09 Aug 2025

Kerala has launched its first neurodiversity-friendly co-working hub at the Ernakulam South Metro Station in Kochi. Spanning approximately 48,000 square feet, the facility accommodates over 550 professionals and offers high-speed internet, dedicated meeting rooms, office pods, a cafeteria, and round-the-clock security. Designed around the globally recognised 'Spectra' model, the workspace aims to support neurodivergent individuals. The initiative, led by the state government and Infopark, is intended to attract startups, freelancers, and global capability centres, with plans to replicate the model at other transit locations.Read more

08 Aug 2025

In a continuation of its upward financial trajectory, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) announced an operating profit of INR 33.34 crore for the ongoing financial year, marking the third year in a row it has registered a surplus. The metro operator recorded a notable improvement of INR 10.4 crore over the previous year, showcasing its sustained focus on operational efficiency and financial prudence. With steady gains in revenue from both ticketing and non-ticketing avenues, the company has underlined its commitment to long-term sustainability.Read more

08 Aug 2025

Apartment owners across Kochi have sought government assistance following power disconnection warnings from the electricity board over the absence of sewage treatment plants (STPs). More than 70 apartment complexes were issued notices, leaving over 1,500 households anxious. Residents cited limited space, high installation costs, and pre-existing municipal STPs as reasons for non-compliance. The community has proposed interim measures and plans to seek formal intervention from state authorities.Read more

06 Aug 2025

The Greater Cochin Development Authority has commenced the land pooling process for the development of Infopark Phase III in Kochi. Spread across Kizhakkambalam and Kunnathunadu villages, the proposed IT township will cover approximately three hundred acres. The project is being developed using a land pooling model that offers landowners a majority return of their plots post-development, with the prospect of significantly increased land value. This phase comes in response to saturated demand at Infopark's existing phases and aims to attract large-scale investment while fostering modern urban infrastructure.Read more

23 Jul 2025

Redevelopment has begun in Shanthipuram Colony, Kochi, where 197 families will receive new homes under the "Pocket Homes" model, replacing unsafe dwellings. Each compact cluster will house eight units on 0.75-cent plots, with homes costing INR 10 lakh each. The Kerala government is contributing INR 4 lakh per unit via the LIFE Mission scheme, while Kochi Corporation secured CSR funds from BPCL (INR 1 crore) and Sobha Group (INR 50 lakh) to cover the rest. Beneficiaries will receive registered land titles. Phase I includes 16 homes, supported technically by Azadi Group's engineering college. Earlier upgrades to roads and drainage have laid the foundation for this community transformation.Read more

16 Jul 2025

Kochi Municipal Corporation's e-governance transition has triggered a major civic disruption, with nearly 50,000 building records missing from the newly implemented K-Smart portal. This breakdown followed Tata Consultancy Services' exit from the project, reportedly due to unpaid dues and delayed timelines. As a result, property owners are unable to access basic services such as property tax payments, building number verifications, and licence renewals. Over 1,450 complaints have already been registered, and opposition members claim the number of affected properties may be significantly higher.Read more

10 Jun 2025

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has invited tenders for constructing five new stations under Phase II along the JLN Stadium Kakkanad corridor at the Palarivattom bypass, Padamugal, Vazhakkala, Chembumukku, and Alinchuvadu. Earlier delayed due to the land acquisition issues and local protests, especially at Chembumukku and Padamugal, the project will now proceed using vacant government land. Construction, to be completed within a year of contract award, includes full station infrastructure. The tender mandates traffic diversion plans, road strengthening, safety measures, and signage. KMRL will coordinate with traffic police to maintain lane access during work, ensuring minimal disruption and enhanced public convenience.Read more

05 May 2025

Kochi is advancing its urban infrastructure with the INR 2,577 crore Phase 2 'Pink Line' metro expansion, adding 11.2 km and 11 stations from JLN Stadium to Infopark via Kakkanad by 2026. Supported by a EUR 175 million loan from France's AFD, the metro aims to improve connectivity to Kochi's tech hubs. The INR 1,137 crore Kochi Water Metro, India's first integrated water transport system, spans 76 km with 78 battery-powered boats across 38 terminals. Meanwhile, DP World's Vallarpadam transshipment terminal saw 17% growth in 2024, now operating at 1.4 million TEU capacity. Together, these projects position Kochi as a model sustainable urban hub.Read more

29 Apr 2025

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is set to finalize the construction of a new shopping complex in Kakkanad, following the demolition of the 50-year-old Kakkanad Commercial Hub. The upcoming five-story building, encompassing 18,000 sq ft, will include retail shops, office spaces, a meeting hall, restrooms, and elevator facilities. The basement will be dedicated entirely to parking, featuring separate entry and exit routes. Temporary accommodations are being arranged for displaced shop owners during the construction phase.Read more

16 Apr 2025

In a significant move to uplift the underprivileged, Maradu Municipality in Kochi provided land deeds to five extremely poor families. Each family received three cents of land, valued at approximately INR 2.7 lakh, funded entirely by the municipality's own resources. These beneficiaries will also be integrated into the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), ensuring assistance for constructing their homes. Additionally, residential flats built for eight Scheduled Caste families are set to be handed over in the coming week, reflecting the municipality's ongoing commitment to social welfare.Read more

24 Mar 2025

The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) Board has approved the second phase of its rehabilitation package for families displaced by airport land acquisition. The package includes permanent jobs in the Cochin Air Cargo Cooperative Society, additional prepaid taxi permits, and financial aid for affected individuals, addressing previous concerns over job stability. This move follows similar large-scale resettlement efforts seen in Navi Mumbai and Hyderabad infrastructure projects. Led by Industries Minister Shri P. Rajeeve, with Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan's backing, the initiative aims to provide long-term economic security and social stability to impacted families.Read more

20 Mar 2025

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is facing delays in Phase II of the Kochi Metro, a 11.2 km Pink Line extending from JLN Stadium to Kakkanad, due to procedural hurdles in securing a INR 914 crore loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The Kerala government has yet to recommend the loan to the central government, delaying fund disbursement. Despite work starting in July 2024, financial constraints are slowing progress. Similar issues have affected metro projects in Pune and Bengaluru. Resolving the funding impasse is critical to ensuring timely completion and enhancing urban mobility in Kochi.Read more

05 Mar 2025

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the development of a 0.5-acre land parcel at Marine Drive, near Goshree Junction, under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The site may be transformed into a commercial or tourism hub, with proposals being evaluated to determine the best use. GCDA, known for its role in Kochi's urban development, has previously executed several commercial projects. The initiative aims to enhance Kochi's commercial and tourism potential, leveraging the high-value location to attract investor interest while ensuring sustainable urban growth.Read more

17 Feb 2025

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is pushing for an upgrade to a Metropolitan Development Authority (MDA) to better manage Kochi's rapid urbanization. Chairman K Chandran Pillai emphasized the GCDA's role in city planning during a meeting with the State Finance Commission, warning that dissolving the authority could hinder development. The GCDA also seeks approval to issue municipal bonds to fund infrastructure projects and has requested financial reforms, including government grants and tax exemptions. This proposal aligns with national trends, as cities look to strengthen planning bodies to address growing urban challenges and economic expansion.Read more

11 Feb 2025

Kochi's commercial real estate market is booming, with office space reaching 17 million sq. ft. by 2024, a 28% rise in three years, according to CBRE and CREDAI Kerala. The technology sector leads leasing at 44%, followed by consulting and analytics (25%). Retail is also growing at a 9% CAGR, with malls expanding and fashion retail dominating at 55% of leasing. The residential sector is rising in East and North Zones, driven by IT growth. Government initiatives on sustainable urban development further boost the city's appeal, positioning Kochi as a major commercial and residential hub.Read more

04 Feb 2025

Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for its 18 km Phase III Metro line from Aluva to Angamaly via Kochi airport. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has granted in-principle approval for financial assistance. The project will feature 15 stations, including a 3 km underground section at Nedumbassery. KMRL is also assessing independent corridor feasibility and potential future extensions to Kochi GIFT City. The new line aims to reduce congestion and enhance urban transport, marking a major step in Kochi's infrastructure growth.Read more

31 Jan 2025

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has approached the state government with a request to amend the land pooling rules to facilitate the acquisition process for Infopark's Phase III campus. The proposed 300-acre campus in Kunnathunadu will be built using the land pooling method, under which landowners would get 60% of their original land back after the project's completion, with its value expected to increase substantially. GCDA aims to integrate the rules into the Town Planning Act to streamline the process and avoid legal complications. The government's decision on the requested amendments is awaited, and the third campus is expected to create significant job opportunities.Read more

31 Jan 2025

Authorities from Kochi Corporation recently announced that the construction of flats under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for rehabilitating residents from Kalvathy, Koncheri, and Thuruthi Colony has been completed. The project benefits 394 landless and homeless families. Two flat complexes have been built in Thuruthy-one by the municipal corporation and the other by Cochin Smart Mission Ltd. These complexes include residential units, parking, daycare centres, shop spaces, and other amenities. Inauguration is expected in March following the completion of sewage treatment plants.Read more

29 Jan 2025

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is seeking expressions of interest for two major infrastructure projects in Kadavanthra and Kakkanad through public-private partnerships (PPP). The INR 70 crore Kadavanthra twin-tower project will replace the existing 50-year-old GCDA quarters, with one tower serving as new GCDA quarters and the second managed by a private developer. The Kakkanad project, located on 129 cents along Seaport-Airport Road, will feature a modern mixed-use complex with office spaces, shopping malls, and residential units. These initiatives aim to revitalize urban infrastructure and promote economic growth in the Kochi region.Read more

02 Jan 2025

The Kerala government has exempted Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) from property taxes, addressing disputes over station and infrastructure levies and relieving financial strain. This decision follows a request by KMRL and aligns with the Indian Railways Act and a tripartite agreement mandating state support. Backed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the exemption aims to improve KMRL's operational efficiency, bolstering Kochi's eco-friendly urban transport. While supporting metro growth, the move highlights the need to balance local government funding challenges with infrastructure development for sustainable urban progress.Read more