India: Following the footsteps of Singapore, the Kochi city is also planning to conduct a geographic information system (GIS) mapping of the Greater Cochin area. The mapping is being planned by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) to analyze the data related to land use, environment, population density and traffic movement. The authorities believe that the step will help in developing traffic and transport infrastructure.
KMRL has sought the state government's approval for the Rs 1.25 crore-project, which will be implemented by Keltron. The finance department of the state is evaluating the proposal. The mapping process is a critical part of the integrated ticketing system being implemented by KMRL, where a common smart card will link all public transportation facilities.
A KMRL official said that the agency was developing an app for the integrated ticketing system. "We need to capture and store all data related to Greater Cochin. Singapore is a virtual city, where all details – transport and other sectors – are mapped and stored for public use. We are planning to turn Kochi into a similar city," he said.
The Greater Cochin area comprises city corporation, nine municipalities and 25 panchayats. All Metro stations, bus stands, depots, auto stands, roads, power cables and BSNL lines in the area will be captured during the mapping process. After this, buses in the area will be given separate numbers by dividing the routes into different clusters (like Piravom route one cluster and Vypeen another), with a common cluster letter.
Source: TOI
