Detailed Project Report in 3 months for Vyttila Hub phase II

Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) will prepare the Detailed Project Report for the Rs 430 crore Vytilla Mobility Hub second phase in three months as it has started the process of selection of the project consultant. "The tender for selection of consultant for preparation of the DPR was floated on April 3. The last date for submission of the bid is on April 27," said a senior metro official. Earlier, Vytilla Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) officials handed over the broad requirements to be considered during preparation of the DPR for the project which was already delayed for five years.

"One of the basic conditions was to have proper integration of metro rail with the road and water transportation modes. For instance a walkway can be built from the eight-metre high metro station coming in the hub to the bus and boat bays. We have also asked for maximum passenger amenities like passenger waiting area, toilet facilities, cloakroom, car and two-wheeler parking areas and signage among others," a senior VMHS official said.

The DPR will be prepared giving options for maximum open space and minimum commercial area required for sustainable functioning of the hub. Though KMRL initially asked for six months, the VMHS authorities wanted the process to be completed in half the period. "Only upon preparation of the DPR, we can approach the French funding agency AFD for availing loan. We can't afford to delay the project anymore as we have already lost five years," the official said.

Earlier, the Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO) too was in the race for implementing agency. Phase-II involves construction of 120 bus bays and an underground parking bay for 1,000 two-wheelers and 800 cars among others. A total area of 25.16 acre was earmarked for the second phase. A Governing Council meet chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on February 1last entrusted KMRL with the project execution.