Kochi’s ambitious Tripunithura transit hub project, which aims to revolutionise the transport landscape in the region, is back on track with a fresh strategy.
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and Tripunithura Municipality, in collaboration with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), are set to implement the project through land pooling a method designed to overcome the persistent issue of fund shortages that had previously stalled its development. The project, which includes a state-of-the-art bus terminal near the Tripunithura metro station, promises to connect the town’s metro station and railway station, creating a seamless intermodal transport network. This integrated hub is expected to resolve travel challenges for thousands of commuters and significantly ease congestion in the area. Despite initial setbacks, including the failure to acquire the required land due to financial constraints, local authorities are now taking an innovative approach to move the project forward. Tripunithura Municipality had initially hoped to begin construction by June 2024, but delays in acquiring the necessary land and funding had delayed the start. However, with the introduction of the land pooling method, which allows multiple landowners to collectively offer their properties for public infrastructure projects, the process has been simplified.
Under land pooling, after infrastructure development, landowners will receive back a portion of their original land, which, thanks to the improvements, will have a significantly higher market value. The proposal for the land pooling method was confirmed after discussions between the GCDA and the municipality. However, there has been a slight delay in finalising the official approval to proceed with the detailed project report (DPR) for the bus terminal. The municipality had initially planned to engage KMRL for the DPR, but now it is set to move ahead with GCDA’s support. This shift underscores the growing collaboration between various stakeholders to overcome procedural hurdles and expedite the development process. Once operational, the transit hub will span a 5-acre area, serving as a major junction for both local and long-distance commuters. The project was initially proposed with a budget of INR 100 crore, aimed at creating a bus terminal and a road infrastructure connected to the upcoming metro rail line. However, previous attempts to secure funding for the plan were rejected by the state government due to budgetary constraints. The land pooling strategy is expected to reduce financial pressure, enabling the project to progress without the heavy reliance on government funding.
Land pooling has emerged as a viable solution in urban development, particularly in fast-growing cities where land acquisition can be a costly and time-consuming process. By involving landowners in the development process, the scheme ensures a win-win situation, where landowners benefit from the enhanced value of their properties while facilitating much-needed public infrastructure. Though owners typically receive only 60% of their original land after development, the increased land value three to four times its initial worth—makes the arrangement attractive for many. Urban planning experts view the Tripunithura transit hub project as a model for sustainable development in rapidly urbanising areas. The successful implementation of this project could set a precedent for future infrastructure projects in Kochi and beyond, driving greater efficiency in the way public transport systems are integrated with urban spaces. Despite the positive outlook, the project’s timely completion will rely heavily on overcoming bureaucratic delays and ensuring consistent stakeholder engagement.
With the foundation stone expected to be laid by mid-2024, residents and commuters are hopeful that the much-anticipated transit hub will finally materialise and transform Tripunithura into a key transport node in Kochi.
