Kochi City Transportation

[keralite]

Originally Posted by rkpai13

Kochi/Ernakulam traffic woes is not because of buses but because of lots of four wheelers that ply through the city. So by moving few buses from KSRTC bus stand will it reduce the traffic congestion?

it is the belief, authorities have. moffusil bus passengers actually benefits when the buses enter city or kaloor at the least. they celebrate bus day and what not to attract people to use bus service. otoh, buses in immediate neighbourhood(<50kms) denied entry to kaloor stand for the sake of VMH? Earlier, they banned moffusil buses from kakkanad route to halt at south station. does chittur road traffic improved drastically by the removal of 20 moffusil buses(Kothamangalam,Muvattupuzha,Perumbavoor)? Now I fear VMH will add to the trouble of Moffusil Passengers.

I believe, authorities are in denial that red city buses are to be tamed first before denying entry to buses from centres close to ernakulam. make VMH the centre for Red Buses and ThiruKochi services. spare Moffusil Services.

[vu3nnn]

I see this as another move to help private buses than reduce traffic congestion. Why on earth are KSRTC buses being discriminated? Private buses continue to call on the city, while KSRTC buses are required to run through the periphery of the city.

very true. The entire circus of this so-called traffic diversion is solely aimed at benefiting vested interests, such as private bus operators and Bye Pass Real Estate/Business mafia, to name a few.

The proposal to reserve the remaining portion of North ROB for busses, when at present this is not the case is a clear indication of the hold of the private bus lobby.

KSRTC busses can very well use the existing stand at Rajaji Road and enter/exit via Container Road without touching North ROB. This will also help to save running time by alteast 30 minutes, and ensure that West Kochi is not isolated (a genuine demand). To decongest North ROB, it is the city busses that have to use alternative roads. So what is the purpose of diverting KSRTC busses to an under-prepared VMH and add to the already high level of congestion at Vytilla?

ON a related note, of late I see very few Thiru-Kochi / Venad busses on the roads these days. I used to see a lot more of these busses when the LDF was in power.

[vu3nnn]

The latest decision to allow cars, along with busses and other heavy vehicles through North ROB is a welcome move. It will still cause congestion, but people will now have the choice of using Pulleppady ROB (not that it would help much considering the state of the approach roads) / Container Road, and as more people exercise such options, congestion will hopefully be within manageable limits.

I'm however still of the opinion that either approach road to Pulleppady ROB or Saleem Rajan-KSRTC ROB should be completed first before starting work on North ROB. After all even the final alignment of the metro rail is not a done deal as of now, leave alone the formal approval.

[binaiks]

Originally Posted by keralite

I believe, authorities are in denial that red city buses are to be tamed first before denying entry to buses from centres close to ernakulam. make VMH the centre for Red Buses and ThiruKochi services. spare Moffusil Services.

Moving ALL moffussil services to VMH is a good idea - that is exactly how things should work. Moffussil buses should be terminated on the outskirts of the city, and only city buses should run through the city - but as mentioned earlier, ALL moffussil services should be moved - not selectively as is the case now.

Kaloor - once devoid of moffussil buses - can be used as a good base for city buses. A good number of buses empty at Kaloor - and a new set of passengers join in. This is the case in all directions. They can converted Kaloor into a base for all city buses - except a few, all city buses should terminate at Kaloor.

There is no point in shifting city buses to Kaloor - it would serve no purpose, other than make then inaccessible to city commuters, and would increase the load on moffussil buses.

[mohammedirshad06]

In keeping with plans to reconstruct the Ernakulam North Rail Over Bridge (RoB) for the proposed Metro rail project, a trial-run for diversion of vehicles will be carried out on Monday. As per the arrangement, auto rickshaws, motor cycles and other light goods vehicles will not be allowed to pass through the North Over Bridge between 8 am to 8 pm. However buses, cars and other heavy vehicles will be permitted through the North RoB, according to Kochi City traffic Police authorities.


From Palarivattam side to MG Road:

Two wheelers, auto rickshaws and light goods vehicles will be diverted from Palarivattam to Thammanam. These vehicles will have to ply through Thammanam-Pulleppady Road to reach Pulleppady RoB. The other option is to take left from Kaloor International Stadium to reach Karanakkodam Junction on Thammanm Pulleppady Road. From Karanakkodam junction, turn right, pass through Kathrikkadavu underpass to reach Pulleppady RoB. Vehicles can also take a left turn from Kaloor Junction to reach Pulkleppady RoB via Kathrukkadavu.

All vehicles will have to pass Pulleppady RoB and turn left to reach Krishnaswamy Cross Road and enter M G Road via Chittoor Road.

Vehicles from Aluva:

Vehicles from Aluva and North Kalamassery can also use the Vallarppadam International Container Terminal Road to reach High Court junction.

Vehicles plying outside the city

The two-wheelers, three wheelers and light motor goods vehicles going out of the city to Kaloor-Edappally will be diverted from High Court Junction to Mathai Manjooran Road. The other option is to take a left turn from Kacherippady to Ayyappankavu for reaching Pachalam Railway gate and turn right to reach Pottakkuzhy Junction. From this point, turn left for Edappally and right for Kaloor. The other alternative is to take a diversion to Veekshanam Road near Chennai Silks showroom, MG Road to enter Chittoor Road and reach Pulleppady Junction. Turn left to reach C P Ummer Road. After crossing the Pulleppady Bridge, turn left to Bund Road and take the road next to St Francis Church to reach Kaloor Kadavanthra Road.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/where-do-...41-60-122.html

[mohammedirshad06]

Chaos and confusion prevailed at the Vytilla Mobility Hub on Monday as officials expressed their inability to provide details of the long distance buses that would pass through the hub. Though it was stated that all long distance buses heading towards Ernakulam would terminate at the hub, many buses including that of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), proceeded to the city thus giving passengers a tough time.

"There is lack of clarity regarding bus services that will enter the hub. Though buses from Northern districts enter the hub, those from Southern districts proceed through the highway. The regulations are applicable only to buses which terminate services at Vytilla," said Sunil Kumar, Station Master, KSRTC.

It was pointed out that long distance private buses that were heading toward Guruvayoor, Kozhikode and Kannur had been parked at the hub. Moreover, buses proceeding to Kottayam, Pala and Vaikom were also stationed at the hub. "Private buses that came from Cherthala went to the bus station at Kaloor. On returning, these buses entered the hub," added Sunil Kumar.

Passengers who had come to the hub to take KSRTC buses to go to places like Thrissur were asked to get back to the bus stop on the National Highway (NH). "I was told that all buses would come to the hub and there was no bus stop on the NH. But, when I checked with the station master, he asked me to take an auto and get back to the bus stop on the NH," said Thankamani, a senior-citizen, who had come to the city to get her pension.

The authorities had earlier announced that KSRTC would introduce more feeder buses to transport people from the hub to the city. There was no pre-paid auto facility available from the hub. "No new KSRTC services have been introduced. We operate regular services," said Sunil Kumar.

Private bus operators are also keen to analyze the feasibility of operating services through the hub. "It has increased our running time and we are waiting for the impact of these changes on our profits. If KSRTC operates more services, it will also affect our returns. We have posted people to collect data and the impact of all traffic diversions in the city," Suresh Oomen, secretary, Kerala Bus Transport Association.

Meanwhile, Regional Transport Officer, T J Thomas said that he had noticed certain flaws in the new system. "We are planning to introduce a one-way system to ease down traffic congestion at Vytilla-Tripunithura road." He confirmed the irregularities in the operations of KSRTC services and said, "The orders came late and the employees were not aware of it. This has been rectified."

Thomas said that more feeder buses would come in the following days and KSRTC would re-direct all long distance buses through the hub. "It has been decided to retain 25 buses through Thoppumpady, and all the rest will enter the hub." He said that further discussions would be held with various departments and officials on Tuesday.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...ow/9962921.cms

[mohammedirshad06]

It may come as a surprise that even a traffic chaos won't deter Kochiites to abandon their private vehicles and shift to public transport.

On a day when the authorities decided to try out the new traffic regulations in the wake of the proposal to raze the north overbridge, the denizens who are familiar with the alternative roads seemed comfortable driving their own vehicles.

Even though private buses were allowed to pass through the north overbridge, most of the residents in the city chose to travel in their own vehicles.

This came as a surprise to the bus operators too who were expecting a rise in the rush. "We were expecting a big crowd in the buses, as many were still not sure of the alternative roads. It seems the traffic diversions have not affected the public as everyone expected," says Ashraf, a bus conductor.

Radhakrishnan, who works in a private firm in Menaka, used his own vehicle to reach office. "I always use my car to reach office. Compared to the private buses that are congested in the peak hours, it makes me more comfortable," he said Radhakrishnan"

Though many of the locals preferred to use their own vehicles, some opted for the public transport system. Anish Sudhakar, an IT professional, used the private buses to reach office leaving his motorcycle behind. Anish, who preferred to travel on his motorcycle to reach his office in MG Road, opted for the public transport to avoid the traffic confusions and heavy rush.

Even though private buses were allowed to pass through the north overbridge, most of the residents in the city chose to travel in their own vehicles.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...ow/9962934.cms

[vu3nnn]

In spite of the successful trial run of the traffic on Monday, the police have sent a notification to the corporation authorities stating that no traffic regulations would be implemented until the roads in the diverted routes are repaired. The demolishing of the North Overbridge in a hurry is likely to throw the entire traffic in a mess and create a huge congestion, given the condition of the roads

Sources in the police said that the trial run was originally proposed for three days. But the police were forced to cut it short to a day bearing in mind the pathetic condition of the roads. The police commissioner M R Ajith Kumar has sent a communication to the Corporation heads stating that traffic regulation can only happen after roads are properly repaired. The police have refused to act on the proposed plans otherwise.

According to Assistant Traffic Commissioner Baby Vinod more than 100 police personnel were deployed in various parts of the city. The trial was a major success,but everyone recogonises that such regulations won’t work in the long-term unless a solution to the bad roads is sought.

“We had conducted a study about the traffic on North bridge earlier. We found that more than 60 per cent of the vehicles crossing the North overbridge are two and three wheelers. That’s why we diverted them alone,” Baby Vinod added.

Meanwhile sources in the Corporation alleged that such needless rush for a trial run was shown only because the Chief Minister is meeting the Prime Minister on September 22 where he would be submitting the report on the Metro Rail project. Town planning Chairman K J Sohan said that the town planning council had earlier recommended that any traffic regulation plans should be undertaken only after the roads are properly repaired.

“At first the Mayor had approved the recommendations made by the town planning council, but he changed his mind last month after discussing the matter with the Chief Minister. The main factor to consider is that the Corporation has no funds for such a massive project. The State Government has refused to give aid for several development projects in Kochi. The Corporation has taken loan from a private bank to pay the contractors for the project done last year.” K J Sohan said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cops-put-...97-60-122.html

[vu3nnn]

This came as a surprise to the bus operators too who were expecting a rise in the rush.

This says it all. Vested interests and power-lobbies are holding the city to ransom in the guise of development.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by vu3nnn

This says it all. Vested interests and power-lobbies are holding the city to ransom in the guise of development.

Its always MG Road Lobby vs Suburb lobby.... Given a chance to choice which Lobby I support, I have no hesitation to consider Suburb lobby, to see my city growing leaps and bounds, rather concentrating inside MG Road....

Whatever be it, I saw for the first time in my life, other than hartal days, a peaceful bus journey from Kaloor to Padma side, which also happened to be my last day in the town.....

I feel, as long as agencies become stricter like on the trial day, public transportation will emerge successful, as no one will like to use cars continuously in chaos...

[DileepKS]

Vu3, what do you mean by that? The ROB doesn't need re-building?

[mohammedirshad06]

Bus operators and four-wheeler owners might agree with what the City Police have in mind for diversion of traffic on North Railway Overbridge (ROB), but the two- and three-wheelers will have to drive an extra kilometre, for the cause of the greater common good.

The demolition and reconstruction of the North ROB could be completed with minimum vehicle diversion, shows the study done by City Police ahead of the 12-hour trial for traffic diversion of traffic on North ROB on Monday, which was an immense success.

The police ensured smooth flow of traffic all through the trial period by restricting only three and two-wheelers from using the bridge, while buses and four-wheelers were allowed to use it.

“This decision was taken after a thorough study of the flow of traffic along the bridge from August 30 to September 5. The study showed that the main bridge could be kept free by restricting smaller vehicles,” City Police Commissioner M.R. Ajith Kumar told The Hindu on Tuesday.

Policemen were posted at the entrance of the bridge to collect the figures of vehicles coming to and going out of the city through the bridge and samples were collected for every hour between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

“Before the study, we thought of implementing a dynamic traffic diversion, which will be implemented on the basis of the traffic flow. But the study showed it was better to have a system,” said Mr. Ajith Kumar.

Out of the 17,874 vehicles that entered the city on August 30 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., 8.35 per cent were buses, 33.65 per cent light motor vehicles, 24.43 per cent autorickshaws and 33.57 per cent two-wheelers and out of 17,378 vehicles that left the city on the that day during the same time frame, 7.92 per cent were buses, 33.39 per cent LMV, 24.36 per cent autorickshaws and 34.33 per cent two-wheelers. This pattern remained more or less the same all through the study period.

PEAK TRAFFIC

The traffic generally peaked between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and later in the day between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

But the figures also threw up some surprises for the City Police, as “the traffic along the bridge peaked during times we were not expecting,” said the Commissioner. While the number of buses using the bridge stuck to the peak hour patterns through the period, it varied for LMVs and smaller vehicles.

On the flip side, the City Police might have to face the wrath of the autorickshaw drivers and two-wheelers as the roads through which they are to be diverted continue to be in bad situation.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/...cle2452283.ece

[DileepKS]

Once the roads are fixed properly, I don't think people would complain about the diversion.

The 1km extra drive is true only if you are going to any place north of Padma. For destinations south of Padma, there is no difference. So, only a small number of vehicles will get the disadvantage.

[vu3nnn]

Vu3, what do you mean by that? The ROB doesn't need re-building?

North ROB definitely requires re-building. If I had my way, I would have demolished the main bridge for an elevated road from Madhava Pharmacy Jn to Kaloor Stadium and rebuild the present side carriageways as a proper bridge; but that would be after fully completing Thammanam-Padma Road.

This was before my time, but from what I have heard, the original plan when North ROB was first constructed was to start from somewhere beyond Judges Avenue, but the Lissy Jn lobby scuttled the move and thanks to that we have this rather steep gradient that makes reconstruction a must!

I've always held the opinion that reconstruction should start only after completing of the approach road on Pulleppady ROB or the Saleem-Rajan ROB. Anyway diverting only 2/3 wheelers is far better than diverting cars, and a major reason why the trial run was a success.

My major opposition is to diverting everything else through substandard roads and allowing private busses virtual ownership of the bridge (I have no objection to KSRTC using VMH after facilities there including Vytilla flyover are complete). The other major opposition is to the series of unviable restrictions such as one-ways resultant from the diversion.

Another option would be for the metro to take a deviation from front of the Town Hall and rejoin the main road through Lissy Hospital Road, St Augustine School Road, Judges Avenue and Perendoor Canal. This way the metro work can proceed without disrupting the present traffic flow.

Given a chance to choice which Lobby I support, I have no hesitation to consider Suburb lobby, to see my city growing leaps and bounds, rather concentrating inside MG Road....

... given a chance I would ensure that both MG Road and suburbs get their fair due, without either one impeding the growth of the other. It's pretty obvious that the only way city can grow leap and bounds is by developing the suburbs. But for such developments, we need not try to kill off / strangle / freeze developments in MG Road.

Whatever be it, I saw for the first time in my life, other than hartal days, a peaceful bus journey from Kaloor to Padma side, which also happened to be my last day in the town.....

That is because you do not live here on a permanent basis. There are many such off-days / times when traffic is light.

[vu3nnn]

A senior official from Railway construction wing said that the proposal to revive what was once the Ernakulam Railway Goods (ERG) station located behind the Kerala High Court is a welcome and practical one.

“The buildings in the 22-acre station and the broad gauge lines that link it with Edappally are intact despite years of disuse and can be revived with just a few repairs. There is no need for land acquisition either.

The presently-underutilised Harbour Terminus station (on Willingdon Island) too can be better utilised. The overhead electric lines from the city must be extended to both the stations so that electric locomotives too can call at/berth there,” he said.

The ERG station can become a hub for trains moving north of Ernakulam towards Shornur, thus decongesting the crowded Ernakulam Junction and Town railway stations. The station would also need a satellite maintenance terminal since service and repairs are currently done at the Kathrikadavu marshalling yard, which is located south-east of ERG station, the official said.

The Ernakulam Old Railway Station Vikasana Samithy recently stated that the congestion on city roads, especially on either side of the North and South overbridges can be reduced if people are able to directly reach the western parts of the city (the ERG station is on the city's western end) in trains. The station can be reached by rail from Edappally in 15 minutes whereas it takes more than double the time to reach by road.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper...cle2454945.ece

Even without waiting for a satellite maintenance terminal, trains having secondary maintenance at Kochi (that is trains belong to other zones/divisions) can still use Old Railway Station.

The station requires a new name. It was simply "Ernakulam" and "Ernakulam Goods" before and is "Old Railway Station" now. I would suggest "Kochi Rama Varma Terminal" in memory of the king who sold off his gold elephant headgears to first lay the Kochi-Shoranur railway line.

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by vu3nnn

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper...cle2454945.ece

Even without waiting for a satellite maintenance terminal, trains having secondary maintenance at Kochi (that is trains belong to other zones/divisions) can still use Old Railway Station.

The station requires a new name. It was simply "Ernakulam" and "Ernakulam Goods" before and is "Old Railway Station" now. I would suggest "Kochi Rama Varma Terminal" in memory of the king who sold off his gold elephant headgears to first lay the Kochi-Shoranur railway line.

I believe, ever since the news of Padmanabhaswamy temple gold deposits, there is renewed interest in positive aspects of Monarchy of Kerala..... Though Kochi Maharajas are not as famous/glamourous as Travancore Maharajas (as the rule of the state was primarily carried out by Diwans, making Kochi Rajas, nominal head of the state), still names like Sakthan Thampuran and Rajarishi Rama Varma are still widely respected.....

If we look, in Thrissur, even public toilets are named after Sakthan Thampuran..... (Joking yarr)

But in Kochi, the seat of Kochi Maharajas, people trend to forget the great heritage and legacy that our kings laid to the city and society....

Even today, we are struggling to get one Sabari Rail Line, while the King showed the way, not just to Kochi, but to entire India, how state's interests has to be upholded, even selling his personal jewels and temple jewels.... Thank god, that time, we didn't have Kshetra Kshema Samathi and RSS to protest against King's decision for diverting Temple's treasures for building up one of Kerala's most busiest rail line, which is not possible today, as seen in Padmanabhaswamy temple's case....

I wish, the new terminal to renamed after the great Maharaja- Sri Rajarishi Rama Varma and wishes to see his statue, which is currently lying in dilapidated condition in Subash Park to move infront to the new terminal.

[rkpai13]

Originally Posted by mohammedirshad06

I believe, ever since the news of Padmanabhaswamy temple gold deposits, there is renewed interest in positive aspects of Monarchy of Kerala..... Though Kochi Maharajas are not as famous/glamourous as Travancore Maharajas (as the rule of the state was primarily carried out by Diwans, making Kochi Rajas, nominal head of the state), still names like Sakthan Thampuran and Rajarishi Rama Varma are still widely respected.....

If we look, in Thrissur, even public toilets are named after Sakthan Thampuran..... (Joking yarr)

But in Kochi, the seat of Kochi Maharajas, people trend to forget the great heritage and legacy that our kings laid to the city and society....

Even today, we are struggling to get one Sabari Rail Line, while the King showed the way, not just to Kochi, but to entire India, how state's interests has to be upholded, even selling his personal jewels and temple jewels.... Thank god, that time, we didn't have Kshetra Kshema Samathi and RSS to protest against King's decision for diverting Temple's treasures for building up one of Kerala's most busiest rail line, which is not possible today, as seen in Padmanabhaswamy temple's case....

I wish, the new terminal to renamed after the great Maharaja- Sri Rajarishi Rama Varma and wishes to see his statue, which is currently lying in dilapidated condition in Subash Park to move infront to the new terminal.

If the debate for other names than of Ernakulam / Kochi starts it will end as some Gandhi or Nehru like our stadiums

[Arunz]

http://malayalam.deepikaglobal.com/m...3A07+AM#179565

[mohammedirshad06]

Originally Posted by rkpai13

If the debate for other names than of Ernakulam / Kochi starts it will end as some Gandhi or Nehru like our stadiums

There is absolute true. In Kochi, most of facilities are named after people who has remote or no connection with such projects.... The Park was a dream of Kochi Maharaja- Rajarishi Rama Varma. It was his pet project, that Kochi have its last green belt. Yet its named after Subash Chandra Bose and Indira Gandhi who has done nothing for building up the park. Subash's INA along with Japanese Air Force, once even threaten to air-raid Kochi, forcing British to have its own RAF Air Station in Kochi. Still we renamed our King's dream park into one's name who was all set to bombard Kochi.

Sir Robert Bristow, build a world class port that fuelled our city to progress, which we enjoy even today. Yet its named after Rajiv Gandhi, who rarely visited Kochi or lend support for Kochi's development....

Several Dutch commanders and Diwans of Kochi did more than what entire Indians did for our city. Yet we donot have any fitting memorials for such great visionaries who fuelled our city's real growth.

I am not saying, we should show Shiva Sena's over enthuasim to rename to Shivaji style in Kerala... Atleast Kochinites must have the same spirit of Thrissurians, who still name most of their public structures in memory of Kochi Kings.....

[mohammedirshad06]

In keeping with the changing demands of security, three major railway stations in Kerala are going in for an Integrated Security System (ISS) which will take the level of security in the railway stations to a high-level.

The three stations that have been identified for implementation of the ISS are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode.

Though the proposal to heighten the security system at these railway stations has been on the cards for quite a long time, the authorities decided to expedite the procedures considering the rising threat perception and the possibility of sabotage attempts on trains.

State Railway Protection Force (RPF) Commissioner, K J Joy said that they had received all necessary approvals to implement the ISS in the three railway stations. "We have begun receiving various equipment to install the security devices at the stations. In the next six to eight months, we will begin the installation process and in a year, the stations will have security systems that are of high standards," the officer said.

He said that as part of the ISS, the stations will have high resolution surveillance cameras which will be integrated to a control room in the station. There will also be X-ray baggage screening systems and bomb-suppressing blankets as part of the ISS. For the first time, the RPF will use the under vehicle scanner to check the vehicle entering the railway premises.The same system will also be used for scanning the trains," the official said.

Apart from installing door frame metal detectors, the RPF officials will also be provided with hand held metal detectors and bomb detection and disposing kits.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/10000039.cms