforts, just to stake the claim hard!!

It is pretty obvious to anyone with even an iota of common sense that the metro should be passing through VMH.

I don't know why they needed Ms Susan Zielinski to point this out, and even then set up a "task force" to study the proposal!

^^

+ 1

B'coz our State is governed by Bullocks and Beaurocrats are in a statue mode!

Link: Manorama (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&contentId=11173156&district=Cochin&programId=1079897613&BV_ID=@@@)

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/9805/vmh07032012003026.jpg
CC:- Plus @kochinow.com

Hub to Acquire Greater Mobility (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/hub-to-acquire-greater-mobility/236921-60-122.html)
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.

Survey begins for metrostation at Vyttila hub (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2990645.ece)
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation began a survey in the Vyttila Mobility Hub on Monday to assess the feasibility of having a metro-rail station within the hub, instead of at Vyttila Junction.

This would go on for two or three days. Apart from locating the station, the change in alignment too would have to be decided.

The current alignment runs straight from SA Road to the Vyttila-Pettah Road, with a station building proposed on the north-western part of Vyttila Junction.

“If and once the station is located at the hub, the alignment from Vyttila would pass through Kaniampuzha Road, enter the hub and exit near the Kaniampuzha River. Thus, it would be the only waterbody beneath the elevated rails that links Aluva and Pettah.”

The survey team is from Meridian Survey, Chennai. They would also assess whether the turning radius available for the metro-rail falls within permissible limits. The feasibility report is expected to be ready in a week.

In the meanwhile, the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society would construct a wider road on the southern side of the Kaniampuzha Road, to enable smooth entry and exit of buses from the hub. The metro-rail too could enter the hub over this.

“We have earmarked space for the road in property belonging to the hub since the Kaniampuzha Road is too narrow,” said sources in the society.

The General Manager of KITCO - Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation, the consultant for the hub, Cyriac Davis, said that once the new road is ready, the present exit from the hub that enters the Vyttila-Tripunithura Road could become an entry route for buses coming from Tripunithura.

“The final decision on the new road would be taken after consulting the NHAI which has mooted two flyovers in Vyttilla,” he said.

On the skywalk proposed to enable pedestrians from all four sides of Vyttila junction to cross over to the other sides and to the hub, he said that this would have to be considered after finalizing the metro-rail alignment.

The second phase of development works at the hub would be finalised later this month, at a meeting that would be chaired by the Chief Secretary.

A bigger bus terminal would be built, since the present one is an interim one. Plans for the proposed boat jetty on the eastern end of the hub too would be finalised at the meeting.

Vyttila hub geared for expansion (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3015919.ece)
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00957/19KI-HUB_957407f.jpg

The development of Vyttila Mobility Hub as part of the urban development proposals in the State budget has received Rs. 5 crore that could initiate the second phase of development. The mobility hub, preparing to enter the second phase with a Rs. 40-crore project plan, is waiting to have the design of the metro rail station that could be integrated into the plan.

The allocation would probably be enough for the tendering process, said M. Beena, managing director of the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society. The works can start only after the designs of the metro rail station come through.

The second phase of the hub design involves construction of the main terminal with two basements and bus bays in a multi-storeyed complex that will have the ground and first floor for the buses and further four floors as a commercial complex. The upper floors for the commercial complex would probably need to be redesigned to have the metro rail station, she said. A city terminal would also be part of the second phase development. The current terminals would be re-arranged for buses to various directions, she said.

how do i upload pics in my desktop over here??not able to do it

^^

Any pics can be posted here by copying the URL of the image on the IMAGE tag.

The format will be image URL

To get the image URL, you have to upload the pic to any of the image sharing site like Imageshack (http://www.imageshack.com/), Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/), Tinypic (http://tinypic.com/index.php) etc.

^^^^^^
thanks man

Some night shots

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/1411/29122011063.jpg

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/1332/29122011064.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/1655/29122011067.jpg

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Vyttila hub expansion work to begin in September (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article3249503.ece)

The second phase of works of the Vyttila bus terminal-cum-mobility hub is expected to begin in September and would be completed in two years.

The works worth Rs 383 crore that would be executed would include the construction of two basement floors for parking private vehicles, taxis and autorickshaws. “The ground and first floors would be used as bus terminals where 100 buses would be able to park at a time. The second floor and upper floors would be used for revenue-earning passenger amenities like commercial stalls, including eateries,” said sources in the Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO), the project's consultants.

The aim is to provide all amenities under one roof, thereby making it unnecessary to travel to the city through congested roads for shopping and other requirements. Passengers would get everything en route, at the inter-modal hub.

Bus clinics too would be readied at the hub, to tend to private and KSRTC buses that need minimal repairs. Major repair works would have to be done in regular workshops since this would otherwise produce plenty of slush in the clean compound. A fuel station too has been planned in phase two of development works.

“A sewage treatment plant would be opened and water recycled for use in bus clinics and the other amenities. The green building concept would be adopted to the maximum extent possible. Thus, a sizeable share of energy needed for lighting would be met from solar power. Steps would also be taken to reduce heat within the structures,” sources said.

A boat jetty and allied waterfront development would be readied for Rs 3 crore. The feasibility of plying boats from the hub to Fort Kochi and Kakkanad is being studied.

The aim is to provide all amenities under one roof, making it unnecessary to travel to the city.

Vyttila hub spend may not cross Rs 300 cr in 2nd phase (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/vyttila-hub-spend-may-not-cross-rs-300-cr-2nd-phase-973)
The enlarged draft of the second phase of the Vyttila Mobility Hub project, which is being changed to incorporate the entry of the Kochi Metro rail into the hub, will be ready within four months.

The survey for the metro rail track to the hub and the metro station has already been completed and with the commissioning of the second phase, the Vyttila Mobility Hub will become one of the finest hubs in south Asia, officials said.

The bus terminal has been completed at the hub in the first phase and two more phases are now left.

Mobility Hub managing director Dr Beena said that she does not expect any remarkable escalation in the expenditure on the second phase with the inclusion of the Metro rail station.

She said that a sum of Rs 300 crore is expected to be spent on the second phase of the hub.

Dr Beena said that KITCO has been entrusted with the task of preparing the draft for the second phase and it is holding discussions with different agencies in this regard. “Once this draft is available, we will proceed with implementing the phase work”, she said.

The complete responsibility of the Metro rail works at the hub will be with DMRC and KMRL. The metro rail station will come up at the north-western part of the mobility hub.

The hub society has decided to mop up Rs 250 crore by forming a consortium of banks and will request the state government to provide the remaining Rs 50 crore.

A two-storied parking terminal, underground parking area and shopping complexes will also be built in the second phase.

Metro rail station to find place in Hubs design (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/metro-rail-station-to-find-place-in-hubs-design/258705-60-122.html)
The proposal by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to set up a metro rail station at Vyttila Mobility Hub has reached a new height. The private consultancy firm KITCO is to come up with a design to incorporate the station above the long distance bus terminal which is to be commissioned at the hub soon. The plan will be implemented as part of the second phase of the Vyttila Mobility Hub project.

According to M Beena, MD, Vyttila Mobility Hub, KITCO was entrusted with the job last week. “A new design was needed as the old design for the
project did not have a metro station in it. The preparation of the new draft will take at least four months,” M Beena said.

Earlier, KMRL had submitted a feasibility report in the presence of the mobility hub officials, DMRC officials and other agencies, suggesting the setting up of a metro station there. “The report stated that the station at the hub will make travelling easy for the metro rail passengers who wish to travel long distance. The easy availability of long distance buses will ensure faster transit for them,” she said. The initial plan was to set up the metro station at the Vyttila junction. Besides the metro station, the other projects in the second phase include the setting up of two-storied parking terminals for long distance private and KSRTC buses, an underground parking area for passengers and shopping complexes. “Everything in the second phase will be furnished using the latest technology, such as thinner concrete tiles, central air-conditioning etc. In addition, there will be two more phases for the hub’s development,” Beena added.

Vyttila Mobility Hub to have a police aid post (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/vyttila-mobility-hub-to-have-a-police-aid-post/259068-60-122.html)
Mobility hub in Vyttila is all set to have a Police Aid Post on its premises. The Home Ministry had already given instructions to set up the aid post here. This will take the security arrangements for the passengers at the hub to the next level. An aid post with one sub-inspector, three policemen and two women police will ensure security of the passengers 24x7.

“The State Government has given permission to open a Police Aid Post at the hub, which has basic facilities for its set up. The government has already sanctioned six new permanent positions at the aid post. Once the vacancies are filled, the aid post will start functioning,” said Kochi City Police Deputy Commissioner T Gopalakrishna Pillai.

The city police authorities are also planning to shift the control room to the mobility hub. If the plan works out, the control room at Thevara near the Ernakulam South Police Station will be shifted to the hub. The hub, which is the centre of the transport activities of the city comes under the Panangad Police Station limit. At present, two policemen are deployed at the hub and are in-charge of the security. However, considering the importance of the hub, the Home Ministry decided to create the new positions here. Earlier, DGP had proposed the idea of opening a Police Aid Post at the hub to the Home Minister. More than 1000 Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and equal number of private buses enter the hub daily.
Currently, two policemen from the Panangad Station are deployed at the hub on a shift basis, one for morning and one for the night hours.

ENSURING SAFETY FOR PASSENGERS

The State Government has given permission to open a Police Aid Post at the hub. The government has already sanctioned six new permanent positions at the aid post. Once the vacancies are filled, the aid post will start functioning. If the plan works out, the control room at Thevara near the Ernakulam South Police Station will be shifted to the hub. At present, two policemen are deployed at the hub on the shift basis and are in-charge of the security

Can I ask one thing? Do any of the bodies related with the development of the hub or kochi metro or the vyttila jn have any plans to have flyover entries for the hub? Right now a lot of congestion is created by turning buses at both entry exit of the hub. Till now I have not seen any discussion on this matter. Since the hub is near one of the most congested and busy junctions in the city, I think such a plan should be there. The hub itself is a great idea but I feel it needs some supporting infrastructures.
1) entry and exit flyovers
2) foot over bridges and foot pathways
3) pedestrian traffic control
4) drop of and pick up points for private transportation.

Plz tell me whether there is any plan to have any of these. I feel that these can be built faster than a metro station and it can improve the hub to a great extend.

C The hub itself is a great idea but I feel it needs some supporting infrastructures.
1) entry and exit flyovers
2) foot over bridges and foot pathways
3) pedestrian traffic control
4) drop of and pick up points for private transportation.

Plz tell me whether there is any plan to have any of these.

Exit and Entry will be easy once NHAI build the planned interchange at Vytilla. Majority of the traffic, you see now, will be bypassed through the flyovers. Also the Vytilla-Peta road development will incorporate proper exit to the road.

There is a Skywalk planned for pedestrians at Vytilla, which will also take care of the traffic towards hub. Already the work on the footpath to the hub is progressing or might have completed.

There is facilities for private vehicles for pick and drop already, and once the phase II is completed, parking facilities for a large number of private vehicles will be provided.

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2012/05/23/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2012_05_23_F_MT_031/38_882_1952_2912.jpg

VMH Phase II: International Consultants to design the project

Rs 370 crore phase II consists of a Bus terminal integrating Metro Rail station.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/3291/hhhcopyw.jpg
cc: Manorama