Non Motorized Transport Initiatives for Kochi Metro (KMRL)

The National Urban Transportation Policy (NUTP) aims at providing better mobility and sustainability by focusing on people mobility rather than vehicle mobility.

The present focus on building roads and flyovers to cater to the ever-increasing vehicular traffic of India is slowly transitioning into giving more focus on Mass Transit Systems combined with efficient NMT (Non-Motorized Transport) modes to ensure safe first and last mile connectivity.

Over the last five years of operation, Kochi Metro Rail has changed the face of Kochi City – providing world class infrastructure to its citizens in a time bound and sensitive manner. 

Perhaps the first in the country, KMRL’s objective is to integrate the entire public transport system – the metro, the buses, the boats, the auto-rickshaws and taxis to work as a seamless integrated system together with NMT initiatives including safe pedestrian pathways and cycling to encourage the citizens of Kochi to minimize dependence on private vehicles for their day-to-day activity.  On the long run, this shall help transform the city to a cleaner, greener and safer urban space.

Inspiration is the Design Consultant to KMRL to design and develop universally accessible NMT components including pedestrian footpaths, cycle tracks, public open spaces and landscaping, public amenities including toilets and development of junctions and their immediate surroundings along the identified corridors from Aluva to Petta Junction.

The interventions shall focus on creation of Resilient and sensitive Streets and Public Spaces.  All design elements shall lay emphasis on optimum use of locally available natural materials, local artisanal skills – which are resilient to local climatic conditions and heavy usage.

Spaces shall be designed with safety for women, aged, children, differently abled and other genders as of utmost importance. 

Components of intervention include Construction of storm water drain / Improvements to the existing storm water drains to ensure effective drainage of storm water and avoid flooding; Construction of Footpath with Tactile paving to ensure universal accessibility 24 x7; Defining safe Cycle tracks and Cycle docking system to encourage cycling as a mode of last mile connectivity; Improve / ensure Landscaping and horticulture to ensure a green cover for the city which shall not only improve micro climate and comfort for pedestrians and cyclists but also help sequester the CO2 emissions from automobiles; Integrate Signages and Street Furniture; Provide / facilitate underground ducts wherever necessary to lay all utility lines with provision for comfortable access for maintenance and future expansion.

The pioneering Project is expected to set standards for similar works in future across the State and even the country.

PROJECT DATA

Scope: Total Design Consultancy

Location: Ernakulam, Kerala

Timeline: 2021- till date

Client: Kochi Metro Rail Limited

Collaborators: Deepika Amonkar'; GRAHA; Sumanam Consultancts; STUBA Engineering