‘Obstructive parking has worsened in post-lockdown period owing to higher influx of private vehicles’
The Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority (KMTA) has zeroed in on three critical projects that have to be implemented in the next six months.
Smart parking, revision of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) (readied in 2015 by Kochi Metro Rail Limited - KMRL), and promotion of non-motorised transport (NMT) are the core areas for which brain-storming will be done. “We have identified the need for smart parking, aided by a new parking policy, as a priority area, since haphazardly-parked vehicles are a menace. Obstructive parking has worsened in the post-lockdown period owing to higher influx of private vehicles,” official sources said.
Private bus and ferry services to isles come to a halt
Even as city dwellers envy them for the fresh air and scenic surroundings that they live in, thousands of people who reside in about a dozen picturesque islands that are a stone’s throw away from the Greater Kochi mainland have harrowing tales to narrate, thanks to non-availability of modes of public transport.
This is because private buses that operated to isles that have bridge connectivity, and ferries operated by the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) have halted services, post the lockdown. “This has resulted in youth and men most of whom are sole bread winners in a family and earn less than ₹10,000 a month, being forced to avail loan to purchase two-wheelers. Still, women and elderly people are devoid of a mode of commute,” said Jerald Muzhagunthara, a resident of Kothad Island and an IT professional.