The design for the Vyttila flyover, crucial for kickstarting works for Vyttila Mobility Hub’s second phase, is yet to be finalised. However, the design and the Rs.375-crore estimate for the second phase is in place, setting the stage for the invitation of pre-qualification tenders for the work.
The qualification norms will be fixed within a month and the construction will begin latest by August, sources associated with the project said.
Finalising the flyover’s design is crucial since the entry and exit points and a couple of other specifications of the hub might have to be altered in keeping with the design.
Keeping this in mind, the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society has handed over the second phase’s design to Egis India, the consultant appointed by the State government to shortlist the best option from among the flyovers proposed by different agencies.
“Buses from Tripunithura to the city and long-distance buses from Alappuzha do not enter the hub now since by doing so they would have to cross Vyttila Junction twice.
Safe and free movement of pedestrians too is hampered because crossing the junction is tough. Such problems will have to be overcome in phase two and will depend on the flyover’s design.”
The amenities envisaged in the second phase include cellar car parking, passenger services and toilets in the ground floor and metro-rail station in the first floor. Three upper floors will be used for commercial purposes. The main building will be centrally air conditioned.
A new boat terminal will come up in phase two. The one under construction for hosting passenger ferries is yet to be commissioned and is encountering huge delays.
The second phase will be completed in three years’ time and a consortium of banks would provide 70 per cent of the project cost.
The State government would pool in with the rest, of which Rs.20 crore each would be interest-free loans from the Greater Cochin Development Authority and Goshree Islands Development Authority.
“This is in keeping with the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission pattern, where the Centre provides 70 per cent of the funds. The State government has given a total of Rs.52 crore for the hub’s construction,” sources said.
Inter-State buses
In the meantime, a good share of inter-State buses operated by road transport corporations of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has begun operating from the hub.
A booking office has been opened here for Karnataka buses. An office for buses from Tamil Nadu is to be set up.
