The stretch between Goshree Junction and Durbar Hall Ground will be beautified as part of plans to develop it into a model road. | Photo credit: H. VIBHU
Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) has been tasked with preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for the beautification of the stretch between Goshree Junction and Durbar Hall grounds as part of a larger plan to develop it as a model road.
The model road project was among the 21 priority initiatives identified by the new United Democratic Front (UDF) steering committee during its first 50 days in office. The project will be implemented in three phases.
“We found that a similar project was started during the previous council with little progress or allocation of funds. Hence, we decided to ask CSML to submit a DPR. The private builder has also agreed to beautify and maintain the stretch between Goshree Junction and High Court Junction as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative on the request of the corporation,” Mayor VK Minimol said.
The corporation has also acquired an electric bus to run a shuttle service between High Court Junction and the corporation headquarters for citizens visiting the office. The original plan to run a buggy service had to be scrapped due to lack of the required approval. “KSRTC has already approved a stop in front of the corporation office, while instructions have been issued to the regional transport authority to approve a stop for private buses as well,” Ms. Minimol added.
She claimed that except for two, the UDF steering committee implemented all 21 projects. “Upgradation of bud schools has to be reworked due to technical issues. Implementation of green protocol for Fort Kochi beach was delayed as bids could not be invited to identify the agency as assembly model election code of conduct came into effect by then. Steps to call for bids will be initiated soon,” she said.
Construction of a dog shelter in Brahmapuram continues while Indira Canteen, a budget restaurant, has started operations. An adalat was convened, although some corrective actions remain pending due to the code of conduct. The first Talk with Mayor program took place, the second is scheduled for the end of this month.
“Facilities like biometric punching, canteen, camera networks and single window system have been introduced at the company’s new headquarters as promised. Three of the remaining six wellness centers have started operations while three more will be inaugurated soon. Thus, all 38 centers within the company’s limits will be completed, thereby avoiding forfeiture of funds,” Ms. Minimol said.
A physiotherapy center in Fort Kochi has been started and another one will be opened soon. A modern bio-toilet in Kaloor has been renovated and two more will be set up in Fort Kochi using CSR funds. Both biomedical waste incinerators were inaugurated in Brahmapuram and 110 tonnes of biodegradable waste is being processed at the biogas press. The hostel for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students will be opened after the approval of the council.
An intensive campaign to eradicate mosquitoes was carried out by reviving disused fogging machines, while a mobile food testing laboratory was revived and operational, Ms Minimol said.
Published – 11 May 2026 18:38 IST
