Kochi: Passengers will have to bear with ‘bumpy’ rides at Vytilla Mobility Hub for some more time. The authorities have suspended planned renovation and repair works costing over Rs 40 lakh with the model code of conduct in force.
The soil beneath interlock tiles sunk all-throughout, making the surface uneven. The passengers, especially those standing, lose their balance while the buses pass through the sections and many complain of back-pain due to sudden jerking.
Bus owners have lodged complaints with the Vytilla Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) authorities pointing out that interlock tiles have either come off or sank at many points, resulting in additional wear and tear expense.
“The repair works for the entire section will cost lakhs and need sanction of the government. We’d planned the works and were just short of awarding the contract when the polls were announced. Now the works remain suspended,” said a senior VMHS official, adding only minor works within Rs 25,000 will be carried out.
Meanwhile, execution of Rs 598-crore Vytilla Mobility Hub second phase will get delayed by at least two months. The VMHS governing council had approved the project coming up in 27 acres in February.
“Now the cabinet will have to approve the same before constructions can start. We’re told the same can be done only after May 27,” the official said.
The authorities target February 2021 as the deadline for completing the second phase which will feature a total of 101 bus bays, including 16 boarding and alighting bays for city buses and 76 boarding and nine alighting bays for regional buses. This is in addition to 78 bus bays earmarked for idle bus parking.
