Trivandrum Projects VI

[Ajaypp]

Originally Posted by vicks_76

Find below Ajay's Article from Hindu Property Plus!!!
Ajay,
It's a very good article.Congrats for getting ur article published in Hindu.Continue your contribution throughout this year as well.

http://www.hindu.com/pp/2009/01/03/s...0350490100.htm

Vicks, Ajith, Sajith, Krishna, Jaleelji, Hari and Triman - Thanks for your support, mates. That's what keeps me going. Always proud to be a CET alumnus.

Lol, Civil Services.....that's a long story.....and perhaps not over yet.

[jadugar1984]

Originally Posted by Ajaypp

- Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a broad term given to a variety of transportation systems that, through improvements to infrastructure, vehicles and scheduling, attempt to use buses to provide a service that is of a higher quality than an ordinary bus line - Wikipedia.

Read more here.

Thanks Ajay and Ajith, It really clarifies my doubt.

Do they need to widen the road for BRTS or they gonna use the exisiting road with some barricates? As the current road from ulloor is not wide enough for the BRTS, probably they need to widen up the roads. But do they have enough land there to take over for road widening???

[BabuCS]

Originally Posted by jadugar1984

Thanks Ajay and Ajith, It really clarifies my doubt.

Do they need to widen the road for BRTS or they gonna use the exisiting road with some barricates? As the current road from ulloor is not wide enough for the BRTS, probably they need to widen up the roads. But do they have enough land there to take over for road widening???

That really opens up case for monorail, I mean, new land acquisition is not needed. And with the projected cost of 25crore for 1km for BRTS, I feel a monorail line will be much cheaper!! Good article Ajay, keep it up buddy!!

[Ajaypp]

- Thanks, Babu. A monorail will be much more expensive than BRTS, it will cost about Rs 100 Crore/Km. In terms of cost, BRTS < Monorail < Metro Rail. You can get more details from this presentation made by TDF.

[ajithv]

Originally Posted by jadugar1984

Thanks Ajay and Ajith, It really clarifies my doubt.

Do they need to widen the road for BRTS or they gonna use the exisiting road with some barricates? As the current road from ulloor is not wide enough for the BRTS, probably they need to widen up the roads. But do they have enough land there to take over for road widening???

You can more details like design,video etc.of the BRTS which is under implementation in Ahmedabad Here

[sunilananda]

Originally Posted by Ajaypp

- Thanks, Babu. A monorail will be much more expensive than BRTS, it will cost about Rs 100 Crore/Km. In terms of cost, BRTS < Monorail < Metro Rail. You can get more details from this presentation made by TDF.

There is yet another option of having a light rail system on elevated tracks that is supposed to be a cheaper version of the monorail with a manned or unmanned option available at some european countries.Or a sky bus offered by RITES.I feel that transportation needs have to be met with vertical buildups than lateral ones because of the paucity of land for development of roads.An integrated transport project with a mix of light rail spanning the city and feeder bus services to connect the light rail with citys main centers can take the load from the strained public transport system.If my information is correct,RITES has already conducted a study of the transport system in Trivandrum along with Cochin.

[karunakaranashok]

Originally Posted by sunilananda

There is yet another option of having a light rail system on elevated tracks that is supposed to be a cheaper version of the monorail with a manned or unmanned option available at some european countries.Or a sky bus offered by RITES.I feel that transportation needs have to be met with vertical buildups than lateral ones because of the paucity of land for development of roads.An integrated transport project with a mix of light rail spanning the city and feeder bus services to connect the light rail with citys main centers can take the load from the strained public transport system.If my information is correct,RITES has already conducted a study of the transport system in Trivandrum along with Cochin.

The options being discussed here are all indeed solutions that are technically possible but are these feasible and viable economically in a city of the size of Trivandrum. In my opinion (of course I am a layman as far urban planning issues are concerned) the need of the hour is to have the political will to disband the city services operated by KSRTC and privatise the public transportation in the city. That is easier said than done ;but such a step alone will bring a lot of relief to the harried citizens of Trivandrum.

I do not have any long term projected figures for the city in terms of population growth etc; but feel that the city is not going to suffer from any population explosion that will warrant /justify such massive CAPEX as would be required for projects such as Metro rail . Money could be spent instead on developing proper road system and associated infrastructure like drainage .

[Ajaypp]

- Ashok, Trivandrum is one of the fastest growing Tier II cities in India recording a CAGR of almost 4% till 2001, as per the last Census. With the current expansion of the U/A, the city's population will climb to 1.5 million and thereafter to about 2 million in 2016-20. With mega-projects like Vizhinjam and Technocity on the anvil that rate of growth can only accelerate.

Privatising the bus routes will result in more chaos. Today, with whatever shortcomings KSRTC has, Trivandrum has the most regular and most extensive bus service. One finds buses operating from 4 AM to 1 AM, whereas other cities in Kerala with private services only have bus coverage from 6 AM to 10 PM at most. And these private buses are given to frequent flash strikes and rash driving which makes the KSRTC look like a bunch of old women.

Trivandrum needs a Mass Transit system, there is no doubt about that. Any city with a million-plus population needs one, as per global standards. However, we don't need a costly white elephant like a Metro Rail system, which is prescribed for cities of population greater than 3-4 million. What we need is a flexible, cost-effective and easy-to-implement system like BRTS or Monorail.

[jaleelmalik]

Originally Posted by Ajaypp

- Ashok, Trivandrum is one of the fastest growing Tier II cities in India recording a CAGR of almost 4% till 2001, as per the last Census. With the current expansion of the U/A, the city's population will climb to 1.5 million and thereafter to about 2 million in 2016-20. With mega-projects like Vizhinjam and Technocity on the anvil that rate of growth can only accelerate.

Privatising the bus routes will result in more chaos. Today, with whatever shortcomings KSRTC has, Trivandrum has the most regular and most extensive bus service. One finds buses operating from 4 AM to 1 AM, whereas other cities in Kerala with private services only have bus coverage from 6 AM to 10 PM at most. And these private buses are given to frequent flash strikes and rash driving which makes the KSRTC look like a bunch of old women.

Trivandrum needs a Mass Transit system, there is no doubt about that. Any city with a million-plus population needs one, as per global standards. However, we don't need a costly white elephant like a Metro Rail system, which is prescribed for cities of population greater than 3-4 million. What we need is a flexible, cost-effective and easy-to-implement system like BRTS or Monorail.

Yes, this sort of operation you can see only in Trivandrum.
Even much later after the second show, you can get into a city bus from near the Sree Padmanabha Theatre & go home safely.

In Idukki, you are stuck after 7 pm. At Kottayam the time limit is 8 pm. At Ernakulam, 9 or 10 pm. Gone is the Last Bus !!!!!!!!!!

Any idea about the 'Special Night Service Buses" those were running in some prime routes between 12 MN & 4 AM? . I think, these buses having a "double fare" were introduced during the term of Mr. RB Pillai.

In Tamil Nadu, we have the system of this night bus service for years. These services are very much useful to the the passengers, especially those who are on transit at the cities like Madurai & Kovai. Though the charges are double the normal rates during the time period from 10 pm to 5 am, the services are very much convenient, economical & safe, as the auto rickshaws in TN 'kill" the passengers (Yes, minimum they charge Rs.50/- - even years back).

If the night city bus service in Trivandrum is not operational, it should be resumed ASAP.

Regarding the Private Vs KSRTC issue, I do prefer the "Right Mix" of both the categories. Actually Trivandrum City is being benefitted from this mixed service system. Monopoly of KSRTC or Private would make the people suffer only.

We are all very well aware of the behaviour of the KSRTC Employees in the City Buses of Trivandrum during the period of 18 years from 1976 to 1994 when KSRTC enjoyed a "real monopoly" on the city roads. However, the strike by the KSRTC employees during 1994 compelled the Government to reintorduce the Private Services in the City. Thereafter, the KSRTC employees are more better.

And for the "minnal panimudaks", both KSRTC & Private sector are at par only.

[sanjay4]

Originally Posted by vicks_76

Find below Ajay's Article from Hindu Property Plus!!!
Ajay,
It's a very good article.Congrats for getting ur article published in Hindu.Continue your contribution throughout this year as well.

http://www.hindu.com/pp/2009/01/03/s...0350490100.htm

Congrats Ajay. Well written and crisp

[manojrnair]

Ajay!! Really great man...
U still can do lot more and sure that ur skills and knowledge is very much essential for making Trivandrum a muchmore happening and better place to live....

Lets all hope that BRTS is executed within the prescribed timelines and lets b the first city in South to have this impemented.

[rejukrishdxb]

I like to highlight one point here regarding KSRTC vs Private. The need of the hour is that we should have an agency, who operates the bus transport in the city who can borrow buses from both KSRTC and private as in the bangalore or hyderabad, where u cannot distinguish the buses which has got the blend of both private and public. Since they are operated under BMTC, as in bangalore there is no unhealthy competion, and no rash driving etc, buses looks uniform in design which is the need of the hour. When Mr ganesh kumar proposed this idea this was not favoured by the employees of the KSRTC. This will also benefit the govt having most of the income tapped which is now being siphoned off by unauthorised parallel service

[sunilananda]

Originally Posted by karunakaranashok

The options being discussed here are all indeed solutions that are technically possible but are these feasible and viable economically in a city of the size of Trivandrum. In my opinion (of course I am a layman as far urban planning issues are concerned) the need of the hour is to have the political will to disband the city services operated by KSRTC and privatise the public transportation in the city. That is easier said than done ;but such a step alone will bring a lot of relief to the harried citizens of Trivandrum.

I do not have any long term projected figures for the city in terms of population growth etc; but feel that the city is not going to suffer from any population explosion that will warrant /justify such massive CAPEX as would be required for projects such as Metro rail . Money could be spent instead on developing proper road system and associated infrastructure like drainage .

The population and density of the City may not warrant a massive investment in servces right now.But when the city is expanding and growing at a pace that is outstripping development works ,planners need to work on plans that will cater to the future needs today.Because we are seeing the fast disappearing margins the planners of today experience after completion of the projects.We need to appreciate the foresight of the planners of yesteryears who planned for the city of Trivandrum.Trivandrum remains a city to live in only because of the vision of the planners of yesterday.The city still quenches the thirst through the pipeline laid laid during the reign of the Travancore family.The sewage still depends on the sewage lines and sewage farms to cleanse the city of the sludge.Trains stream into the city through the lines laid in the early 20th century.The super jumbos takeoff from the airport with a city attached, built during the times of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore.And who can forget the stroll along the majestic Kowdiar avenue road with its stately trees lining the roads even today.All done with a thought for tomorrow.It is not short term gain that is required .It is long term projects that will make the city of tomorrow.Lets invest now for the future.

[jaleelmalik]

Originally Posted by rejukrishdxb

I like to highlight one point here regarding KSRTC vs Private. The need of the hour is that we should have an agency, who operates the bus transport in the city who can borrow buses from both KSRTC and private as in the bangalore or hyderabad, where u cannot distinguish the buses which has got the blend of both private and public. Since they are operated under BMTC, as in bangalore there is no unhealthy competion, and no rash driving etc, buses looks uniform in design which is the need of the hour. When Mr ganesh kumar proposed this idea this was not favoured by the employees of the KSRTC. This will also benefit the govt having most of the income tapped which is now being siphoned off by unauthorised parallel service

Yes Reju, this idea is most welcome.
But in the first phase, all our egoistic KSRTC Employees and their leaders have to be given good corporate training to improve their soft skills.
Atleast they should be sent to Palai to attend the "Man Catcher" & "How to Excel" training programmes.

Cheers
Jals

[nri-hotels]

I seeking some comments or advice on a leasing issue.

A restaurant had been renting the ground floor frontage of my commercial building for a number of years. Now that lease came to an end last month, but despite sufficient prior notice of termination of renewal from us, the tenant refuses to leave the premises unless considerable goodwill compensation is given. I have gone to court already but my lawyer is not confident about exercising my rights as a landlord.

As a result i can't rent out the property to higher paying customers, nor use it myself, or even sell the building because buyers want a clean title with no tenants.

It seems that tenants have considerable advantages over landlords in Kerala. However I was also told that short term leases (max 11 months) provide more protection. Why is that ?

Why would anybody invest and rent out property in Kerala if such problems exist between landlords and tenants.

Thanks for your input.

[Kannan46]

Plea for Bench
Source: thehinduonline

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The committee agitating for the setting up of a High Court Bench in the capital has urged the Union Cabinet to decide on the issue. In a statement on Sunday, it urged the Union Ministers from Kerala in the Union Cabinet to take the initiative.

Cheers!!!

[jaleelmalik]

Originally Posted by nri-hotels

I seeking some comments or advice on a leasing issue.

A restaurant had been renting the ground floor frontage of my commercial building for a number of years. Now that lease came to an end last month, but despite sufficient prior notice of termination of renewal from us, the tenant refuses to leave the premises unless considerable goodwill compensation is given. I have gone to court already but my lawyer is not confident about exercising my rights as a landlord.

As a result i can't rent out the property to higher paying customers, nor use it myself, or even sell the building because buyers want a clean title with no tenants.

It seems that tenants have considerable advantages over landlords in Kerala. However I was also told that short term leases (max 11 months) provide more protection. Why is that ?

Why would anybody invest and rent out property in Kerala if such problems exist between landlords and tenants.

Thanks for your input.

Hi, this is not the right forum; better move this to the GD thread. However, as I understand, now a days , the courts are more in favour of the "suffering' landlords. Once upon a time, the tenants were enjoying all the benefits.

In Kerala, usually, the lease deeds / rental agreements are made for a period of 11 months only and a fresh contract is made after every 11th month. This is to "escape from the term of one year". However, this is only a "technical fact" and if the court is convinced that the tenant is occupying the building for more than one year, they might take a suitable decision. However, everythings is based on the arguments of your advocate & the discretion of the court.

Cheers

[Unnikrishnan]

Heera Infocity as on 30-Dec 08

Heera Towers as on 30-Dec 08

[Rajesh SM]

UDS to upgrade its property to 5 star beach leisure hotel

Kerala-based Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel (UDS) plans to upgrade its four-star leisure beach hotel at Kovalam to five-star beach leisure hotel category. The hotel which presently has 186 room inventory is in the process of adding 14 rooms (new rooms will be operational by the end of December 2008). The group also plans to increase the room tariff by 12 per cent which will be spread over the next two years.

Presently, UDS has four categories of rooms including presidential, deluxe suite, suite and exotica. The additional 14 rooms will be added to the exotica category. As reported earlier by this publication, UDS will be launching their flight catering 'Sky Kitchen' at Shangumugham in Thiruvananthapuram by September 2009. The kitchen will run for a month on a trail basis and will be fully operational by October 2009.

Speaking to Hospitality Biz, Raj Gopaal Iyer, Corporate Director, Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel said, “The renovation for upgrading the hotel to five-star category will start by April 2009 and is scheduled to be completed by September 2009. Our patrons could enjoy the services of upgraded leisure hotel from the next season. The hotel will be operational throughout refurbishment since we plan to carry out the renovation in a phase wise manner (taking 20 rooms at a time). After renovation, we are planning to eliminate presidential, deluxe suite and suite category and introduce club and club premium category.”

[harikg]

The Indian Registration Act says any Lease for a period exceeding one year has to be registered. That means a lease for 365 days or one year need not be registered. But if it for 366 days, it needs to be registered. This is the legal reason why people fix lease for 11 months (TO AVOID REGISTRATION FORMALITIES AT THE SUB REGISTRAR’S OFFICE). However the interesting fact is that even if it is for one year period it need not be registered. But usually people mistake this provision in Registration Act, they believe one year period means ‘registration is required’ so, they go for 11 months.