Transport Minister Aryadan Mohammed on Friday approved the design of the proposed bus stand-cum-shopping complex for the KSRTC at Ernakulam, put forward by Pithavadian and Partners Architects and Engineers.

Final discussions on the construction were held at Kochi on Friday. Aryadan Mohammed presided over the discussions.

As per the proposal, a nine storey building cum complex named ‘City Walk’ has been conceptualised.

KSRTC Bus Station, Ernakulam

Sufficient multi-utility corporate and commercial spaces along with shopping malls and modernised bus bays will be constructed as per the plan.

A movie complex is also part of the design.

Rooms will be available for rent for those corporates who wish to book halls for business purposes.

“Since water logging is a major issue at Ernakulam, we plan to raise the premises to a certain height. Based on the foundations possible for the construction, we will be able to decide whether it should be a nine or five storey building. Twenty four bus bays will also be constructed”, said Mahesh, the architect who conducted the presentation. “We plan to construct it in such a way that the passengers can directly enter into the bus”, Mahesh added.

Parking space for three hundred cars and 400 bikes is also available.

According to KSRTC officials, nine firms had taken part in the design selection process. Three of them were shortlisted. Pithavadian and partners has constructed similar complexes in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the officials said. They said that the exit and entrance of the buses should be at one place, otherwise it will lead to congestion in the city especially the Salim Rajan area.

Meanwhile, proposals have been put forward by the officials to widen the newly proposed exit and entrance areas for KSRTC buses near Ambedkar stadium.

“Initially,there were plans to set up the exit near A L Jacob road. Taking into consideration the heavy rush at the road, which will increase once the metro construction works begin, we have decided on a common entrance and exit for the buses.

“However, if this is to be made a reality, more space for movement of the buses along the route would be required. However, GCDA Chairman N Venugopal said that land cannot be provided for the entrance/exit of the buses, since the renovation works of the Ambedkar stadium would start immediately” Hibi Eden said.

Discussions in this regard will be held soon, he added.

Source: New Indian Express

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