Latest news with #VMHS
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Integrated bus terminal at Karikkamuri in Kochi runs into rough weather
The construction of a ₹12-crore integrated bus terminal for KSRTC and private buses on 1.90 acres of KSRTC-owned land at Karikkamuri in the heart of Kochi city has run into rough weather. This is reportedly due to the agency's reservations about a barter arrangement under which it was to be allotted land of equal value within the Vyttila Mobility Hub (VMH) premises. Transport Minister Ganesh Kumar told The Hindu that the KSRTC was not immediately keen on constructing a terminal for its buses within the VMH premises. 'This is because substantial investment would be needed to fill the largely slushy site to prevent waterlogging. Moreover, prime land owned by the KSRTC would have to be handed over to the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society [VMHS] in return for land that is of far less value or usability. All this is apart from the uncertainty over securing adequate funds to build the integrated bus terminal,' he said. He also added that he had recently held discussions with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) authorities on whether the metro agency could adopt appropriate technologies and erect a bus terminal complex using steel frames on land near the existing bus stand, where a garage was demolished after it developed cracks. The advantage of a steel structure, he said, is that it can be dismantled and relocated or reused. Such a structure could be built for ₹5 crore, following which the bus terminal—excluding the KSRTC office—could be relocated there. The executive committee meeting of the VMHS had, in March, decided to hand over land at the mobility hub to KSRTC in return for the 1.90-acre plot near KSRTC's Ernakulam bus depot. It was also decided at the time that both agencies would retain ownership of their respective plots but would receive permissive sanction to operate on each other's premises. As per the plan, a total of 16 KSRTC and private buses could be berthed at a time in the integrated bus terminal that was envisaged at Karikkamuri, for which Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) was to provide ₹12 crore in funding. Back in March, then Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan had directed the officials concerned to prepare the proposal for the ₹10-crore second phase of the integrated bus terminal to be submitted to the Centre in June. 'For now, KSRTC's long-distance buses will have to make do with a limited number of bays at the VMH premises, since the integrated bus terminal project has not taken off,' official sources said. Asserting that the State government had been neglecting the renovation of the existing KSRTC bus stand premises despite its poor condition, Hibi Eden, MP, said he had allotted ₹2 crore during his tenure as the Ernakulam MLA to build a temporary bus stand, meant to facilitate relocation of the existing infrastructure and construction of a new one. 'A structure built by the KSRTC's engineering wing using this fund had to be pulled down after it developed major cracks even before its inauguration. Subsequently, action was taken against a senior official of the agency,' he added. 'I am dismayed that the ₹12 crore allotted by CSML for the integrated bus terminal next to the KSRTC stand is yet to be utilised. This is due, among other reasons, to the complexities involved in the land swap between the KSRTC and VMHS. The State government could instead have directly allotted ₹12 crore to the KSRTC to build a new terminal. All this reflects the neglect being meted out to Kochi,' Mr. Eden added.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ernakulam KSRTC bus terminal project gets funding assurance from CSML
Kochi: Amid reports that the Ernakulam KSRTC bus terminal project has hit funding roadblock, hopes have been rekindled with Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) informing the state govt that funds for the construction have already been earmarked. Recently, CSML board noted that fresh approval from the Union housing and urban affairs ministry is required to provide financial support to the project, as the deadline for Smart City projects officially ended in March 2025. The expiry of the deadline prompted a section of board members to demand fresh approval from the ministry. The state govt then sought clarification on whether CSML had earmarked funds before the cutoff. "If the agency hadn't allocated money, no fresh allocation would be possible since the project period ended in March. That's why the govt asked CSML if the funds were already set aside," said T.J. Vinod, MLA. In its response, CSML confirmed that Rs 12 crore had been earmarked for the terminal's construction. Now, only official clearance from the Union ministry is needed to use the funds as intended. The state govt has started preparing a formal request for this approval. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "I've learned that the letter is ready. Once the concerned official returns from Delhi and signs it, the letter will be sent. We hope the issue will be resolved without much delay," Vinod added. The current KSRTC terminal near Karikkamuri in Kochi is in a severe state of disrepair. The old, crumbling structure offers poor amenities, unhygienic washrooms and limited passenger facilities, making it one of the most commuter-unfriendly terminals in the state. To revamp the facility, the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) signed an MoU with CSML and KSRTC for constructing a modern terminal based on the mobility hub model. The foundation stone was laid on Feb 24, 2024. CSML will provide funding, while VMHS will execute the construction. The land adjacent to the existing terminal, owned by KSRTC, will be handed over to VMHS for the project. However, ownership will remain with KSRTC. Waterlogging in the area has been a persistent issue. The govt tasked the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management with studying the site. Based on the findings, a high flood line (HFL) was marked. The site and surrounding roads will be elevated above the HFL before work begins.
New Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Vyttila Mobility Hub Society office is now virtually a one-man show
KOCHI: Entering the spacious office of the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS), one is greeted by vacant seats and cabins—with files stacked up on tables the only indication of any activity. There is only a single official on the entire floor, which is enveloped by an eerie silence. The condition of the office, which was once a bevy of activity, now mirrors the Mobility Hub, the integrated transit terminal located in the heart of the city, which has degenerated into a mesh of craters and fissures of late. All key posts are lying vacant as activities at VMHS have come to a virtual standstill, so much so that the society, entrusted with management of the sprawling 25-acre premises, hasn't been able to participate in any tendering process. This explains why the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) has finally taken up the project to repair the carriageway and beautify the hub, on behalf of VMHS. In fact, the latter hasn't carried out any major work ever since assistant engineer (technical) Divya Mohan was handed a promotional transfer over one-and-a-half years ago. 'To participate or float a tender you need documents to be vetted by at least three officials, including a technical expert. This has prevented VMHS from floating tenders over this period. This has severely hampered the developmental activities of the hub. Fund shortage is another major constraint. The Rs 590-crore second phase development was actually set for completion by 2021, but work is yet to start due to shortage of funds,' sources said.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Kochi: Vyttila carriageway a mesh of craters and cracks
KOCHI: Giving a harrowing time to commuters and bus operators, the promises of repairing the carriageway at the Vyttila Mobility Hub continue to remain on paper. With the hub degenerating into a mesh of craters and cracks, both KSRTC authorities and private bus operators are crying foul, citing that vehicles sustain damage, causing additional maintenance expenses and trip cancellations. They blame the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) and the project implementing agency, Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML), for the failure in honouring the promises made several months back. The pathetic situation will persist now that the monsoon is at the doorstep, they rued. 'Deep craters have formed all along the hub. The conditions have been pathetic for over a year. Often, potholes are covered with rainwater and drivers can't see them. Axles and plates of several buses were damaged. This is despite the fact that all vehicles are paying fees for using the hub,' a senior KSRTC official told TNIE. VMHS charges Rs 25 per bus (both KSRTC and private operators) for using the hub and Rs 50 for parking a bus. Two months ago, the KSRTC authorities met the VMHS managing director, who promised to take action on a war footing. 'But nothing has been done during this period. It costs us over Rs 10,000 to repair an axle. But we are affected more by the trip cancellation. It takes at least three days to repair the axle or the plate of a bus. The collection loss for three days for a super fast bus is around Rs 1 lakh,' the KSRTC official said. Private bus operators also shared similar concern. 'The additional maintenance expenses continue to break our back even as we struggle to remain afloat in the sector. At least, they could have exempted us from the toll till the repairs are done,' said K B Suneer, president of the Ernakulam District Private Bus Operators' Association.
