Vyttila Mobility Hub

Vyttila Mobility Hub is an integrated transit terminal in the city of Kochi. It is designed as a converging point of various forms of public transportation, such as local and long distance buses, metro rail and inland water transport. It is planned over an area of 37acre in Vyttila, making it one of the largest bus termini in India. The foundation stone for Mobility Hub in Vytilla was laid by then Chief Minister of Kerala V. S. Achuthanandan on 7 June 2010. Construction of the first phase, consisting of the terminal for long distance buses and the basic amenities, started in December 2010; the first phase was opened on 26 February 2011. When fully implemented, it will have facilities to integrate all modes of public transportation, as well as for shopping, entertainment and hospitality.HistoryA 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.