The second phase of development of Vyttila Mobility Hub is in a standstill because a decision has not been taken on the ideal public-private-partnership (PPP) mode of implementation.
The Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) opted for PPP mode since State government expressed its inability to pool in funds for Rs.450-crore worth public and commercial infrastructure envisaged in the hub’s second phase of development. The society’s MD, M. Beena, said the State Planning Board was preparing guidelines on the ideal mode of implementing the project. She attributed delay in kick-starting second phase works to the decision taken to revisit the project.
“Either the project had to be scaled down from Rs.450 crore that was mooted or we had to opt for PPP mode. Now, we hope all amenities envisaged earlier will be materialised. The second phase design would be in synergy with the Vyttila flyover and Kochi Metro alignment,” she said.
A decision was taken earlier not to have metro station on the hub’s first floor. Instead, it would be a separate structure, linked through a corridor.
Ms. Beena cited the need for more amenities at the hub since KSRTC has plans to step up its operations in the city. In phase two, Kaniampuzha Road would be widened into four lane from Vyttila Junction up to the hub, for which land belonging to the hub would be added to the road’s width. This is apart from constructing cellar parking for vehicles, bus terminal on ground floor and commercial space in upper floors.
Private players did not evince much interest in the initial proposal for phase two as there were no takers at Partner Kerala urban development meet organised here early this year. “This and government’s fund crunch prompted the choice of PPP mode for implementing the project,” sources said.
