2.2.4 Key components of mobility framework

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE + WEAVING WITH WATER Team

MULLASSERY CANAL FRAMEWORK AND CANAL EDGE MASTERPLAN

The four basic principles underlying the Connect framework are: 1. Access to public transit for all residents of the city by a. Creating well-connected footpaths and cycle lanes, which ensure that pedestrians and cyclists can move around the city safely and comfortably b. Enhancing last-mile connectivity through Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) systems and frequent Intermediate Public Transit (IPT) zones that allow users to switch between multiple modes of transport c. Redesigning bus stops to ensure they are well-lit, accessible from public spaces, and introducing cycle parking stands on the streets, alongside public nodes

2. Include all community groups while designing the streets, through a. Incorporating tactile pavers, frequent pedestrian crossings, and well-designed ramps which make streets friendly for the disabled and elderly b. Designating shared streets which prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, restrict the speed of motor vehicles, and foster community interaction through parklets c. Ensuring all citizens have easy access to toilets, feeding rooms, and community spaces on the streets

3. Activate the streets to make it vibrant and engaging by a. Reprogramming the street to include pop-up pavilions, cultural trails, and local art exhibitions, which attract diverse groups of people and create a landmark in the city b. Introducing street events, parklets, and seating that allow residents of the neighbourhood to use the street as a public space, an extension of the traditional communal porches in houses. c. Organising community events and service camps which can benefit low-income neighbourhoods and spread awareness on civic issues

4. Generate jobs and boost the local economy by a. Supporting vendors through temporary and designated vending zones on arterial streets b. Regulating the building frontages in neighbourhoods to host commercial activities, which will ensure ‘eyes on the street’ and increase footfall for local businesses c. Hosting weekly pop-up markets in public open spaces, which increase opportunities for informal businesses

2.2.4 Key components of mobility framework:

The basic units of the mobility framework are characterized based on the prioritization of sustainable modes of transport. Transport & Pedestrian Planning to enhance interaction with the canal, open public space planning for resilience and liveability, and integrating utility management with street design are the key planning principles that directly influence the development of components for mobility framework. The interventions are to be included as part of the canal edge redesign, street design, or open space design.

The framework plan encompasses the following components: 1. Green mobility corridor: The confluence of the Mullassery canal with Backwaters in the West and with Perandoor Canal in the East are anchored by the Marine Drive corridor and the Green Corridor proposal connecting South and North Railway Stations. These corridors shall be designed to prioritize walk, cycle, and IPT modes with dedicated tracks provided for all three modes. 2. Walk & Cycle-only street segments: With the right-of-way of street segments along the canal as the

SPONGE COLLABORATIVE + WEAVING WITH WATER Team

MULLASSERY CANAL FRAMEWORK AND CANAL EDGE MASTERPLAN

biggest challenge, transforming some of them as walk & cycle-only streets shall benefit a larger population and help in reducing air & sound pollution. The streets can be designed as shared spaces with appropriate trac-calming measures to reduce the speed limit to 15kmph. 3. Walk & Cycle-only trails: The trails passing through the canal communities and open spaces should also be connected to the larger mobility network. These can provide quieter routes along the canal edge to experience the natural landscape and serve as safe linkages for all. 4. Mass Transit corridor: The arterial roads with well-serviced mass transit options such as the Kochi metro rail network or bus services can be articulated to provide dedicated space for footpaths and cycle tracks.

The transit stations/stops shall be made universally accessible, safe, comfortable, and provided with real-time travel information. 5. Slow streets: Street segments where cyclists and motorists are expected to share the carriageway space with a dedicated footpath shall be assigned with a speed limit of 20kmph through appropriate trac-calming elements. 6. Shared streets: Street segments where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists are expected to share the carriage way shall be assigned with a speed limit of 15kmph through appropriate trac-calming elements.

These streets can be treated with chicanes to reclaim street space for other purposes. 7. Public Bike Sharing station: Universally accessible bike sharing stations should be included within 5-10 min walking distance from the neighbourhoods along the canal. PBS should be available at all mass transit stations. The signages and renting system should be inclusive. 8. IPT stand & Pick-up / Drop-off zone: Intermediate Public Transit modes should be made available in 5-10 minute walking distance from all mass transit stations. In order to discourage park & ride and reclaim street space from parking encroachment, more pick-up/drop-off slots should be provided. 9. ITS-integrated intersections: The major trac intersections should be installed with ITS in order to optimise signal timing and monitor trac flow. Real-time trac information should be displayed and integrated as part of the mobility systems to facilitate trip-planning and trip-chaining. 10. Reclaimed street edge - Parklets: Along the street and canal segments wherever provision of dedicated open public space is not feasible, the street edges shall be converted as parklets with seating and lighting facilities so as to activate the public realm. 11. Dedicated public open green space: The Mullassery Canal precinct has multiple smaller open spaces which could be integrated as part of the canal network to facilitate ecological as well as community purposes. The existing green cover will be maintained and further strengthened in these spaces. 12. Smart-utility corridor: This represents the street along the canal which could be prioritized for smart-utility management by planning and designing the street to accommodate aboveground and underground utilities in a seamless manner.