Rs 600 cr projects planned in Kochi

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and the Kochi Corporation have unveiled projects worth over Rs 600 crore at the Partner Kerala Summit - organised by the state department of Urban Affairs.

While the Kochi Corporation is showcasing projects amounting to Rs 244 crore, including commercial complexes and hubs at key locations in the city, the GCDA proposed Rs 360 crore worth projects for setting up shopping malls at Manapattiparambu, Dr Ambedkar stadium, and a regional sports complex at Mundamvely, under the public private partnership."The proposals once materialised, would have the potential to transform the city in to a major commercial hub. We hope to rope in key private players for developing the projects," said minister for Urban Affairs and Welfare of Minorities, Manjalamkuzhi Ali.

These projects are a part of more than 100 proposals presented before potential investors at the two-day Partner Kerala Summit, which began on Monday. The meet is an attempt to mobilise resources for cash-strapped corporations and municipalities.

The proposed shopping mall at Manapattiparambu would come up as a world-class commercial space. The Rs 181.89 crore project would come up on 2.7 acres owned by the GCDA on the eastern side of the RBI compound.

Another key venture proposed by the GCDA is the regional sports complex at Mundamvelly, about 10 km south of Ernakulam. The Rs 50.19 crore complex will house an indoor stadium, swimming pool, tennis court, health club, library and accommodation facility for players.

The GCDA would also showcase its plans to introduce a passenger ropeway at Marine Drive, which would help general public enjoy a panoramic view of the backwaters and the Arabian Sea and Cochin Port. Also under consideration is a tunnel marine aquarium and entertainment park on the land owned by it behind the high court. 

It also plans to install a tethered helium balloon at the Marine Drive ground, where it has identified a 3,600-sqm site. It will have the capacity to carry 30 passengers at a time and will have amenities and utilities.