Kerala Revised Budget: Infrastructure projects in Kochi get meager funds

Infrastructure development in the city found meager allocations in the revised state budget for 2026-27 presented by Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Friday (June 19). The budget only mentions an allocation of ₹ 1 trillion for the initial steps of construction of Goshree-Bolgatty Parallel Bridge and land acquisition and construction of Goshree-Mamangalam road.

Though the supplementary document mentions proposals like renovation of Ernakulam Boat jetty, renovation of Udayamperoor-Koorikkad road, construction of drainage and footpaths along MG road, renovation of Thripunithura-Mankayikadavu road, Edappally-Ponevazhi road and construction of Thuthiyoor-Eroor bridge, details of the projects are yet to emerge. The parallel railway bridge at Kalamassera is also mentioned in the appendix.

Although the budget has earmarked ₹20 crore for activities related to the proposed light metro projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, there is no specific allocation for the Kochi Metro.

Meanwhile, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited welcomed the allocation of ₹20 crore, terming it as a major boost for the continued growth of the metro network and implementation of future expansion projects.

While Kochi MLA and District Congress Committee President Mohammed Shiyas said the budget announcement would pave the way for the development of the port and tourism sector in the district, CPI(M) district secretary S. Sathish said the budget completely ignored the dream projects of the district.

“There is no mention in the budget of the second and third phase of expansion of Kochi metro and water metro. The previous budget presented by the LDF government allocated ₹ 79.03 crore for Kochi metro. Key road projects including Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass, Moothakunnam-Edappally NH 66, Bypass-Angamaly-Monnar-Airport were also ignored said Mr. Sathish.

He also flagged the budget as not mentioning the Angamaly-Erumela Sabari railway project. CPI district secretary N. Arun also criticized the alleged neglect of the Sabari railway project, saying it amounted to cheating the people.

Published – 20 Jun 2026 0:49 IST