Vyttila Mobility Hub

A panoramic view of Vyttila Mobility Hub

A fast-growing city like Kochi requires a comprehensive plan to meet the demands and requirements in Traffic and Transport. Travelling in the city is a Herculean task due to congested roads and traffic jams. The large number of long-distance (mofussil) buses contributes to the present chaos. The number of vehicles in Ernakulam District has increased an average annual growth rate of 13 percent. The Comprehensive Study for Transport System for Greater Kochi Area by Rites Ltd, 2001, NATPAC Traffic Report, 2006, and City Development Plan by Kochi Corporation, 2007, had pointed towards the shifting and integrating of main mofussil bus stands in the city and converting it to a mobility hub at a strategic location near Kochi Bypass. With the support of these studies, the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII)-Kerala and the Centre for Public Policy Research are coming up with a new plan to set up a mobility hub in Vyttila and will transform it into the Gateway of Kerala. The hub project aims to reduce traffic congestion due to the expected increase in traffic flow at Kochi in the coming years with the commissioning of the International Container Transshipment Terminal and other allied projects connected with it.

The site for the mobility hub in Vyttila is well-connected with all routes. It serves as a meeting point for all intercity and intra-city roads. The site is connected to Edappally, Kundannoor, Palarivattom, Vytilla junction through Kochi Bypass and exit road links with Ettumanoor road connecting it with Tripunithura, Pettah, Ambalamugal etc., providing free transition in various directions of the city. It is connected to Kochi Metro and Kochi Water Metro.

Vyttila Mobility Hub is connected to Vyttila Metro Station of Kochi Metro Line 1(Aluva to Triupunittura). It is a 160 metres walk to the metro station by Vyttila Mobility Hub Road. Train Towards Thykoodam 1st train-6:41 a.m. Last train-10:39 p.m. Train Towards Aluva 1st train-6:02 a.m. Last train-10:01 p.m.

Vyttila Mobility Hub is connected to Kochi Water Metro. Vyttila water metro station is on the east side of the mobility hub. It is located by Kaniyampuzha river. It is a 76 metres walk to the ferry terminal by Vyttila Boat Jetty Walkway.

The project is estimated to cost around 121 crore and will be implemented in two phases. The project will have facilities for parking 175 buses, 2,000 to 6,000 cars, and 2,000 to 10,000 two-wheelers. Three boat jettys and green zone would also be set up on the eastern side of the hub. An air-conditioned tube too has been planned, to connect the terminal to the western side of Vytilla junction. Passengers can easily get down at the bus terminal at the hub and use the Mass Transit System like the inter-city bus, auto, ferry, taxi or metro train to enter the city. It has the potential to host a worldclass mega shopping mall, food courts, cultural centre and health club, a hotel and a 50m swimming pool in a total built-up area of 150,000 sq m.  

KITCO, the consultants, is entrusted with total implementation of the project. (The feasibility study of the project too was conducted by KITCO). The tenders for the construction of first phase was granted to Nagarjuna constructions from among seven companies which submitted tenders.[7] The selection was on account of quoting the lowest amount for the execution of the project and the first phase of the project was completed in February 2011.