Indira Canteen leads Kochi's priority projects for upcoming budget

Indira Canteen Tops Kochi’s Budget Wish List

The Kochi Corporation is optimistic that its list of 12 priority projects will receive due attention in the first Budget of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government, set to be presented by Chief Minister and Finance Minister V.D. Satheesan on Friday. Shortly after his swearing-in, a delegation led by Mayor V.K. Minimol submitted the list, emphasizing the need for the overall development of Kochi and its surrounding areas.

At the forefront of the Corporation’s proposals is the Indira Canteen initiative, a budget eatery project launched by the UDF governing committee in March. The canteen aims to promote a hunger-free Kochi, support women’s livelihoods, and encourage social enterprise. The Corporation has requested the government to introduce a subsidy for the initiative, which currently relies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding. For now, the funding gap is being covered by the Corporation itself.

Another key demand is the establishment of a 190 MLD drinking water treatment plant, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This project is expected to benefit Kochi Corporation as well as municipalities and panchayats in Aluva, Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, Eloor, Maradu, Kumbalam, Kumbalanghi, Chellanam, Varappuzha, Cheranalloor, Kadamakkudi, Mulavukad, Elamkunnappuzha, Njarakkal, Nayarambalam, Keezhmad, Edathala, and Choornikkara.

The Corporation has also sought State support for a proposed waste-to-energy project. Additionally, it is hopeful about securing funding for three major road projects and two railway overbridge (ROB) projects. These include the Thammanam-Pulleppady Road, Goshree-Pachalam-Mamangalam Road, a 40-feet road in Palluruthy, the Atlantis ROB, and the Mattancherry Halt ROB.

The Thammanam-Pulleppady Road and Seaport-Airport connectivity are designed to enhance east-west urban mobility, while the Goshree-Pachalam-Mamangalam Road aims to improve connectivity in North Kochi. The 40-feet road in Palluruthy is expected to ease internal mobility in West Kochi. The Atlantis ROB is intended to reduce congestion in the city center, and the Mattancherry Halt ROB is projected to improve mobility in West Kochi and boost tourism.

Another significant proposal is the Vembanad Lake Rejuvenation Mission, which is seen as critical for climate resilience and flood mitigation. It also aligns with Kochi’s vision of transitioning into a blue economy.