ALAPPUZHA: The much-touted mobility hub project that was supposed to connect the transport system in Alappuzha is held up in a stagnant state as the paper works related to the project is yet to receive approval from higher officials. The foundation laying of the Rs 493.064 crore project was completed two years ago but the municipal corporation is determined to only give approval to the layout if obtained a favorable report from the canal heritage committee.
The modified layout plan was handed over to Inkel but the Art and Heritage committee-approved report is yet to be handed over to the consultancy firm. In a meeting held last month, KSRTC gave verbal approval for the layout of the terminal. Meanwhile, Rs 129 crore was sanctioned to KSRTC for reconstructing the garage exactly two years ago but the project is yet to commence.
Rs 493.06 crore project:
The heritage committee had recommended that the KSRTC stand be demolished and the terminal be built on the model of a Chundan vallam( beaked boat), with some changes including reducing the height of the mast.
The water transport sector in Alappuzha will try to emulate the success of the Kochi water metro which was recently inaugurated. The four-floor terminal complex will have a Multiplex Complex, Pretrol-Diesel Pump, Multi Level Car Parking, Safe Stay Hotel, Super Market, Workshop, Boat Terminal, Boat Repair Dock Yard, District Transport Office, Water Transport Department Office, Bus Bay, and garage.