KOCHI: The French urban planning experts have submitted a proposal and design to the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) on developing Edappally and Vyttila as major city sub centres.
The two areas are strategically very important and can be the major interconnection points of various modes of transport, according to them.
Some of the major development plans proposed for Vyttila are providing easy access for the pedestrians to the Hub and to convert the Mobility Hub into a state-of-the art public facility which will integrate major modes of transports.
According to the foreign urban planners, Edappally junction assumes great significance with the presence of big shopping mall, church, mosque, schools and residential areas.
Better connectivity to the area with city buses, integration of the Metro with a bus rapid transit system, development of public spaces along the Edappally Canal and construction of footpaths are some of the plans proposed for Edappally. The Edappally Canal should be developed for water transport for better connectivity, feel the experts.
“Our next mission will be in Kochi by the end of July followed by our next visit in September. Our objective is to prepare an ambitious vision for the Kochi of the 21st century with add on features like quality public spaces, pedestrian friendly areas and shopping streets,” said Etienne Lhomet of CODATU.
Meanwhile, responding to the implementation of the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) KMRL managing director Elias George said that the UMTA bill was still under the consideration of the state government. “Since the government has already issued an order in this regard we can constitute the Authority before the bill is passed,” he said.
