Metro rail station to find place in Hubs design

KOCHI: 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.