Transport in Kochi
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kochi (pronunciation ; Malayalam: കൊച്ചി [[Kocci]]); formerly known as Cochin) is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Transport in Kochi is generally characterized by its narrow roads and a mix of vastly differing types of vehicles that has made traffic congestion a major problem in the city. Added to these are problems caused by unscientifically constructed medians and pedestrian walks and unstrategically placed sign boards and traffic signals. Coupled to these, is the fact that Kochi's traffic is increasing at a rate of 333% each year[citation needed]. A sky bus service, intended to considerably ease congestion, is planned for the city.[1]
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[edit] Roadways
For transport within the city, buses and taxis are available throughout the day. The private buses traveling between different parts of the city comprise the backbone of the public transport system. Taxi cabs are usually available on an hourly or daily basis. For short trips auto rickshaws, commonly called autos, are more economical.
[edit] Airports
Kochi has an international airport, known as the Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK, ICAO: VOCC), which is about 25 km north of the city. Unlike most Indian airports (which are controlled by the Airports Authority of India), the airport is owned by Cochin International Airport Limited, a public company initially held by a large number of Non Resident Indians, major Indian corporations, and the government of Kerala (which holds a majority interest). It is thus the first international airport in India built without Central Government funds.[2] Having a 3,400-metre runway, one of the largest in Asia, the airport is equipped to operate any type of aircraft. It currently is the fifth busiest airport in India[3]. Currently in expansion mode, the airport has been made ready to accommodate the super jumbo Airbus 380.
The city has a second airport run by the Indian Navy, whose southern headquarters is located at Kochi. The airport is however not open to the public, and is solely used by the navy and by important government dignitaries visiting the city.
[edit] Water transport
Being one of the safest harbours in the Indian Ocean, Kochi ranks among India's major seaports.[4] The port, administered by a statutory autonomous body known as the Cochin Port Trust, offers facilities like berths for handling cargo and passenger ships, cargo handling equipment, storage accommodation, dry dock, bunkering facilities, and a fisheries harbour. Boat services operated by Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation, the state Water Transport Authority, and of private ownership are available from the High Court ferry and the main jetty at Park Avenue to various places. The junkar ferry for the transshipment of vehicles and passengers between the various islands are operated between Ernakulam and Vypin, and between Vypin and Fort Kochi. However, construction of the Goshree bridges (which links Kochi's various islands) has made ferry transport less important.
[edit] Railways
- See also: Indian Railways
There is no intra-city rail transport system in Kochi. The inter-city rail transport system in the city is administered by the Southern Railway department of the Indian Railways. There are two main railway stations in the city, the Ernakulam Junction and the Ernakulam Town railway stations (locally known as the 'South' and 'North' railway stations respectively). The railway line connecting these two stations cuts the city longitudinally in two, with two narrow bridges connecting the two halves.
[edit] References
- ^ "Kochi Metro Rail", The New Indian Express, 2006-05-09. Retrieved on 2006-05-23.
- ^ A novel venture in the history of Indian Aviation. Cochin International Airport. Retrieved on 2006-05-23.
- ^ "Traffic Trends". Airports Authority of India. 2006. Government of India.
- ^ Trade with India — major ports in India. National Informatics Centre. Retrieved on 2006-05-23.
