SPONGE COLLABORATIVE +
WEAVING WITH WATER Team
MULLASSERY CANAL FRAMEWORK AND CANAL EDGE MASTERPLAN
2.2 Mobility Framework Introduction: The framework connecting the transit network and the public realm is dealt with a people-centric approach; where the movement of people is prioritized over the movement of vehicles. The framework sets the principles for transport & pedestrian planning and opens public space planning along with recommendations for utility management and service integration.
Figure 40 - The Mobility Framework aims to connect the three major transit nodes in the site - the KSRTC bus stand, Maharaja’s College Metro Station, and the Ernakulam Boat Jetty (Image Credit: Sponge Collaborative)
2.2.1 Challenges and Opportunities: The once water-transport-based settlement is today majorly transformed into a land-transport-based nexus. The canal which was earlier navigable has no such opportunity in today’s context. Reimagining and redesigning the street network adjoining the canal and connecting the larger movement loop to promote walking and cycling could be the most optimistic approach. Following are the key opportunity areas for realizing the mobility framework. 1. Mullassery canal geographically connects the KSRTC Bus stand, Maharaja College Metro Station, and Marine Drive Jetty - an opportunity for inter-modal integration corridor. 2. All the three transit nodes listed in the above point have adjoining under-utilized open public space KSRTC depot land, Maharaja college ground & Metro Rail land, and Priyadarshini park - which could be repurposed for multiple uses. 3. Mullassery canal passes through two important roads - MG Road and Park Avenue - which are the biggest opportunities to bring visibility to the canal. The intersections could be redesigned for efficient movement and to punctuate the presence of the canal.
