Kochi proposes 30 infra projects worth over Rs 1,500 crore under 2050 plan

Kochi Municipal Corporation has drawn up 30 infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore under its proposed Kochi@2050 development blueprint, with the civic body seeking financial assistance through the Union government’s Urban Challenge Fund.

The corporation council approved the project concept note on Tuesday, November 3. The proposals will be forwarded to the Kerala government, while detailed project reports will be prepared after the necessary approvals.

The projects are intended to address the city’s future infrastructure requirements, with a focus on mobility, sanitation, water supply, last-mile connectivity and public facilities, reported The New Indian Express.

One of the main proposals is an Integrated Mobility Hub at Kaloor, which is expected to connect the Metro station with the private bus stand.

The corporation plans to relocate the existing slaughterhouse at Kaloor to land it owns in Cheranalloor. This would free up approximately 50 cents of land at the bus stand for the proposed mobility hub.

Other major proposals include Vyttila Civil Square, estimated to cost Rs 60 crore, redevelopment of Thevara Market for Rs 30 crore and redevelopment of Ormayil P T Udyanam and P T Thomas Memorial Park at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore.

The corporation is also considering an electric roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) service connecting Vypin and Fort Kochi, in addition to existing services.

Road improvements have also been included, with Panampilly Nagar Road, Goshree BTH Road, 40 Feet Road and Manapattiparambu Road identified for upgrades using modern construction technologies.

The proposed funding will be sought under the Centre’s Urban Challenge Fund, which runs from 2026 to 2031.

Under the funding model outlined by mayor V K Minimol, the Centre will provide a grant covering 25 per cent of the project cost. The remaining amount will have to be mobilised through state government support, municipal bonds, loans or public-private partnerships.

The mayor said most of the projects would be developed on corporation-owned land, reducing the need for fresh land acquisition.

The proposals are intended to provide an infrastructure roadmap for Kochi over the next 25 years. However, the individual projects will require further approvals, funding arrangements and detailed planning before construction can begin.