Kerala Trade Center structure completed on Marine Drive. Once finished this is going to turn into another posh shopping mall within the core urban area.
http://i37.tinypic.com/qoc5s6.jpg

Wow, never heard a thing about this. Wonder what it will look like in the end.

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3977/cruisez.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/i/cruisez.jpg/)

Louis Cruise Lines launched their Home Port operations from Kochi.

Louis Cruise Lines launched their Home Port operations from Kochi.


I would long to travel in this route :):)

CIAL invites tenders for a Trade & Exibition Cente and Aviation Museum @ Nedumbassery.:)

http://www.cochin-airport.in/tender/tenderlist.aspx

Louis Cruise Lines launched their Home Port operations from Kochi.

ooooo too tempting offer , this willr eally boost Kochi prominence .

KSIDC starts recruitment process for the Executive positions in Kerala Islamic Bank @ Kochi having a share capital of Rs. 1000 crores.

http://www.ksidc.org/careers.php

The bank which would have an initial corpus fund of Rs. 5000 crores would fund for the infrastructural sectors in Kerala - hopefully the express highway and Information Technology parks @ Kochi .:banana::banana:

Can some one post pics of Lulu Mall. Guess the structure is completed .

Hopefully by 2011 it will be operational . Kerala is too late to enter the Mall culture . Luckily Kochi will have atleast 3/4 quality Mall by 2011. Oberon , Gold Souk , Lulu , Summit . Once these get operational , the crush for malls will go from the minds of people. Mall will become another common thing. Btw Oberon is really awesome .

In mUmbai , I have seen many builders doing away with the Mall and converting them to residential projects .

Drove by Lulu today. The structure of the mall building seems to be complete. It has a non-imposive quality in the structure, leading to the ladies saying it is too small. OTOH, Oberon and GSG makes an imposing presence.

Drove by GSG also. The outside is all done and ready as seen from the road.

Drove by Lulu today. The structure of the mall building seems to be complete. It has a non-imposive quality in the structure, leading to the ladies saying it is too small. OTOH, Oberon and GSG makes an imposing presence.

Drove by GSG also. The outside is all done and ready as seen from the road.

Its a perfect design for a Mall by Atkins . Lulu just remind me Inorbit In mumbai . Mall should never look imposing , it should never cross 3 floors. Should be horizontal rather than vertical which is perfectly made in Lulu case.
So does the design of Forum Mall . Lulu and Forum will be outstanding once completed . Btw our ladies always says Big is better , so for them Mall should be 10 floor:ohno:

LULU mall is gonna be the biggest mall in Kochi and not to mention in the whole of kerala once completed . It's gonna cover a whopping 1.5 million square feet with a 5 star hotel attached to it .

One of the major projects likely to dot the National Highway is the Lulu Shopping Mall. Lulu is a well-known name in the State, what with a strong NRI population familiar with the malls promoted by the Dubai-based M.K. Group.

Though the project is yet to kick-off physically, as it awaits Government nod, it will, perhaps, be one of the largest malls here. Spread over about 17 acres of land, the shopping plaza will have five-star hotels too in the 15 lakh square feet area spread over the ground, first and second floors at Edappally.

A 12-kitchen food court with an expected seating capacity of 3000 people and a seven-screen multiplex to accommodate more than 1,500 people will, perhaps, be a big lure for customers. There will be small halls with a seating capacity of 50, as also halls with a larger capacity.

Lulu is expected to open its own hypermarket with about two lakh square feet area, besides catering to five anchor shops that will be at least 30,000 sq. ft in area. Some of the big brand names are likely to pick up space in the mall, which will be able to accommodate 3,000 cars in its parking space on the surface and basement areas.

Atkins, a U.K.-based company, is said to be the architects of the commercial space that will have more than an escalator and an elevator. A travellator or a moving walkway that can carry a shopping cart will be a new facility at this mall.



No other mall u/c or under planning elsewhere in Kerala is so huge :dance:

LULU mall is gonna be the biggest mall in Kochi and not to mention in the whole of kerala once completed . It's gonna cover a whopping 1.5 million square feet with a 5 star hotel attached to it .

No other mall u/c or under planning elsewhere in Kerala is so huge :dance:


I read in ET supplem,ent that the biggest Mall in India is Mantri Mall in Bangalore ( Guess i quoted the name coirrect) which has a 1.1 Mn sqft Retail area. If that be the case Lulu is bigger than that looking at the retail area. I Guess DLF has dropped their Mall of India or defrred.

Can some one post pics of Lulu Mall. Guess the structure is completed .


Shall I? ;)

Drove past the imposing LULU site yesterday and early morning today. The size of the thing is mind-blowing. Edappally is soon going to be da destination once this mall and the associated developments like Marriot Courtyard gets completed.

KMC, could I request you to repost the pics to KochiNow forum, if you dont mind, as I'm not able to log in there. (Forgot password again, must dig up from old mail):bash:

From Edappally Jn going towards Kalamassery. You can also see the new alignment for the NH 17 just before the site.
http://i37.tinypic.com/2up8g2a.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2m42m1u.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2wltwra.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/117uv4z.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/104gknq.jpg

Any one have any updates on Abad Nucleus Mall , near Maradu?

Btw Oberon is really awesome .

Just dropped in at Oberon Mall for lunch on Sunday on way back from my apartment at Kakkanad. Looks nice, especially the Food Court was a pleasure. :cheers:

http://i37.tinypic.com/2i0g8pw.jpg

Random shots of the mall. Will upload more as time permits.

http://i36.tinypic.com/j59o3r.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/28sr34p.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/149w9rp.jpg

Shall I? ;)

Drove past the imposing LULU site yesterday and early morning today. The size of the thing is mind-blowing. Edappally is soon going to be da destination once this mall and the associated developments like Marriot Courtyard gets completed.

KMC, could I request you to repost the pics to KochiNow forum, if you dont mind, as I'm not able to log in there. (Forgot password again, must dig up from old mail):bash:

From Edappally Jn going towards Kalamassery. You can also see the new alignment for the NH 17 just before the site.
http://i37.tinypic.com/2up8g2a.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2m42m1u.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2wltwra.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/117uv4z.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/104gknq.jpg

Thanks Scorpi for these wonderful pics.:)

The board in front of Lulu says 20 lakh sqft. Some news clip said 22 lakh sqft. That should be including the hotel.

The board in front of Lulu says 20 lakh sqft. Some news clip said 22 lakh sqft. That should be including the hotel.

Yup Dileep,

2 Million + sq. feet would be including the 5* hotel coming up adjacent to the mall . Put together - this mall would be the biggest one in India .

LULU group headed by NRI tycoon Mr. Yousuf Ali is going ahead with another mall @ Abu Dhabi - which is supposed to be the biggest mall in Asia . Me an envious :mad::lol: neighbour of this wealthy business baron @ AUH.

Yup Dileep,

2 Million + sq. feet would be including the 5* hotel coming up adjacent to the mall . Put together - this mall would be the biggest one in India .

LULU group headed by NRI tycoon Mr. Yousuf Ali is going ahead with another mall @ Abu Dhabi - which is supposed to be the biggest mall in Asia . Me an envious :mad::lol: neighbour of this wealthy business baron @ AUH.

Dubai mall is believed to be the biggest mall in the world...so is'nt the future biggest in Asia going to be the biggest in the world? If you have any more details abt the Auh one please post more details in the Abu Dhabi skyscrapercity forum!!

Dubai mall is believed to be the biggest mall in the world...so is'nt the future biggest in Asia going to be the biggest in the world? If you have any more details abt the Auh one please post more details in the Abu Dhabi skyscrapercity forum!!

You are mistaken . Dubai mall is not the biggest mall in the world. infact it's South China Mall.Will post more details about LULU Abu Dhabi mall @ the earliest .:)

Alappuzha’s beleaguered houseboat industry, that has had to endure the twin blows of the economic slowdown and the recent boat
tragedy at Thekkady, have seen spirits rise with some help from cruise tourism.

The uptick is owed to the initiative of the Cochin Port Trust to make the port a cruise-friendly terminal. The arrival of the German cruise liner, Ada Cara, bringing roughly 1,000 tourists to the port has had a positive rub-off for the houseboat industry in Alappuzha, which got a few hundred tourists from the ship for day cruises in the backwaters.

“This is a good beginning, and the cruise vessels arriving in Kochi are expected to regularly bring day tourists to Alappuzha in significant numbers, who want to experience the backwaters. We are expecting that there would be a few cruise liners calling at Kochi every month, and this will have a positive impact for the houseboat industry”, Jojy Mathew, director-marketing of Rainbow Cruises told ET.

Not everyone, however, is saying that the worst is over yet. According to VG Zachariah, managing partner of Lakes and Lagoons in Alappuzha, the industry is yet to pick up full steam. “There is some flow, but one cannot say that the industry has reached a take-off stage. The Thekkady tragedy has impacted tourism arrivals, and there is a perception among tourists about safety measures being suspect though we have incorporated all safety measures”, Mr Zachariah said.

The houseboat industry players are planning to petition the tourism minister and concerned authorities about the problems they are facing, particularly with regard to the licensing issues.

“There has been virtually no licensing happening after 2008 and the licensing office is in Kochi, making it difficult for the houseboat operators in Alappuzha”, says Jojy Mathew of Rainbow Cruises, adding that a single-window clearance is a crying need for the industry, to get the multiple clearances like pollution control certificate, canal licences, and boat and drivers’ licences.

Houseboat operators say that there is a slight improvement in the arrival of domestic tourists, particularly those from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Delhi, after a rather dismal Diwali season.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/et-cetera/Cruise-tourism-lifts-spirits-in-Alappuzha-backwaters/articleshow/5164354.cms

The city traffic police have started taking proactive measures to regulate vehicular movement in the city. They are planning to introduce a new first of its kind signal system to regulate traffic on the South Railway overbridge.


The police have already installed signals on the bridge which they say will start functioning in a few days. “The system is expected to ease traffic. It will be operated by traffic police personnel on duty with a remote control,” said a senior police official.

The official said that vehicles coming from one direction would be halted for a few seconds while those from the other side would be allowed to ply in both lanes.

“Presently the traffic police are using this method when there is heavy flow of traffic by communicating with each other on two sides of the bridge over the wireless. But this method is not very effective and at times leads to traffic chaos.

The new system will help to control traffic without any confusion,” the official added.

Four signals have been installed on the bridge for the purpose, the official said adding that they were yet to decide on using the system round the clock. “Initially the system is likely to be used only during peak hours,” the official added.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=City+traffic+on+remote+control&artid=O4sdm3VSh7o=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&SEO=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=

Mudra has roped in Burnard Rajan as creative director for its Kochi office. In his new role, Rajan will be handling the creative work for Mudra Kochi's brands such as Federal Bank and Manorama Group.


Prior to this appointment, he was with Contract Chennai as creative group head.


Says Rajan, "Mudra has built a strong and capable team here in the South and I look forward to collaborating with them to ensure the best creative results for all our brands."


Rajan has over 14 years of experience in the industry and has worked on brands like CavinKare, Citibank, Mitsubishi Motors, Lenovo Worldwide and ITC. He has previously worked on sectors such as FMCG, banking, automobiles, white goods, retail and telecom.



http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/headlines/y2k9/oct/octmam81.php

Can someone say what is the project coming at Kundanoor junction on Highway. Is it Mall , Multiplex or???

any idea, its almost 1st floor over

DLF to come up with affordable housing in Kochi ....

where do they hold land for such projects, May be kalamassery land??

"Besides Gurgaon, DLF plans to launch its low-cost houses in other major cities where it has a presence including Lucknow, Kochi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Chandigarh."

http://www.mydigitalfc.com/real-estate/dlf-build-one-lakh-houses-costing-under-rs-20-lakh-each-415

For the whole of 2007 and in the first half of the following year, Kakkanad, the satellite city of Kochi, was the hottest destination for builders
in the state. It was the sudden emergence of Kakkanad as the nerve centre of the region’s IT industry that lured builders to the region. And almost all builders operating in the state had projects in Kakkanad.

The concentration of building activity in the central business district of the city was another reason for the real estate players to announce new projects in Kakkanad. The availability of adequate land and good water were other factors that prompted builders to expand towards Kakkanad.

The Infopark that the state government had established in Kakkanad was witnessing major expansion with several big companies such as Wipro, TCS and Cognizant opening their centres in the region.

However, the main factor that triggered the race for Kakkanad was the announcement of the SmartCity project by the Kerala government in association with SmartCity, Dubai. Close to 246 acres was acquired in Kakkanad for the SmartCity, which promised to create 90,000 jobs in the IT sector.

The SmartCity project proposal was to build about 8.5 million square feet of IT space and to make Kakkanad a major IT centre.

The prospects of a large number of high net worth individuals in the region led almost every builder in the state and even those from outside to launch projects. "But there was a concentration of the builders in the top end of the price spectrum," said Mr K A Mohamed Saleem, director, Asset Homes, a local promoter.

Though the speculative demand from NRIs and locals kept the momentum going for some time, the industry found things tough as demand thinned.

The delay in the commencement of the Rs 2000-cr SmartCity project and the slowdown were the two road blocks that stopped the dream run of the building industry in Kakkanad. But after a temporary setback the building industry is looking at Kakkanad again with renewed interest.

This time, the focus of many builders is on the budget segment of the industry. Now the demand is mainly from genuine buyers and not from speculators looking for short-term gains. "The industry has realised that there will always be demand for smaller, compact apartments in the range of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh," Mr Saleem said. Some of the builders have announced projects at a price that is much lower than this level.

The steady growth of the Infopark in the past few years has sent out positive signals on the potential as an IT centre. Many private developers have chosen Kakkanad to set up IT infrastructure facilities. And looking at the prospects of the place, many hotel projects and service apartment complexes are also coming up.

Even in a slowdown year, the fledgling park has created nearly 2,500 new jobs. Moreover, many companies are shifting their offices from Ernakulam to Kakkanad. This trend has been started by the telecom companies in the state.

The requirement of more built up space and more parking space have prompted these companies to shift to Kakkanad. "This has had a positive impact on the industry," says Mr N Subramanyan, general manager, marketing, Mir Realtors.

"But the demand is for ready-to-occupy apartments or for those projects which will be completed in three to four months." Mr Subramanyan also agrees that the demand is for budget flats. "Many builders who had earlier floated luxury flats have now turned to budget apartment projects," he added.

The development of the new road connecting the sea port and the airport is another factor that has helped Kakkanad to grow. The proposed expansion of Infopark and the Cochin Special Economic Zone would also add to the growth potential of the building industry. It is in this context that the building industry is reworking its strategy.


http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/the-sunday-et/property/Kakkanad-developers-focus-on-budget-homes/articleshow/5184899.cms

Hotel Crowne Plaza looks imposing from the highway, rising opposite Le Meredien, NH Bypass, Cochin.

http://i36.tinypic.com/r2vq0w.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/14mgoeh.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/zj7x2v.jpg

Hotel Crowne Plaza looks imposing from the highway, rising opposite Le Meredien, NH Bypass, Cochin.



amazing , 2 five star hotel standing face to face .... Am sure Crowne plaza will eat into Le meridian dominance

Infopark
http://i33.tinypic.com/2a5lqjb.jpg

The Entrance
http://i33.tinypic.com/faa71x.jpg

View from the new Infopark bridge
http://i37.tinypic.com/b71kkw.jpg

L&T Tejomaya
http://i34.tinypic.com/bi42nt.jpg

The Parallel bridge at Aroor on NH Bypass u/c
http://i34.tinypic.com/264jk47.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2ur03ko.jpg

MG Road
http://i35.tinypic.com/1r6mps.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/99jpzc.jpg

KOCHI: Luxury cruising comes to the city. Louis Cruises and The Great India Tour Company have officially launched their services in Kochi on Wednesday. Louis Cruise’s luxury vessel ‘MV Aquamarine’ will commence its Kochi-based services from December 2.


There will be three cruises- Kochi-Maldives (four days/three nights), Kochi-Colombo (four days/three nights) and Kochi High Seas (two days/one night). The Kochi High Seas cruise will start every Saturday and return on Sunday. The trip to Colombo will begin on every Sunday afternoon and will return Wednesday while the cruise to the Maldives starts every Wednesday and returns on Saturday. Louis Cruise has already signed pacts with the Department of Tourism and the Cochin Port Trust for the service. “M V Aquamarine brings the best of Mediterranean experience to the Indian sub-continent. We have added some more features for the customers in India. A cricket bowling machine is one of the added facilities.

Indian cuisine will be available on board Aquamarine,’’ said Oneil Khosa, MD and CEO of Louis Cruises.

Based in Greece, Louis Cruise has 12 vessels in its fleet and is the fourth largest cruising company in the world. Aquamarine, which has seven passenger decks, can carry 1,268 passengers and will cruise at 17 knots. The rate per person starts from Rs 6,500 and an additional amount of Rs 700 will be charged as port handling charges.

“Proximity to Colombo and the Maldives prompted us to start services from Kochi.

Besides, Kochi is one of the preferred cruising destinations,’’ Oneil said.

Bookings can be done through any of the outlets of The Great India Tour Company in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Waves+of+luxury&artid=zByOCRyEjow=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=Louis%20Cruises,%20M%20V%20Aquamarine,%20Oneil%20Khosa

District wise contribution to the state GSDP 2007.

District wise and sector-wise analysis of GSDP at constant (1999-2000) prices showsthat the highest contribution from primary sector income of Rs. 1883.88 crore was in Idukki district during 2006-07 followed by Malappuram (Rs.1871.71 crore), Kollam (Rs.1585.74crore) and Kottayam (Rs. 1519.64 crore). During 2006-07 the lowest primary sector income was in Alappuzha district (Rs.810.59 crore).


The highest income from secondary sector during 2006-07 was in Ernakulam district (Rs. 5337.17 crore) followed byThiruvananthapuram (Rs. 2729.50 crore), Thrissur (Rs. 2327.67 crore) and Kozhikode (Rs.1969.28 crore). Lowest secondary sector income was in Wayanad district (Rs. 233.0 crore).

Regarding tertiary sector the highest income during 2006-07 was in Ernakulam district(Rs.8249.09 crore) followed by Thiruvananthapuram (Rs.7683.21 crore), Thrissur (Rs.6615.50 crore) and Kozhikode (Rs. 5829.44 crore). Lowest tertiary sector income was in Wayanad district (Rs. 1137.29 crore).3.36. While analysing the growth rates, in primary sector it ranges between 5.7% in Alappuzha district and 6.4% both in Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts. Growth rate in secondary sector is lowest at 6.2% in Idukki, highest at 10.4% in Kasaragod. Growth rate intertiary sector is between 7.7% in both Kasargod and 10.2% in Thiruvananthapuram districts.

Ernakulam leads in it's contribution to Kerala GSDP by a heavy margin .& ^^ Ernakulam - Thrissur - Kottayam districts together contribute a chunk towards Kerala GDP . Any questions why the business lobby here is so powerful .;)

District wise contribution to the state GSDP 2007.
Ernakulam leads in it's contribution to Kerala GSDP by a heavy margin .& ^^ Ernakulam - Thrissur - Kottayam districts together contribute a chunk towards Kerala GDP . Any questions why the business lobby here is so powerful .;)


^^Arun, firstly, please give links when you post news/statistics.

BTW the difference in GSDP is not much when compared among Ernakulam, Trivandrum and Thrissur, except in the 'Secondary Sector'. 'Cochin Refineries' is major contributor in the secondary sector and it doesn't come under a 'lobby'. You may know that in India, it is always Gas & energy companies top the list when it comes to any rankings; ONGC & Reliance being examples.

Even then you can see most districts are almost equally placed and not skewed as in other states when it comes to GSDP.

Trivandrum- 14569.67 (Growth 12.6%)
Kollam- 9892.94 (Growth 11.5%)
Kottayam- 9130.07 (Growth 11.7%)
Ernakulam- 18729.37 (Growth 12.1%)
Thrissur - 12773.29 (Growth 11.4%)
Palakkad- 10023.14 (Growth 11.3%)
Malappuram-10485.37 (Growth 11.4%)
Kozhikode - 11487.60 (Growth 11.3%)
Kannur - 9515.27 (Growth 11.2%)

MG Road
http://i35.tinypic.com/1r6mps.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/99jpzc.jpg

Great pics scorpio. Kochi's looking good.

No traces of oil..

shifting the equipments to Andhra

Source (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/php/newFrm.php?news_id=1262113&n_type=NE&category_id=3&Farc=)

^^Arun, firstly, please give links when you post news/statistics.

BTW the difference in GSDP is not much when compared among Ernakulam, Trivandrum and Thrissur, except in the 'Secondary Sector'. 'Cochin Refineries' is major contributor in the secondary sector and it doesn't come under a 'lobby'. You may know that in India, it is always Gas & energy companies top the list when it comes to any rankings; ONGC & Reliance being examples.



Sudheesh ,

I apologize for missing the reference.

& What you said is not so significant as far as it's contribution to the state GSDP is concerned . GSDP as you know is the value of goods and services produced within the state . So we need not take into account the value of the crude oil that is imported from outside . Since the erstwhile "Kochi Refineries" now BPCL just performs the value addition part of refining we just need to consider that when asessing it's contribution to the state GSDP .

ONGC / Reliance VS Kochi Refineries is not a comparison since the former companies are into oil exploration as well as refining which would bring in big money where as the latter is just into refining where the margins are comparitively less.

It's not only in crude oil - even in case of rubber / spices / coir / fisheries / retailing - it's this value addition that add on to the revenues of Kochi and not the actual cost of these commodities which are produced in other districts around & that's what any trading hub does:)

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/6518/ongc.jpg

Centre for Heritage Studies at the Hill Palace Campus is all set to honour the late Rama Varma Pareekshith Thampuran, the erstwhile king of Kochi who gave up everything including royalty and crown at the time of integration.

On November 12, Thursday, Pareekshith Day will be observed as part of the 35th death anniversary of the King, who paved the way for the integration of Kochi and Travancore. “The contribution made by Pareekshith as a ruler and a scholar deserve special mention,” says K K N Kurup, director general of Centre for Heritage Studies.


Though Pareekshith ruled Kochi state for a short period and that too in an era that witnessed major changes in the social scenario of Kerala,the king wholeheartedly accepted the change with a smiling face, Kurup observes.


When talks with the delegates of Indian Union discussing the terms and conditions for handing over the royalty, Pareekshith Thampuran participate in them with Sardar Vallabhai Pattel and V P Menon. When the delegates asked for the King’s demands before signing the integration treaty,the King asked for just a copy of panchangam in return for giving up his power over Kochi state.


Pareekshith was a king with a matchless detachment from all material things royalty offered. When he handed over power without bargaining for anything the Indian government asked him to accept the governor post of Uttar Pradesh. But the king humbly declined the offer.Pareekshith’s contribution enriching and popularising the ancient Sanskrit literary tradition is quite remarkable.



He started the Vakhyartha Sadassu at Government Sanskrit College,established by his uncle king Rajarshi Rama Varma. On 26th December 1926 the first Vakhyartha Vichara Sadassu started to mark the birth anniversary of Rajarshi Rama Varma. This unique get-together of Sanskrit scholars recorded the developments and trends in Sanskrit literary field. On many occasions Pareekshith himself had presided over this great scholars’ meet in India.



Pareekshith also popularised the temple art forms like koodiyattom and koothu. In the late 1950s Kanchi Kama Koti Sankaracharyar honoured him with the title of ‘Abhinava Tharkka Vageeshwaran’. In 1960 Banaras University bestowed him with the unique title of ‘Vidhya Vachaspathi’.


Government Sanskrit College that later got the affiliation of NAAC flourished into its prestigious present position because of the efforts taken by Pareekshith Thampuran. Many stalwarts like Manthitta Kunchu Namboothiri, K Achutha Pothuval, C K Raman Nambiar, Sankara Narayana Shasthrikal and K Rama Pisharody were the tutors at the college during the tenure of Rama Varma Pareekshith Thampuran.


To recall the contribution made by the king to convert Tripunithura Government Sanskrit College into a Sanskrit study centre with national importance, the college committee had started a lecture series titled ‘Pareekshith Memorial Lecture’ in 1988. Celebrities like Pollock, M T Vasudevan Nair, U R Ananthamoorthy, Kapila Valsyayan, Padma Subrahmanyam and the late Prof R Narendra Prasad presented highly informative papers on their respective fields. “Hill Palace, the headquarters of Kochi king, had a notable facelift during the short reign of Pareekshith Thampuran,” K K N Kurup says. Even thirty-five years after the demise of the king the beauty of the royal garden reflects the aesthetic sense of the king.


“He ruled the Kingdom just as a representative of his disciples and handed over the entire power without any conditions,” K K N Kurup says.“Like Mahathma Gandhi this last king of Kochi too deserves a special mention in the history of India as he was as simple and selfless as Mahathmaji,” Kurup adds. Young generation can hardly believe there lived such a King who gave up everything including his kingship for the benefit of his people.


Centre for Heritage Studies has planned a handful of programmes to mark the death anniversary of the king. M J Jacob MLA will inaugurate the Pareekshith Day at Hill Palace museum.

Dr V Venu, secretary, department of culture, government of Kerala will preside over the function. K G Paulose, Vice Chancellor, Kerala Kalamandalam will be the chief guest. Dr K K N Kurup will hand over the Pareekshith memorial awards to two Sanskrit scholars, R Vasudevan Potti and V Venkitaraja Sharma.

P K Gopi, registrar, CHS, will welcome the gathering and V P Udayakumar
will propose the vote of thanks. A seminar on Pareekshith Thampuran and the scholarship tradition will be held in the afternoon session. The oneday-
programme will conclude with a koodiyattom performance by Paimkulam
Rama Chakyar Smaraka Kalapeetham, Paimkulam, Thrissur.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=In+memory+of+a+beloved+king&artid=xnYBixH69gA=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=oHSKVfNWYm0=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=

Brigade wants to quit

Withdrawal of formal approval granted to M/s. Brigade Enterprises Ltd. for co-developer in the sector specific SEZ for IT/ITES developed by M/s. Infopark at Kakkanad, Kerala

M/s. Brigade Enterprises Ltd. was granted approval as a co-developer, for developing IT infrastructure facilities, in the IT/ITES SEZ being developed by M/s.Infoparks at Ernakulam District, Kerala, vide LoA dated 7th October 2008. DC(IT/ITES) has intimated that the co-developer has requested for withdrawal of approval due to global economic meltdown. The DC has further intimated that the specified officer of the unit has intimated that the co-developer has not availed of any duty exemption/concession on imports/procurement of goods for the above mentioned SEZ. The request of the co-developer to withdraw their project from Infopark SEZ is placed for consideration of BoA

Source : Click here (http://www.sezindia.nic.in/HTMLS/Agenda%20for%205th%20October%202009%20BoA.pdf)

Whom to believe? Manorama reports that the drilling will continue.
http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/source/pdf/2009/11/11/20091111AF006102005.jpg

It began as a dream project for Aluva. But the flyover at NH Bypass, the construction of which has been lagging for the last three years, shows no sign of completion in the near future.

The flyover was proposed to ensure a smooth traffic flow from Ernakulam and Angamaly without any congestion on Marthanda Varma Bridge Junction. But what causes concern is the fact that the flyover is unlikely to serve its purpose even after its completion because the route is yet to be

fixed.

It was decided that after the completion of the flyover in April 2010 vehicles from Pulinchode Junction on NH Bypass could enter the town through the opening under the flyover without causing any obstruction to vehicles proceeding to the direction of Marthanda Varma Bridge

without touching the town. But the officials are yet to fix the route for vehicles proceeding to the town after crossing the flyover.

According to the construction contractors, the opening under the flyover will be provided at Municipal Market Junction. But the traffic committee consisting of the police, Motor Vehicles Department and the municipality reportedly failed to identify the route for vehicles to proceed after

passing through the opening of the flyover. It would take a long time to acquire land for the construction and widening of the road to facilitate at least a two-line traffic for vehicles to reach the town. “Land acquisition was a major hurdle for the successful completion of the project. Though there was some delay in acquiring land, about 99 percent of the process

have been completed,’’ an NHAI official said. “We expect to complete the work within a few months,’’ he said. The delay in finalising the route for incoming and outgoing vehicles will be a great blow to the ambitious flyover project.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=The+flyover+at+NH+Bypass+still+a+dream&artid=MKqXeLbMX0M=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

CIAL Just stands out ....

courtesy : PLUS KOCHINOW
http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/7021/tpm.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6813/tfmr.jpg

Nodal officer appointed for Kochi city projects

THIRUVANANTHAUPRAM: T.K. Jose has been appointed as the nodal officer for coordinating and speeding up the development projects being implemented in Kochi city.

Local Administration Minister Paloli Mohammed Kutty said here on Wednesday that new projects would have to be taken up taking into consideration the development requirements of the future. Land had to be identified for them.

He said time-bound work was necessary for shifting the utilities along the roads also. The development of basic facilities with funds from the Centre and other agencies was a must. There had to be machinery for the completion of the JNNURM and the KSUDP in a time-bound manner and for solving problems which cropped up during their implementation. It was after taking into consideration all those factors that the former Local Self Government Secretary was being posted as nodal officer, the Minister said.

A coordination committee had also been set up under his chairmanship. The members of the committee were the District Collector, Chief Engineer, Kerala Water Authority Central Region; Superintending Engineer, Kerala Roads and Bridges Corporation; Project Implementation Officers of KSUDP and JNNURM, Regional Joint Director of Urban Affairs and the Secretaries of GCDA and Kochi City Corporation.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/12/stories/2009111254190500.htm

With the renovation work of the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium nearing completion, the state can soon host more national and international sporting events. Chennaibased Lloyd Insulations, which undertook the contract work, will hand over the renovated stadium to the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) by December first week.


“Ninety-five percent of the renovation work has been completed. The roofing work and maintenance of stands and shops at the complex are over. What remains is minor repair work and maintenance of flood lights,” said Joby George, managing partner of Godson engineering, sub-contractors of Lloyd Insulations.

“We will be handing over the stadium to the GCDA by November end or December first week,” he said.

Lloyd Insulations undertook the roofing work of the stadium almost three and half years ago for an estimated cost of Rs 10.5 crore. The work, which began two years ago, went beyond several revised schedules. November 2009 was the latest deadline set by the GCDA for the company to complete the renovation work. Sources with Lloyd Insulations said that the delay was due to the steep rise in prices of construction materials. “We signed the contract three-and-a-half years ago. But the cost of raw materials and labour charges have increased. So far we have spent almost Rs 15 crore for the renovation work,” sources added. Due to the inordinate delay, Kochi lost One- Day International Cricket matches that would have been held here under the rotation policy of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

GCDA chairperson M C Josephine said that before opening the stadium to the public, GCDA wants to replace the chairs to give the stadium a whole new look. “We will invite tenders for turfing work within a month.

After finishing all the work we will allot the stadium for regional, national and international sporting events.

We are hoping to complete the entire work within six months,” Josephine added.kochi@expressbuzz.com

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Fiinally,a+roof+takes+shape&artid=MYi854ZHGRU=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=

Update on -

Heera Cyber Views, Kakkanad

http://i36.tinypic.com/2hhm7fq.jpg

October 7
copyright Heera
http://i35.tinypic.com/30darrl.jpg

Lotus Cruises

An advt which appeared on 'The Hindu', Bangalore

http://i35.tinypic.com/2co1xkz.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2zemikw.jpg

Kochi corporation should be expanded by including municipalities of Maradu, Thripunnithura (incl Tiruvamkulam), Thrikkakara, Kalamassery and Eloor; along with panchayats like Kanayannur-Chottanikkara, Kumbalam, Kadamakudi, Cheranallur, and Varapuzha.


Aluva should be expanded by merging Edathala, Keezhmad and Choornikkara.

The following panchayats also need to upgrade as Municipalities: Koothattukulam, Piravom, Chowera (merging Chowera, Sreemoolanagaram, Kanjoor), Nedumbassery (merging Nedumbassery, Chengamanad)

Sudheesh, are you going for the Maldives cruise?

I planned for the around Cochin thing, but the lady vetoed it. I am still trying to use the "persuasion" and "reason" :bash:

I would love to go:), only issue is that I do not have enough leave left with me these days. If I was based in Kerala now, I would have gone, at least for the Kochi seas trip. I missed one get together yesterday also at Ramada Resorts, Kochi since I didn’t get train reservation. Flight appeared costly, so put off the trip.

I showed that Ad to my colleagues here also. Infact I feel many have to be educated about the tourism in Kerala. Two days back I was educating our GM HR during lunch time about Kerala Tourism. He had thought that Karnataka is far ahead in tourism and he didn’t digest the fact that the revenues from Tourism in Kerala was 12000 crores+ last year. And same was the case here in SSC when I had a debate in TN forum some two days back. Funny enough there was a comment that ‘during Sabarimala season’ Kerala may get some revenue.

Meanwhile do you know their website?

Looking forward to see Lotus Cruises do well in Kochi.

It is Louise Cruise. Web site is http://www.louiscruises.com/

I see a level of indifference in the marketing. I was expecting a blitzkrieg of marketing here, but till now, one full page ad in Hindu is the ONLY one I saw. I have no idea how they are going to fill the 525 cabins!! I was also expecting a kiosk, or at least a banner or two at Oberon.

Then I thought, maybe they do not expect much customers from Cochin. May be they are targeting the rich folk from the big cities. So I made some enquiries with my online friends from other metros.

Nothing there either.

I proactively contacted their sales, but it took almost a week for their sales person to 'get back'. This was AFTER they provided me the price list etc, and told me that they are taking booking. By that time, I had decided not to take it during the xmas holidays.

If he had confirmed my reservation when I called, I would have taken it, and convinced the lady to go. His tardiness cost him the sale, and me the cruise. :ohno:

Lotus Cruises

An advt which appeared on 'The Hindu', Bangalore

http://i35.tinypic.com/2co1xkz.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2zemikw.jpg

I will book this on Dec 21, 2012 . :lol:

I have a request to MR AA Jacob.

I have a request to MR AA Jacob.Please don't be silly ,be serious posting your threads.If you don't have the knowledge don't go for it.Largest mall in India is DLF mall at guragaon (DELHI) which is 4.5 million sq feet more than twice the size of lulu mall cochin.At least google it(the largest mall in India ) before you post.I have been watching you many times doing this, posting wrong information.I am posting the link here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mall_of_India.
Once again i am saying to you If you have some information please verify it before you publish .People watching the threads may get the wrong information because of you .So do one thing for me and my people please delete your comment and be a good man. Don't make this type of huge mistakes.

I have a request to MR AA Jacob.Please don't be silly ,be serious posting your threads.If you don't have the knowledge don't go for it.Largest mall in India is DLF mall at guragaon (DELHI) which is 4.5 million sq feet more than twice the size of lulu mall cochin.At least google it(the largest mall in India ) before you post.I have been watching you many times doing this, posting wrong information.I am posting the link here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mall_of_India.
Once again i am saying to you If you have some information please verify it before you publish .People watching the threads may get the wrong information because of you .So do one thing for me and my people please delete your comment and be a good man. Don't make this type of huge mistakes.

Hi Mr. Newbie ( Hey proxy from hell),

Please make it a point to restrain yourself before meddling with others posts that too after months .:bash: Ohhh so lemme ask this great brainie-- have you ever been to this 4.5 million DLF mall at gurgaon ??? Kindly learn to know things outside wikipedia :lol:.


New Delhi: The country’s largest developer by market value, DLF Ltd, has put its ambitious Mall of India project back on the drawing board after cash-crunch and falling rentals forced the company to shelve the 4.5 million sq. ft project in Gurgaon, on the outskirts of New Delhi.


http://www.livemint.com/2009/03/24153204/DLF8217s-Gurgaon-mall-proje.html

DLF mall project is put on hold till date. Even they are planning to reduce it's size considerably . It is not even an U/C mall . Not only DLF - all leading real estate companies had big plans which are not live these days. Even Emmar MGF had plans for such malls. But most of these have been shelved.


Lulu mall , Kochi - till date is the biggest mall in India (U/C) & it would be the biggest mall in India once completed . So i advise you my " extra brainie friend "- before venturing into such adventures make it a point to " google out side the obselete stuff in wikipedia ":lol:.Not the least dont ever dare to come out with such "bull shit " comments here after.:bash:

Arun, there is no need to this much abusive. It is always better to have everything in black & white.

As of now, the largest operational Mall in India is ‘Ambi Mall, Gurgaon with about 1.8 million sft. It opened in 2007. Recently it got a Five star hotel, Leela Kempinski with about 322 rooms and 90 serviced apartments.

Unitech’s Great India Place at Noida was the biggest Mall so far before Ambi Mall opened. It is having an area of 1.5 million sft.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=307765

Express Avenue, Chennai is getting opened in first quarter of 2010. It would be having 1.8 million sft and is slated as ‘South India’s largest Mall’. (So is there any larger Mall in India apart from South India to make it South India’s largest Mall.)

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/south-indias-largest-mall-to-be-ready-by-2010/100428-3.html

I wonder how Lulu with a supposed Retail area of 1.5 million could be the largest one. Just wait for Lulu to start operations. I wonder why they do not have even an operational website. Perhaps their business model is different from ‘Retailing which is practised in other parts’ of India.

Website or not, they are building it for sure. Why speculate?

^^Yaar, I know, I am in the Industry. A Mall which is u/c will be looking forward to find retailers and the very basic step is the website. Perhaps here Lulu will be looking forward to have their own shops/merchandise here, like the Future group.

BTW my reply was specifically addressed at the tone of Arun's post.

Infact the 'speculation' is only in the case of Lulu Mall, regarding others like Ambi Mall or Great India Place it is clear.

Sudheesh, where is the website for Ambi mall then? In fact where are websites of most of the malls?

And about areas, what we see are CLAIMS. The only reliable information will be the EIA report (or someone should file RTI and get the construction permits from the corporation)

BTW my reply was specifically addressed at the tone of Arun's post.


Sudheesh ,

My tone of reply is to be viewed as a retrospective tone of the other newbie guy . Why are you so kind to my opponents, Sudheesh ?

Hope this quote would clear the air .

The construction work has been awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji. The Dubai-based Lulu International Shopping Mall group is setting a mall in India at Kochi. Yusuffali MA, managing director of the group, said the proposed mall to come up at an investment of Rs 1,200 crore, will be spread over 17 acres with a built-up area of 2 million sft. The project will be located at Edappally.

The company has roped in WS Atkins of United Kingdom as consultant while the construction work has been awarded to Shapoorji Pallonji.The mall will have 7 multiplexes, family amusement centre, six restaurants, a 50,000 sft food court apart from a parking area for 3,000 vehicles.The project will also consists of a 300-room five-star hotel and a commercial tower exclusively for the aviation sector. The company has signed an agreement with Marriott Hotels for the management of the hotel, he said.

The Lulu group has over 70 shopping centres and malls in the Gulf region. The project is expected to provide direct employment to 6,000-plus people and indirect jobs to 20,000. The mall will become operational by 2010, he said.


http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=332805

Sudheesh, where is the website for Ambi mall then? In fact where are websites of most of the malls?

And about areas, what we see are CLAIMS. The only reliable information will be the EIA report (or someone should file RTI and get the construction permits from the corporation)

Ambi Mall is there for you to see in real. It is on the left side once you cross the toll gate on the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway.

And its website is www.ambiencemalls.com.

Inorbit Mall (chain): http://www.inorbit.in/

ORION, Brigade group:http://www.brigadegroup.com/enclaves/gateway/orion-mall/orion-mall-summary.html

Mantri Mall, Bangalore: http://www.mantri.in/MantriMall/Default.htm

Similarly all major Malls have web presence. Infact it is more important when it is in the launch phase

If you say the size mentioned are all CLAIMS, then that of Lulu is most questionable, since there is NOTHING apart from press releases.

And for your information, there data sheets regarding area which are shared with the occupants. It would not be available for public. The tenants would be paying the lease rent on 'Super Built up area', which would be made clear in the data sheets/agreement.

So if I say ORION Mall is 1.1 million sft, there is a clear cut area sheet.

Sudheesh ,

Why are you so kind to my opponents, Sudheesh ?

Exactly this attitued of your's I wanted to highlight. Did he say that he is your opponent?. How can you judge that from a post which raised only an objection. If this is the case, then you will have only opponents in life.


Hope this quote would clear the air .


There is no 'lack of clarity' earlier also. The size of LULU is 'stated' to be 1.5 million with a total development size of 2 million. It is very clear that Ambience Mall or Express Avenue would be the still largest, if at all LULU opens in its full form as stated in the press releases.

The point here is that always try to view things in its true perspective. Brain should matter more than heart. Unless it is clear about the size of the Mall, you cannot stop questions about the 'largest title'.

Sudheesh, tanx for the links.

The area sheet may be given to tenants, but it is not published. Do YOU have a copy of the area sheet for Ambi Mall? Where exactly did you get the numbers for Ambi mall?

And where did you get the 1.5 million number of Lulu?

Exactly this attitued of your's I wanted to highlight. Did he say that he is your opponent?. How can you judge that from a post which raised only an objection. If this is the case, then you will have only opponents in life.

I do not have any attittude problem my friend . & This guy was creating an issue out of nothing - comparing an U/C mall with a mall project for which not even a single brick has been laid yet.Why dont you point out this Sudheesh ??

I cannot judge him by person since i donno him personally. But his words proved insulting for me .



There is no 'lack of clarity' earlier also. The size of LULU is 'stated' to be 1.5 million with a total development size of 2 million. It is very clear that Ambience Mall or Express Avenue would be the still largest, if at all LULU opens in its full form as stated in the press releases.


Sudheesh,

Why do you wanna downsize LULU ??? When big realty firms like DLF/Emaar are freezing their projects this NRI group is marching ahead with a giant project like this - that too in a growing city like Kochi(not in metros).


The point here is that always try to view things in its true perspective. Brain should matter more than heart. Unless it is clear about the size of the Mall, you cannot stop questions about the 'largest title'.

Atleast in this matter i stand clearer than the other guy . He is commenting on a project that's put on hold & DLF is even planning to cut short the area czz of lower demand. All disputing questions with reference to 'largest title' are welcome but never demoralize others if you dont have a clearcut answer (my sincere appeal to the new fellow).

Ambi Mall is there for you to see in real. It is on the left side once you cross the toll gate on the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway.

........
The point here is that always try to view things in its true perspective. Brain should matter more than heart. Unless it is clear about the size of the Mall, you cannot stop questions about the 'largest title'.

:bow:

waft of reason & logic in these complicated claims and counter claims.

Think the best would be to wait and watch as to how it turns out to be.

There was an email floating some years back about the tallest building in the world to be built in India by some foundation in MP. Don’t know what happened to that!

@ Arun, your arguments would have a feel of credibility, if you had done in a more 'civilized' way. You get more credibility before others when you put things clear in a structured and matured way rather than going for name calling and smashing ‘smilies’. A person not knowing the background will think the reverse even if you are telling the truth.

I don't want to downsize Lulu. In fact I would be happy and make it as another trump card for Kerala when I have debates with guys from outside. (You can see such debates within SSCI, outside Kerala forums). Only thing is that still it is not clear. I have some exposure to the Retail Leasing and hence I am not convinced much.

@ Dileep: The area sheets are not to be published, of course. Regarding Ambi Mall, my info is regarding inputs from my colleagues in the Retail front. Plus the interactions we have in forums like India Retail Forum,( http://www.indiaretailforum.in/ )I had been to the last IRF held in Mumbai in September. I wonder why LULU is not getting attention in such fraternity.

I have been hearing/seeing press reports about LULU that it would be 1 million plus, 1.5 million etc. In fact in the report which was quoted by Arun two pages back it was mentioned as 1.5 million. The total development could be 2 million, which includes hotel, commercial tower etc. Friends, please understand that even One million sft is a huge space. It is not easy to fill space. That’s why I said, it would be more of a hyper market format of LULU rather than a Mall where you get the established players in Retailing in India.

So till the time, we have nothing more than some press releases, there would not be any point in saying it would be the largest, esp when it is evident that the whole development is not more than 2 million sft.

@ Arun, your arguments would have a feel of credibility, if you it were done in a more 'civilized' way. You get more credibility before others when you put things clear in a structured and matured way rather than going for name calling and smashing ‘smilies’. A person not knowing the background will think the reverse even if you are telling the truth.



OK ...

Sudheesh ,

I accept - i have indulged in the uncivilized practice of picking out people by name and flashing bashes on their head - but you know why i started adopting such offensive posture czz i have seen people gathering in mass against my genuine posts and i never saw any body reaching out for my rescue. Would you accept their actions as civilized ??

Coming back to the issue of the biggest mall & accepting your edge in the real estate front- Let's wait till we pick up a genuine info from LULU

Sudheesh ,

This seems to be bigger than expected - Website of EMKE Group which is the holding company of Lulu terms it as a Mega mall of 2.2 Million Sq Ft.

LULU India Project

The mixed-used property, first of its kind in India, covering 2.2 million square feet will include a shopping mall, a five-star hotel managed by Marriot and a commercial tower. The commercial tower is dedicated to travel, tourism and aviation industry.

“The total estimated value of the project is Dh1.1 billion and it is aimed to promote travel and leisure industry in India,” Yusuffali said.

The multi-purpose project will be completed by the end of next year, he said.


http://www.emkegroup.com/site/news_corporate_detail.php?c=VFhwclBRPT0=

Hope this quote would clear the air .

http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=332805

^^ - The 2 million sq.ft figure is for the entire complex, which includes the mall, the Marriot Courtyard hotel and the office building meant for the airlines. My understanding is that is there will be about 1.2-1.4 million sq.ft. for the mall. Typically, a Marriot would be in the range of 250,000 sq.ft.

As for the Ambience Mall, it does exist, believe me, I was there last month. Here it is:

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7969/img6746rs.jpg
Shot with Canon PowerShot A630 (http://profile.imageshack.us/camerabuy.php?model=Canon+PowerShot+A630&make=Canon) at 2009-10-30

It has recently added the Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon to its complex and is now probably in excess of 2 million sq.ft.

Let's wait for Lulu to get commissioned, I am guessing sometime in early 2011, and then we will see.

Btw, just for the record, the Mall of India is still in development, as I saw when I was in Gurgaon last time, the change of plan is that about a million sq.ft. of office space is also being added to it.

Cheers!

OK ...
Sudheesh ,

I accept - i have indulged in the uncivilized practice of picking out people by name and flashing bashes on their head - but you know why i started adopting such offensive posture czz i have seen people gathering in mass against my genuine posts and i never saw any body reaching out for my rescue. Would you accept their actions as civilized ??

Coming back to the issue of the biggest mall & accepting your edge in the real estate front- Let's wait till we pick up a genuine info from LULU

Arun, perhaps other forumers would have blasted at your posts which were not rational. For example you had been always trying to pull down LANCO while trying to glorify ZOOM. If you ask me, I would also be a part of that since among the two, LANCO stands much better than ZOOM, which is not more than a paper company so far. Anyway this is just to point out a fact and not for related discussions.

You can see that your genuine posts were protected.

Regarding LULU, the numbers convey the fact that it is very much unlikely to beat Ambi Mall or Express Avenue. It says that there is a 300 room hotel. By THUMB RULE of 5 star hotel design, a 300 room hotel would be having 3 lakhs to 3.6 lakhs sft. A decent 'Commercial Tower' should be around 5 lakhs sft. So out of 2.2 million sft, we can expect 1.3 to 1.5 million sft, not more than that. Anyway wait for the final numbers.

BTW as a friend I would suggest you to take any other 'AVATAR' than the stock 'Juch' in SSC. It reminds me of a troll in SSC Kerala, he also had that. Your previous AVATAR (I think it was your own photo) was better than this. :)

Arun, perhaps other forumers would have blasted at your posts which were not rational. For example you had been always trying to pull down LANCO while trying to glorify ZOOM. If you ask me, I would also be a part of that since among the two, LANCO stands much better than ZOOM, which is not more than a paper company so far. Anyway this is just to point out a fact and not for related discussions.

You can see that your genuine posts were protected.

Regarding LULU, the numbers convey the fact that it is very much unlikely to beat Ambi Mall or Express Avenue. It says that there is a 300 room hotel. By THUMB RULE of 5 star hotel design, a 300 room hotel would be having 3 lakhs to 3.6 lakhs sft. A decent 'Commercial Tower' should be around 5 lakhs sft. So out of 2.2 million sft, we can expect 1.3 to 1.5 million sft, not more than that. Anyway wait for the final numbers.

BTW as a friend I would suggest you to take any other 'AVATAR' than the stock 'Juch' in SSC. It reminds me of a troll in SSC Kerala, he also had that. Your previous AVATAR (I think it was your own photo) was better than this. :)

Yousuf ali has clarified that the mall alone is 1.5 Mn sqft and if you add Hotel and Commercial tower its abt 2.2 Mn sqft .lets go by his words ,
The ambience mall including hotel service apatrtments is abt 1.8Mn sqft .I dont think it overtakes Lulu. Just wait for the launch man ...suggest we all start appreciating good projects rather than dragging them into petty comparisons. Go and proudly tell your collegues in gurgoan that yes we do have a challenger for you . That should be the attitude man.......

http://mallshops.in/mgroadshoppers/sub_category_list.asp?category=39&title=Ambiance+Mall+Shoppers+List

Prestige second residential project could be in Kakkanad . They have got land there.

Yousuf ali has clarified that the mall alone is 1.5 Mn sqft and if you add Hotel and Commercial tower its abt 2.2 Mn sqft .lets go by his words ,
The ambience mall including hotel service apatrtments is abt 1.8Mn sqft .I dont think it overtakes Lulu. Just wait for the launch man ...suggest we all start appreciating good projects rather than dragging them into petty comparisons. Go and proudly tell your collegues in gurgoan that yes we do have a challenger for you . That should be the attitude man.......

http://mallshops.in/mgroadshoppers/sub_category_list.asp?category=39&title=Ambiance+Mall+Shoppers+List

Of course, I will:). Only thing here regarding LULU was the lack of clarity which I mentioned earlier. Unless you are clear about the composition, there is no point in claiming the title. Of course, with a possible super built up area of 1.5 m, it could be one among the largest.

Meanwhile I had missed the 'Treasure Market City' Mall u/c at INDORE with a total development of about 3 million sft, inlcuding Mall, Commercial and Hotel.

MR AA Jacob.Man you are again silly and arguing .lulu is only 1.5 million sq feet mall .Together it form 2 million sq ft.Ambi mall (DELHI) alone is 1.8 million sq ft.presently India's largest mall .You can only say anything about lulu after completion still lagging behind mall of INDIA 4.5 million sq ft and Emmar MGF 5.8 million sq ft in Guragaon (DELHI),Yatra capital mall at INDORE (MADHYA PRADESH) 2.8 million sq ft (four malls still on completion) . Emaar MGF Plans India’s Largest mall in GURAGAON (DELHI) Huge 5.8 million sq feet.Perhaps in june 25 2007 they are saying one of the world's largest(largest is south china mall 7.1 million sq ft).

Who said that the mall of India is putt off.You have some unoffiicial report in some website.I am posting the construction site and construction is going in full swing.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gurgaonshoppingmalls/808509793/

EMMAR MGF DELHI
http://www.indianrealtynews.com/real-estate-developers/emaar-mgf-plans-india-largest-mall.html

On completion, it would be looked upon as one of the world’s largest mall to be spread over a large area of 5.8 million sq ft being constructed by the company’s partner in Dubai. With this project, Emaar MGF will come ahead of DLF which is to come up with DLF’s Mall of India along NH-8 in Gurgaon to be spread over 4.5 million sq ft.(mall alone will be 3.5 million sq ft).

MR AA Jacob how can you say that lulu cochin is the largest mall when many malls very larger than it is under construction in INDIA .You can only say anything about lulu only after completion(still 1.5 million sq ft mall).Don't be over exited, when same team lulu is coming up with mall in Delhi three times (5.8 million sq ft) the size of the lulu cochin ,and already going project's like mall of India (4.5 million sq ft) which is also three times size of lulu cochin,and Treasure market city Indore(Madhya pradesh) with 2.8 million sq feet which is under construction.Even they are not saying their mall is India's largest mall.I will put the link here.
http://www.yatracapital.com/portfolio/treasure.html

^^Mr. Macfor, you please mind your language. You may counter with facts, or pictures you have, but only keeping the decorum of the forum.

^^Mr. Macfor, you please mind your language. You may counter with facts, or pictures you have, but only keeping the decorum of the forum.
Gents,

lets just avoid filthy languages in the debate....lets keep up our decency tone and be more constructive in this platform...a world is watching you!!!

Regards
SC

BTW as a friend I would suggest you to take any other 'AVATAR' than the stock 'Juch' in SSC. It reminds me of a troll in SSC Kerala, he also had that. Your previous AVATAR (I think it was your own photo) was better than this. :)

Done Sudheesh:). It's me.

Smart City Dubai is broke: Achuthanandan
Times of India - ‎4 hours ago‎
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan Wednesday said Smart City Dubai, the developer of the proposed Smart City IT park in Kochi, ...


THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala chief minister V S Achuthanandan Wednesday said Smart City Dubai, the developer of the proposed Smart City IT park in

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Kochi, was "broke".

"Since they (Smart City Dubai) don't have money, they are now trying to come up with numerous excuses," the chief minister told reporters when he was asked about the delay of the project.

The government signed an agreement with Smart City Dubai to develop the Rs 1,500-crore project and operate it.

Achuthanandan laid the foundation stone Nov 16, 2007, but the company has not started construction as the government is yet to complete the registration of the land allotted for the project and settle a contentious stamp duty issue.

Another hurdle in the implementation of the project is the issue of awarding 12 percent free-hold land to the Dubai-based firm.

The company wants free-hold rights on 12 percent of land meant for the project, but the government says this demand is not part of the framework agreement signed between the two parties.

Smart City Kochi chairman and state Fisheries Minister S. Sarma told reporters earlier this week that talks between the government and the developer "are still going on" and the government "is hopeful of sorting out issues".

The last round of bilateral talks between the Dubai team and the government was held in September and it ended without resolving any of the contentious issues.

The date for the next round of talks is yet to be announced.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thirupuram/Smart-City-Dubai-is-broke-Achuthanandan-/articleshow/5244358.cms

^^
Indiavision reported the same...:nuts:
Smartcity CEO said they already gave reply for it :bash:

Why CM asking same question again..? i wonder..
By the way smartcity malta project almost complete..

pOOR Kochi's fate:ohno:

The way we want it

Report says...

* A separate track for two-wheelers and autorickshaws

* Only city buses should be allowed entry into city limits while other buses should use the highway

* Uniform running time for buses and the number of trips should be reduced

* Overtaking should not be allowed in city limits

* Name of the bus owner should be displayed on the bus, and uniform and identity cards for drivers, conductors and door checkers should be made mandatory

* Construction of bus bays

* Immediate cancellation of licence for traffic offenders in case of causing death

* Renewal of heavy driving licence every year

* Scientific drawing of zebra lines

* The contractor who undertakes the work should ensure that roads are in good condition for three years

* User charges should be collected from heavy construction contractors or builders whose tipper lorries ply on the road

The scene now

The city roads have become congested due to the increasing number of vehicles. Buses, lorries, cars, two wheelers and other vehicles ply on the same lane. All long distance transport buses enter the city from Edappally and ply on the busy city roads.

Despite strict monitoring by the police, private buses still violate rules. And they blame it on hectic schedules. Conductors, drivers and door checkers have neither uniforms nor identity cards. Cancellation of a driving licence in case of causing death is not being followed strictly. All suggestions in this regard remain only on paper. Renewal of heavy licences is done once in three years. After a series of accidents, zebra lines have been drawn at many places in the city. But motorists ignore them and zoom ahead without stopping for pedestrians to cross.

While tendering road repair work, local bodies can add a clause to ensure five-year minimum guarantee from the contractor.

But usually this clause is omitted and as a result roads get damaged immediately after repair work.

Currently there is no provision to impose user charges on tipper lorries and heavy vehicles. A lot of tipper lorries ply on the roads regularly and damage them.

We suggest…

* All long distance buses should be diverted to the bypass and there should be specific bus stops.

* Road widening is the only solution to ease traffic.

Take up road widening work on a war footing.

After acquiring the land for widening a report should be prepared scientifically to construct separate tracks for two-wheelers, autorickshaws and buses.

* The administration should make it mandatory for the bus crew have uniforms and ID cards.

Those violating rules should be fined on the spot.

* Licence should be cancelled immediately if a driver commit offences repeatedly in a short span of time.

* Renewal of heavy licences should be made mandatory every year after conducting stringent tests.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=The+way+we+want+it&artid=/ti4pk64AQI=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

^^
Indiavision reported the same...:nuts:
Smartcity CEO said they already gave reply for it :bash:

Why CM asking same question again..? i wonder..
By the way smartcity malta project almost complete..

pOOR Kochi's fate:ohno:

malta project complete??? see the status here as of Oct 14

http://www.smartcity.ae/news/10152009.html



See the comments in this link

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090827/local/smartcity-malta-taking-shape

Only Manorama claims Malta project is almost complete

malta project complete??? see the status here See the comments in this link

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090827/local/smartcity-malta-taking-shape

Only Manorama claims Malta project is almost complete

thanks robin. An eye opener.

Refer today's article in Hindu by husan suroor. Talks about how powerful media moguls can be.

http://beta.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/Hasan_Suroor/article51060.ece

I dont know when the people sitting in kottayam would become so powerful king makers.

it is high time there is a people's media watch setup for media accountability.

Expressbuzz - The hi-tech ride we missed (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=The+hi-tech+ride+we+missed&artid=5VF3NlZGIpI=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

The comparison and opening line could have been avoided. It may be pride to one but not necessarily envy to other.


suggest we all start appreciating good projects rather than dragging them into petty comparisons.....

+1

There is no 'envy'. I don't blame anyone other than our own city administration for this.

60 Floor tower part of new Cybercity plan
5.6Mn for IT
2.4 Mn for Flat /Mall and other facilities
2300 Cr Investment

Hope the govt will speed up things , else coffin is already set for them , its a question of fitting the last nail......
http://www.mathrubhumi.com/php/newFrm.php?news_id=1264023&n_type=NE&category_id=3&Farc=

Expressbuzz - Yet another ‘dead’line (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Yet+another+%E2%80%98dead%E2%80%99line&artid=sNhPX2GosVU=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

KSIDC—FACT ink pact for Rs 400 crore Convention Centre


A MoU for setting up a Rs 400 crore Trade and Convention Centre was signed here today by Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation and Fertilisers and Chemicals India Limited.

The setting up of the Centre will pave way for a substantial jump in the investment in the business sector of the state, State Industries Minister Elamaram Kareem said.

The work on the first phase of the project was expected to begin in January next and it was likely to be commissioned in December 2010, he said.

About 35 types of fairs and events, now being held in Kerala, could be conducted at the proposed Centre, he said, adding several events were not coming to Kerala due to lack of a large convention centre. The Overseas Indian Affairs ministry had plans to hold the ‘Pravasi Bharathi Sammelan’ in Kochi, but since there was no large convention centre, it was held at Chennai last year, he said.

The project will come up in on 30 acres of land of FACT at nearby Udyogamandal, 12 kms from the city.

Both KSIDC and FACT Boards have approved the project and also decided to form a JV company towards promoting the Trade and Convention Centre, Alkesh Sharma, Managing Director, KSIDC, said. “The MoU executed today, is to incorporate a JV company with 51 percent share contribution by KSIDC and 49 percent by FACT,” he said.

The project encompasses permanent exhibition halls, a convention complex, a five-star category hotel, commercial centre and all supporting facilities for conducting conventions and trade fairs.

http://beta.thehindu.com/business/article52418.ece

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor gets the new roof and it does look nice :cheers:

pic courtesy Expressbuzz

http://i46.tinypic.com/jttpwj.jpg

wow.. thats a wise use of local architecture in modern building..

wow.. thats a wise use of local architecture in modern building..

Personal opiniion : I dint like. They would have made it better.

Employees often complain that they speed to keep the time schedule and what delays them are often the traffic jams. Apart from narrow roads, potholes too lead to congestion. So the authorities should repair city roads on a regular basis or ensure that the contractor entrusted with the work maintain the road for at least three years.

Rearrange frequency of trips

The main route of private buses is Aluva to Fort Kochi, Thevara, Tripunithura, Poothotta and Vyttila- Vyttila circular. Buses from artery roads join the main route for a small distance not exceeding 15 km. So there is no need to change the timings of the existing services inside the city.

But the frequency of trips can be rearranged from the starting stations depending on the time, area and passenger potential.

Ensure proper punching

To ensure proper punching of private buses the punching station should be equipped with tamper proof electronic punching machines.

The policemen on duty at the punching station should be changed frequently to avoid any manipulation in punching.

No mercy for offenders

To identify repeated offenders, their offence must be marked on their licence. A separate software should be developed and installed at the RTO so that an offence can be marked on the licence as well as in office records.

If drivers violate rules more than twice their licence should be suspended or cancelled.

Share a ride

Shared autos will decongest the city to a certain extent.

Most metro cities have a shared auto facility which is blessing for commuters. But we are yet to learn from them.

Permission should be given for share autos so that travelling to inner parts of the city with very few private buses can be solved.

Kochiites can also save money if shared autos are introduced in the city limits.:)

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Better+roads,+stringent+rules&artid=es22KdLPOEA=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

KOCHI: Kochi may be growing bigger as far as the number of development projects is concerned. Yet the city’s traffic congestion remains a major problem and commuters are forced to spend hours on the potholed roads. With the number of vehicles increasing per day, the authorities are left without clue of how to solve this puzzle called traffic management.

The six-member advocates committee appointed by the High Court to study road accidents in the city had put forward a set of recommendations.

But they still remain on paper.

Concerned by the lethargic attitude of the authorities about providing a modern traffic system in the city, expresso has come up with a series of suggestions to make the city roads better. Starting from today, we will list out our suggestions regarding the various aspects of city traffic. And top priority is given to infrastructure because without the basic facilities nothing can be done about development.

To improve the infrastructure, the advocates’ committee wants...

* Bus bays

* The contractor who undertakes the work should ensure that roads are in good condition for three years

And expresso suggests...

* The condition of the roads should be improved to ensure smooth traffic. Most roads in the city are damaged and the potholes are the culprits for causing accidents and traffic congestion.

* Parking of vehicles near bus bays should be banned.

* Bus bays should be constructed in such a way that when buses stop there, they do not disrupt the traffic and cause chaos on the road.

* Current bus shelters occupy a lot of space on the road. They should be shifted to the extreme side of the road and remodelled into long bays, not wide.

* All city buses can be numbered in accordance with their area/ route and they should be allotted specific bus stops.

This will prevent crowding at bus bays.

* Electric posts on the roadside often hinder the smooth movement of vehicles. They should be shifted to safe places so that there are no obstacles on the road.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Kochi+is+congested&artid=kf7TY8W5aCM=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

Want to apply for Job in KFC - Cochin !!!!

http://jobsearch.naukri.com/job-listings-Team-Member-for-KFC-Restaurants-KFC-Corporation-Chennai-Ernakulam-Kochi-Cochin-0-to-1-years-101109001810-

Just came back from Oberon after spending the evening with the kids. The crowd turns me off. IMHO, there were at least THREE times the crowd that could be comfortably accommodated at the place. The gaming arcade (which is the primary reason of going there) is bursting at the seams. Two floors of underground parking, one acre of offsite parking, and almost a kilometre of service road parking were full, and the cars encroached the byepass roadway.

Gold Souk! Where are thou?

Just came back from Oberon after spending the evening with the kids. The crowd turns me off. IMHO, there were at least THREE times the crowd that could be comfortably accommodated at the place. The gaming arcade (which is the primary reason of going there) is bursting at the seams. Two floors of underground parking, one acre of offsite parking, and almost a kilometre of service road parking were full, and the cars encroached the byepass roadway.

Gold Souk! Where are thou?

Seems Abad Nucleus Mall will open in a few months.

Maybe that can also help reduce the overcrowding in Oberon

Second phase expansion of Infopark set to begin

Staff Reporter

Chief Minister to lay foundation stone for project today

Second phase to be completed by 2011

Many companies evince interest in venture

KOCHI: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will lay the foundation stone for the second phase expansion of Infopark Kochi on Saturday at 10.30 a.m. The second phase developments will come up on 160 acres of land in Puthencruz and Kunnathunadu panchayats.

Fisheries Minister S. Sarma will preside. Union Minister of State for Agriculture K.V. Thomas and Transport Minister Jose Thettayil will also be present.

Infopark was confident that world-class infrastructure and favourable connectivity would attract more companies once the second-phase development was completed, a release issued here on Friday said. In the second phase, expected to be completed by 2011, focus would be on offering state-of-the-art facilities in the BPO sector at reasonable prices. Infopark was also hopeful of receiving shortly the Special Economic Zone status for IT and IT-enabled services for its second phase.

Principal Secretary for IT Ajay Kumar said the hub-and-spoke model of IT development and the concept of techno lodges creating IT job opportunities even in rural areas were fast turning the State into one of the country’s IT hubs.

Infopark chief executive officer Siddhartha Bhattacharya said that a miniature of the second phase development would be displayed in connection with the stone laying function. Business and health clubs, places to unwind, provision for sports and games, supermarkets and food courts would be ensured in the upcoming phase.

The land would be developed in an environment-friendly manner and without losing its rustic charm, he said.

Companies operating from Infopark and other major IT players in the country had already evinced interest in the second phase. Mr. Bhattacharya said that 50,000 jobs in the IT and IT-enabled sectors would be created once the second phase expansion was completed.

Infopark had registered a growth rate of 80 per cent during the 2008-09 period registering a revenue of Rs.463 crore. The premier IT institution was able to attract U.S. Technology, UCI Technologies, Arbitron, SitMobile, Alcatel, BlueLabs Technologies and Tata Tele Services to its fold during this period. At present, about 9,000 employees were working at Infopark.

Infopark’s IT Park at Koratty in Thrissur district was inaugurated last month. Works of IT parks in Cherthala and Ambalapuzha were progressing. Infopark had been involved in developing infrastructure in the IT sector in association with major IT players like TCS , Wipro, Leela Group, and L&T. Besides, it had created 2,500-odd job opportunities in a year, the release said.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/28/stories/2009112859710300.htm

TATA REALTY to start their Landmark Residential project in Kochi

courtesy Adwaith KOCHINOW

Mumbai Tata Realty And Infrastructure Limited (TRIL), a 100 subsidiary of Tata Sons, on Monday announced its plans to develop a landmark residential project at Kochi in Kerala.
This marks the company’s entry into the second major city along the south-west coast of India, a press release issued here stated.

The TRIL team led by Ratanakar P Mahajan, Vice-PresidentBusiness Development, has chosen a centrally-located area in Kochi for the project. The neighborhood is a high-end residential hub situated close to the Central Business District of Kochi and enjoys excellent connectivity and proximity to the economic centers of the city, the release said.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/TRIL-to-launch-a-landmark-residential-project-in-Kochi/548011/

TATA REALTY to start their Landmark Residential project in Kochi

courtesy Adwaith KOCHINOW

Mumbai Tata Realty And Infrastructure Limited (TRIL), a 100 subsidiary of Tata Sons, on Monday announced its plans to develop a landmark residential project at Kochi in Kerala.
This marks the company’s entry into the second major city along the south-west coast of India, a press release issued here stated.

The TRIL team led by Ratanakar P Mahajan, Vice-PresidentBusiness Development, has chosen a centrally-located area in Kochi for the project. The neighborhood is a high-end residential hub situated close to the Central Business District of Kochi and enjoys excellent connectivity and proximity to the economic centers of the city, the release said.

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/TRIL-to-launch-a-landmark-residential-project-in-Kochi/548011/

Total Investment for this high end waterfront project @ Marine Drive is Rs 625 crores . The project would have a total build up area of 1.6 million Sq. Ft. Kochi surprising the forecasts of real estate gurus.:lol:

KSRTC threatens to pull out of premium bus project

KOCHI: The confusion about the introduction of 200 premium and AC buses in Kochi has been confounded further, with the KSRTC threatening to pull out of the project following escalating difference of opinion with the Corporation of Kochi.

The KSRTC has taken strong objection to the civic body opposing the routes that it had suggested. The KSRTC preferred routes that passed through both the existing city hub (western parts) and developing areas along the eastern side, for the seven buses earmarked for Kochi. Most routes suggested by the civic body pass along the NH 47 bypass and areas located further east.

“Though the Corporation has to contribute 20 per cent of the cost of purchasing the buses (with the State Government giving 30 per cent and the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission the balance 50 per cent), it was unable to do so and hence we obtained a loan for the amount,” said a high-ranking KSRTC official. “Despite not paying a penny for the project and having little technical knowledge about running the service and finalising bus routes, the civic body wants to control the premium-bus service in Kochi. In that case, let them run the project,” he said.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/30/stories/2009113059170300.htm

^^^ Here it is....

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8425/kfckentuckyfriedchicken.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/i/kfckentuckyfriedchicken.jpg/)

http://www.kochivibe.com/kfc-kentucky-fried-chicken-opening-cochin-kochi/
KFC Opened today at Kochi. Thanks Bhasid for the news.

KFC Opened today at Kochi. Thanks Bhasid for the news.

WAAAW, There you gooooooo...... All keralaites welcome to taste the chicken......, even critics are invited he he :)

Total Investment for this high end waterfront project @ Marine Drive is Rs 625 crores . The project would have a total build up area of 1.6 million Sq. Ft. Kochi surprising the forecasts of real estate gurus.:lol:

here is the link

http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/News.aspx?NewsId=27572

Tata Realty and Infrastructure, a 100% subsidiary of Tata Sons, will develop a Rs 625-crore residential project at Kochi, Kerala.To be built on 8.44 acres, the high-end waterfront development will have 1.64 million sq ft of residential space. The residential component would comprise two, three and four BHK (bedroom-hall-kitchen) apartments, besides row houses.

Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation to begin works on a few infrastructure projects including new/existing highway projects.

The Hindu, Dec 01 (http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/01/stories/2009120150100100.htm)


The other projects include the second phase (14.9 km) of Ernakulam’s Airport-Seaport Road, linking Kalamassery with Kariyad on NH 47, and four-laning of the existing Airport-Seaport Road which links Irumbanam with Kalamassery HMT Junction. The fifth project, a Rs.203.90-crore, 27-km Thankalam-Kakkanad highway, will connect Kakkanad with areas lying further east in Ernakulam.

Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation to begin works on a few infrastructure projects including new/existing highway projects.

The Hindu, Dec 01 (http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/01/stories/2009120150100100.htm)

All roads lead to Kochi.:)


The corporation’s highway projects include a 66.90-km four-lane west coast highway along the sea coast from Ponnani to Elathur. The project cost is Rs.1,671 crore. The people displaced along the coast will be resettled in houses/ flats built at fish-landing centres along the route, having community facilities. The road will reduce the distance between Kochi and Kozhikode by 40 km.

A 28.50-km Chertala-Kottayam tourist highway, an east-west corridor, is another project. It will increase the connectivity between Kochi and Kottayam. The highway will be extended to connect K.K. Road with Manarcadu.

The other projects include the second phase (14.9 km) of Ernakulam’s Airport-Seaport Road, linking Kalamassery with Kariyad on NH 47, and four-laning of the existing Airport-Seaport Road which links Irumbanam with Kalamassery HMT Junction. The fifth project, a Rs.203.90-crore, 27-km Thankalam-Kakkanad highway, will connect Kakkanad with areas lying further east in Ernakulam.

^^Shhh... Don't give any ideas:omg:

"Aquamarine" makes it's maiden service from Kochi .Central tourism minister Kumari Shelja flagged off the trip.

Now keralites can also enjoy the pleasures of luxury cruise ride to Maldives / Colombo /even a package offering one day cruise off Kochi coast @ Arabian sea.:)

site is updated with more clear pictures of Gold souk Kalamassery project , just clik on the photos

http://www.goldsoukindia.com/index.asp

site is updated with more clear pictures of Gold souk Kalamassery project , just clik on the photos

http://www.goldsoukindia.com/index.asp

Thanks for the post, I was unable to find detailed location map and pictures. Please post if you have direct links.

Marriott Kochi would be the one attached to Lulu Mall , Edapally

Marriott International plans to open 18 hotels in India by the end of next year and expects to grow ten times over the next decade.The international hotel company is currently running ten hotels under its management.

"By the end of next year we would have seven Courtyard hotels across the country, four JW Marriott hotels and a Renaissance hotel. We are also looking at setting up hotels in places like Nasik, Lucknow, Amritsar and Kochi," Marriott International Area Vice President (India, Pakistan, Maldives and Malaysia) Rajeev Menon said.

In the next ten years we expect to grow ten times, Menon added.The group is present in India through its brands like such as the five star Marriott, seven star JW Marriott, Ritz Carlton, Renaissance and budget hotel Courtyard.

"We expect recovery to take place in the hotel business by the last quarter of next year and in the next 18-24 months we expect the demand to outstrip supply," he said.
http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3470604

KOCHI: Nitin Malik’s amazing vocals and Sonam Sherpa’s thrilling guitar tunes will rock the city as popular rock band Parikrama will perform live at Kochi on January 10 at the Ambedkar Stadium.

Inspired by the likes of Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Dream Theatre and The Doors, Parikrama was officially formed in Delhi in 1991. The rock ‘n’ roll band’s first concert was held at Delhi in 1992 which was the first ever musical show on AIDS awareness. Perfectly blending traditional Indian musical instruments like mridangam, tabla and flute with western guitar, drums and keyboards, Parikrama soon revolutionised the rock concept in the country.

The band reached new heights in December 2005 when liquor giants Seagram roped in Parikrama for the Royal Stag Musical carnival - ‘Saif Parikrama Strings’ and of course ‘Mayhem’.

The band performed with bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan and toured the metros in the country with the actor- cum-guitarist.

When the heavy metal band Iron Maiden played at the Garden City in front of 25,000 manic metal fans, they chose Parikrama to support them.

After watching Parikrama’s performance, Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris said that he was completely blown away by the quality of Parikrama, which later performed four live shows with Iron Maiden in the UK. The other members of the band include Saurabh Choudhary backing the lead guitarist, Subir Malik on the keyboard and synthesizers, Chintan Kalraon, the bass guitar, and Srijan Mahajan on the drums. The Sanskrit word ‘Parikrama’ means ‘orbital revolutions’ and the band with its unique touch of rock stays loyal to its name.

The musical fiesta will see Kochi-based band Evergreen joining with Parikrama with their melodic hard rock tunes on the rock show which is organised by Navarasa.

The tickets for the show are available at Aries Telecasting Pvt Ltd, Edappally.

The rates for the rock show ranges between Rs 100 and 500.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Parikrama+to+rock+city&artid=02fgIErOQPQ=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

KOCHI: An award for Kochi Corporation for effective waste management? Sounds almost hilarious but the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) has selected Kochi for its award for the Best Solid Waste Management City from among 63 cities where JNNURM projects have been implemented.

And Mayor Mercy Williams is beaming.

Even though the condition of the Solid Waste Treatment Plant at Brahmapuram is pathetic, she says that garbage piles have disappeared from the city. Rotting garbage mounting at various places was a common sight in Kochi a few months ago. Though the authorities have not placed waste bins at every nook and corner of the city they have managed to implement a systematic method to ensure timely collection of solid waste.

So forget waste treatment, Kochi can heave a sigh of relief that it has cleaned the streets and has dumped the waste somewhere else.

“The introduction of waste treatment system at apartments and setting up of the plant at Brahmapuram have helped our efforts to keep the city garbage-free,” the Mayor said.

She praised the efforts taken by the Kerala Builders Forum which had joined hands with the civic body in its Clean Kochi scheme.

“The concept of ‘clean city’ needs to be deep-rooted in the minds of city residents so that they practise waste segregation and proper disposal methods,” the Mayor said. The award is definitely a recognition of the Corporation’s efforts to dispose waste materials.

But the question is whether the entire mission will be successful without the proper functioning of the treatment plant at Brahmapuram.

“Of course not.

We are thinking of all possibilities to increase the efficiency of the Brahmapuram plant. Machines will be installed at the refuse derived fuel (RDF) plant here by January to treat non-biodegradable waste,” the Mayor said. But that seems a bit distant. Right now the Corporation authorities are basking in the glory of the award which will be presented by Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy on Thursday.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=JNNURM+gives+Kochi+a+%E2%80%98clean%E2%80%99+chit&artid=Ki2PK|4NgOE=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

KOCHI: Road accidents are not accidental. We see many a life lost to speeding buses and rash drivers on the road. Kochi witnesses the violation of traffic rules every day and we are left to wonder why the authorities fail to insist on safety measures.

“It is true that 95 percent of accidents can be prevented if we strictly follow safety measures,” says P K Stephen, Deputy Transport Commissioner. The number of accidents is alarmingly high and in Ernakulam District alone 23 people died and 167 people were injured in October alone.

In this context, the State Level Road Safety Week-2009, which is being observed from December 1 to 7, is of great significance. It focuses on traffic rules and helps to inform the public about specific road safety problems and why particular road safety measures are necessary.

It gives the public insight into the reasons behind the need for riskawareness, rules and regulations.

The week-long programmes include campaigns for drivers, traffic regulations involving NCC cadets, training for driving school instructors, road safety quiz, essay writing and cartoon competitions, said N K Raveendranath, Joint RTO, Ernakulam.

Alarming…

* Every year about 1,30,000 accident deaths happen in India and about 4 lakh people are seriously injured.

* At least 11 people die on the roads every day in the state.

* In Ernakulam district 23 people died and 167 were injured in October this year

* 40 percent of accident deaths involve pedestrians and of these 25 percent are school children.

Pedestrians take note

* O bey the instructions of the traffic police.

* While crossing make sure no vehicle is coming from either side.

* Never cross from the backside of a stationary vehicle.

* Always keep to the right side of the road.

* Avoid travelling on the footboard

Pointers for two-wheeler riders

* Use authorised helmets that fit perfectly

* Check rearview mirrors before stopping

* Motorcyclists should be more alert at intersections

* Use proper reflectors for night ride

* Remember that the impact of a fall from a motorcycle racing at 40 km/hr is similar to that of a fall from a three-storeyed building.

Reminders for four-wheeler riders

* Always keep left while driving

* Never overtake from the left

* Follow the stopping distance which is proportional to the velocity - that is if a vehicle is going at a speed of 40km/ hr it will take 5 metre to stop the vehicle.

The stopping distance increases to 17 metre if the vehicle’s speed is 60 km. The stopping distance varies depending on the speed of the vehicle.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Road+accidents+high+in+Ernakulam&artid=I0qdppcxdu4=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

KOCHI: After Chinese toys and mobile phones, it is the turn of spurious Chinese-made cosmetics and body sprays to flood the local market.

Enforcement officials have confirmed that smuggled Chinese cosmetics are available under leading brand names at various outlets in the city.

Official said that the cosmetics included facial creams, shampoos, body sprays and perfumes.

“It is hard to distinguish the original brand from the Chinese one. Every thing looks similar, including the design and printing.

The only difference is in the content,” said an official.

An inquiry with a retailer at the GCDA Complex revealed that there were duplicates of leading international brands like Garnier coming from China.

“A customer may not be able to see any difference in the packing. There will be a slight difference in the spelling which often goes unnoticed,” he said showing the slight variation in the spelling printed on a duplicate Garnier product.

He said that retailers promote the items as they get more commission than on similar products manufactured by multinational companies.

Enforcement officials said that the majority of Chinese consignments reached Kochi from Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata. But they said that they had not come across any consignment carrying spurious Chinese cosmetics arriving directly at the port.

Dermatologists point out that the use of spurious cosmetics could harm the skin as they contain low quality ingredients. So next time you shop for cosmetics be vigilant.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=The+cosmetic+trap&artid=Tw9LnKNYMs4=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

KOCHI: Festive season is here and it’s shopping time once again. Good news for shoppers in the city as Alamkritha is back with its myriad hues to add colour to the occasion.

The exhibition cum sale on at Lotus Club showcases designer wears, temple jewellery, crochet items, kitchen curtains, cushions and much more.

Temple Jewellery, the traditional art work of Tamil Nadu, is one of the main attractions. The gold coated silver ornaments studded with uncut semi precious emerald and ruby has many takers. “I have been in this field for the past eleven years and during all these years the demand for temple jewellery has never been down”, says Sudha Balachandran, one of the organisers of Alamkrita. There are earrings ranging from Rs 425-1500 and chains from Rs 800-1500. Poothali, manga mala and full chokers are the most sold items in the section. There are also lighter pieces for party wear.

For those who wish to be a star at Christmas parties, the mix and match designer party wears at Alamkrita make the best option. The party wears ranging from Rs 1000-2000 are available both in cotton and silk. Accessories like jute and terra-cotta jewellery, booties and bags also await you at the sale. “The variety in colour and designs attracts the young party goers”, says Catherine Philip, costume designer and consultant from Kottayam.

There is fine range of designer cotton and silk saris along with an exotic collection of salwars and kurtis. Saris come in cut, applique and shadow work and are mainly in pastel shades. Salwars are mainly in boutique print using vegetable and hand dye. “People still prefer pure cotton and silk to synthetic material.

Casual cotton wears are much in demand”, says Mrudula George of Artyz, Thevara. Salwars are priced at Rs 400-2000 while saris start from Rs 350. “I am a regular customer of Alamkrita and every time I come, I have something new to pick.

Variety is the distinguishing feature here”, says Annie, a customer.

Baby accessories and dresses for kids up to the age of four are also a part of the exhibition. Cushions, curtains and bed-spreads in a variety of shades and designs are the most sought after item this season. “Table cloths in red and green combination brings out the festive mood and hence are selling like hot cakes”, points out a designer. Crochet hankies are available at Rs 20-45, half kitchen curtains at Rs 90-200 and chikan worked curtains at Rs 150-340.

“The items are of good quality and I find the rates reasonable”, says Ruksa, a customer.

The Alamkrita annual Christmas sale is on till December 5.

Drop in between 9 30 am and 8 pm.

Source (http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Let%E2%80%99s+go+shopping&artid=cwTx18kdkoE=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=)

Pedestrians take note

* O bey the instructions of the traffic police.
Oh, really? Where are they?

* While crossing make sure no vehicle is coming from either side.
And stay at the side till 1:00am for the traffic to subside a bit

* Always keep to the right side of the road.
First wait till 1:00am to cross the road to the right side. Then walk the right side

* Avoid travelling on the footboard
Drive your own vehicle.

Pointers for two-wheeler riders

* Check rearview mirrors before stopping
And hit the three bikes in front of you, the two that tries to pass you and the pedestrian who try to cross the road.

* Motorcyclists should be more alert at intersections
Yup! Soon after hanging up the phone, that is.

* Use proper reflectors for night ride
Oh No! That spoils my glamour!

* Remember that the impact of a fall from a motorcycle racing at 40 km/hr is similar to that of a fall from a three-storeyed building.
I have 220ccs under my butt! I am invincible!

Reminders for four-wheeler riders

* Always keep left while driving
And let everyone pass me!

* Never overtake from the left
And get stuck behind that truck going at 20kmph

Ernakulam is on top of the 'hit chart' (pun intended) because:

1. There are much more vehicles
2. There are much more commuting
3. The roads are much worse.

Road accidents high in Ernakulam
We keralites are blessed with literacy. But sorry folks, our public awareness while driving and using any sort of vehicles are to the minimum I am afraid. I think the Police could do something to improve the situation however, the attitude has to come from our own, I mean from we keralites, the general public. (Those who are obeying traffic rules are not blamed here and thus forgiven)

It will be a 300 Crore project at Bolghatty By Nitesh

Courtesy _ PLUS Kochinow

After signing two hotel projects with international hotel major Ritz Carlton in Chennai and Bangalore, Bangalore-based Nitesh Estates is looking to do the same in Cochin as well, but with an Indian hotel major this time. CNBC-TV18's Sunanda Jayaseelan reports.
There is indeed a lot that seems to be buzzing at Bangalore-based Nitesh Estates. What we understand from sources is that Nitesh is looking to foray into Cochin with a high-end project, which will consist a mix development of both a hotel and residential projects. What we understand is that this entire project could cost upto Rs 300 crore and that Nitesh is already mandated Morgan Stanley with bringing in a private equity player to the tune of Rs 150 crore. The remaining, we understand will be contributed by Nitesh through a combination of equity and debt. This project will come up at Bolgatty Island on a 4 acre property that Nitesh already owns. Bolgatty Island is considered a very high-end part of Cochin.

Who is the hotel major?

We understand that there are three frontrunners, there is the Mariot, the ITC and Oberoi— slightly different from the association that it already has with Ritz Carlton, where its developed properties in Bangalore and Chennai. We understand that the final JV will be signed in two weeks time.

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/cnbc-tv18-comments/nitesh-estates-plans-to-foray-into-cochin_429175.html

Railways plan 15 auto hubs across country
Sharmistha Mukherjee / New Delhi November 25, 2009, 0:23 IST

To promote traffic of automobiles through the railways, its ministry is considering 15 automobile hubs to be set up on public-private partnership across the country.
The railways would provide land for constructing the hubs and the facilities would be set up by private sector players. These auto hubs would not only serve as vendor parks, but also have assembling units where components can be put together before cars are transported to sales centres.

In Phase-I, auto hubs would be set up at Santragachi, Shalimar, Siliguri, Ranchi, Guwahati, Patna and Hosur (Karnataka). Another eight hubs would eventually be put up in Phase-II of the project at Ernakulum, Vijayawada, Delhi cantonment, Chandigarh, Palakkad, Kharagpur, Challapalli and Kalamassery.

A senior official at the rail ministry said, “The establishment of these hubs will facilitate economic development of the areas where they are set up. The units will provide employment to the local people and also act as a revenue-generating source for railways.”

The Railways expect to earn around Rs 1,500 crore per annum from these automobile hubs, he added. At present less than two per cent of automobiles manufactured in the country are transported through the railways. The establishment of the auto hubs is intended to increase such traffic to 15 per cent by 2015-16.

Automobiles would be transported to and fro these hubs via four and eight-car wagons. The railways have also rolled out 10 rakes of two-tiered high-capacity wagons on a pilot basis to transport cars.

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

The great Indian middle class on cruise mode from home port


KOCHI: They've been in the arc lights for a while now, for their upward mobility, hunger for consumption, and lofty ambitions. If there was ever a hint that the great Indian middle class, despite the considerable strength of their disposable incomes, were still fettered to traditional options for unwinding like a trip to Ooty, Tirupati or Shimla, it was disproved this week when cruise liner Aquamarine majestically cut through the waters of the Arabian sea, powered as much by their wallets as by the vessel's powerful diesel engines.

On board were about 600 holidayers, almost all of them Indian, with a large majority from middle class families, taking a cruise to Maldives, paying upwards of Rs 5,500 per head per night for a three-night trip.

Aware of the strong potential from cruise business, the Cochin Port Trust is preparing to open a Rs 400-crore international cruise terminal. Last year 36 luxury vessels berthed in Kochi and 28 have already confirmed booking this year. These are in addition to Louis Cruises' operations. CPT chairman N Ramachandran says the reasonable rates offered for cruises could be good bait for the domestic market.

Louis Cruises has signed a five-year MoU with Kerala Tourism and is expecting around 60,000 passengers during the first phase of its operation that will last till April 2010.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Travel/The-great-Indian-middle-class-on-cruise-mode-from-home-port/articleshow/5311824.cms

My colleague here in Bangalore had tried to book on 23rd and 28th Dec, the Vessel is full. For the 3 nights 4 days Maldives cruise, the cost per person is Rs.32000/-

RMZ Millenia near Infopark.

http://i49.tinypic.com/w7myqq.jpg

Link (http://www.rmzcorp.com/downloads/rmz-corporate_broucher.pdf)

This seems to be a massive project . Where exactly is it gonna come up ?:)


RMZ Millenia near Infopark.

http://i49.tinypic.com/w7myqq.jpg




Link (http://www.rmzcorp.com/downloads/rmz-corporate_broucher.pdf)

RMZ Millenia near Infopark.



Link (http://www.rmzcorp.com/downloads/rmz-corporate_broucher.pdf)


Amazing stuff.....:banana:

^^ Oh WOW!! Mind-blowing development! :applause::applause:

Its near infopark. Its marked in wikimapia. not sure if its correct

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=9.9989013&lon=76.361289&z=16&l=0&m=b

Oh snap! That looks incredible!

:omg::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:

HDIL Cybercity

Courtesy : PRAMOD WWW.KOCHINOW.COM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4178006665_3b608222de_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/4178768460_8b04f074c4_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/4178006605_2109df54cf_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/4178006557_5882558abc_o.jpg

^^ Fabulous again! Thanks KMC :)

I see there is a 40-floor tower in the plans, along with a plethora of 15-18 storied towers in the residential layout. Hopefully HDIL will be able to market the IT Space effectively, selling off the residential area will be a cakewalk. Great layout :)

Man, that is quiet a design...

^^^^ amazing :nuts:

Edit

^^ Fabulous again! Thanks KMC :)

I see there is a 40-floor tower in the plans, along with a plethora of 15-18 storied towers in the residential layout. Hopefully HDIL will be able to market the IT Space effectively, selling off the residential area will be a cakewalk. Great layout :)

i think this is an old design , under the revised plan there is a 60 storeyed tower which is missing here . even the architect website says its of 2008.
i think this plan is changed , ....

Unnamed Project designed by Silpi Architects, Maradu

Looks like 2 x 30 floors and 2 x 26 floors.

http://www.silpiarchitects.com/images/projects/apartments/3/b1.jpg

Link (http://www.silpiarchitects.com/apartments.html)

:)

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3434/image001dy.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/i/image001dy.jpg/) http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/image001dy.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img6/image001dy.jpg/1/)

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/5136/image002h.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/image002h.jpg/) http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/image002h.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img709/image002h.jpg/1/)

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3113/image004pm.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/i/image004pm.jpg/) http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/image004pm.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img149/image004pm.jpg/1/)

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/2721/image005iy.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/image005iy.jpg/) http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/image005iy.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img709/image005iy.jpg/1/)

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3499/image006ug.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/i/image006ug.jpg/) http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/image006ug.jpg/1/w566.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img526/image006ug.jpg/1/)

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/4827/image007er.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/image007er.jpg/) http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/image007er.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img706/image007er.jpg/1/)


http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5550/image008xe.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/i/image008xe.jpg/) http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/image008xe.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img526/image008xe.jpg/1/)



http://img6.imageshack.us/g/image001dy.jpg/

:)

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3434/image001dy.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/i/image001dy.jpg/) http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/image001dy.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img6/image001dy.jpg/1/)

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/5136/image002h.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/image002h.jpg/) http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/image002h.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img709/image002h.jpg/1/)

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/3113/image004pm.jpg (http://img149.imageshack.us/i/image004pm.jpg/) http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/image004pm.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img149/image004pm.jpg/1/)

http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/2721/image005iy.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/image005iy.jpg/) http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/image005iy.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img709/image005iy.jpg/1/)

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3499/image006ug.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/i/image006ug.jpg/) http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/image006ug.jpg/1/w566.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img526/image006ug.jpg/1/)

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/4827/image007er.jpg (http://img706.imageshack.us/i/image007er.jpg/) http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/image007er.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img706/image007er.jpg/1/)


http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/5550/image008xe.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/i/image008xe.jpg/) http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/image008xe.jpg/1/w800.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img526/image008xe.jpg/1/)



http://img6.imageshack.us/g/image001dy.jpg/

Thanks Bhasid.

Massive one from the NRI Baron !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

HDIL Cybercity

Courtesy : PRAMOD WWW.KOCHINOW.COM (http://WWW.KOCHINOW.COM)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4178006665_3b608222de_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/4178768460_8b04f074c4_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/4178006605_2109df54cf_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2569/4178006557_5882558abc_o.jpg

Thanks KMC.

This project is gonna change the IT demography of the state.

Australia is looking at more enhanced trade partnerships with India, particularly in small cities and will open five new offices in the country, Australian Consul General and Trade commissioner for South India, Aminur Rahman, said today.

There are plans to put new staff in Tier-II cities like Chandigargh, Jaipur in the north, Ahmedabad and Pune in the west and Kochi in the south, Rahman said at a seminar here on 'Doing Business with Australia'.

The Kochi office is expected to be functional by March or April next, he said, adding interviews for selecting staff was held today. A business development manager would be appointed here, he said.

There are also plans to expand offices in Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad. "We are enlarging our consulates in Mumbai and Chennai.


http://www.ptinews.com/news/430909_Australian-commission-to-open-five-new-offices

Four Seasons Wines Limited (FSWL), a subsidiary of United Spirits Limited, will open a 'wine club' in the city as part of its initiative to promote 'wine-related tourism' across the country.

Launching 'Four Season' wines here, FSWL Business Head and Director Abhay Kewadkar said the wine club in the city would be opened in three to six months time, similar to a recent launch of a club in Kolkata.The company currently has three clubs, each in Bangalore and Delhi and one in Chandigarh.

The idea was to provide a 'wine experience' in terms of taste and food and share more information on wine making and related details, he added.
Kewadkar said the company was aiming to export about 15 per cent in the first year especially to markets in the UK, US and France and this would go up to 30 per cent in the coming years.

The company expects to sell about one million bottles in the first year as the wine consumption was increasing by 30 to 40 per cent on an year-on-year basis, he added.

The company launched its first varietal range of wines from Baramati in Maharashtra, called the 'Four Seasons', and also the widely popular 'Zinzi' from its portfolio in Kerala.

http://www.centralchronicle.com/viewnews.asp?articleID=22178

Hi Guys,

Sometime ago there were some reports on Vyttila Mobility Hub and it appeared objections from Agriculture ministry for the project was also resolved. It is a right move to bring all long distance buses to Vyttila and utilise KSRTC Bus stand in south for some other purpose.
KMC, Bhasidali ... do you have any updates on this.

regards
Vin

SAHARA CITY HOMES OWNS 17 ACRE FOR SAHARA GRACE AND 63 ACRE FOR SAHARA CITY HOMES IN KOCHI
www.sebi.gov.in/dp/saharaprime.pdf

Bangalore based Brigade Group (http://www.brigadegroup.com/) are planning their first project out of Karnataka in Kochi. Their website states that Brigade IT/SEZ @ Kochi will have 600,000 sq ft. And was browsing the net found this. Entask Consultancy Services have designed a builidng but didn't metion anything but 'Brigade Kochi', so I'm thinking that this is it.

http://i50.tinypic.com/a3jdac.jpg

Hope this is not a repost

Heera Hilife Shopping Mall

Architect: Santhosh Paul (http://santhoshpaul.com)

http://i50.tinypic.com/20a9smh.jpg

I don't think that has been posted before.

Anyway Godrej Properties website states that they are planning a project in Kochi.

^^ India 101, we have both the Brigade project and the Heera project posted here a few months back. We have one of the top bosses of Brigade working here, so naturally such major projects will be up here before any of us could get it from the net, you get what I mean ;)

^Really, who is it?

^Really, who is it?


Look around. There are clues everywhere :)

Sudheesh? That was a wild guess :ohno:

Ahem, still waiting for an answer...

^^
You are right Inda101. It's none other than our mod Sudeeshettan.

And sorry for reposting the image of Heera hilife mall.Aneeshetta, thanks for pointing out the mistake.

Thanks Sakrishna

----

KMC, AAJACOB where are you guys. This forums dead :(

Kent Mahal

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/2371/mahalelevationqr9.jpg

Another render -

http://i46.tinypic.com/2qntt3m.jpg

Updates

Sep 15
Copyright Kent Constructions (http://www.kentcoindia.com/mahal_current.asp#sub)

Block 1
http://i49.tinypic.com/30new6a.jpg

The project probably has already been posted here, but anyway noharm in eing here twice.


Kent Palm Grove, Kaloor

http://i45.tinypic.com/20g1g6r.jpg

Update

Dec 6
Copyright Kent Constructions
http://i47.tinypic.com/20uc00w.jpg

Here is a list of upcoming, proposed, u/c and completed malls in Kochi and Ernakulam.


Heera HiLife, Edapally - 3,72,162.0 sq. ft.

http://i50.tinypic.com/4vg5tz.jpg

~

Park View Mall, Convent Road - Spread over 16 floors

http://i50.tinypic.com/117srqp.jpg

~

Admiral Plaza, Palarivatom - Mall/Hotel

http://i45.tinypic.com/28iwxfl.jpg

~

Abad Nucleus, Maradu - 1,25,000 sq. ft. = Mall + 45,000 sq. ft. = Office

http://i48.tinypic.com/o07wgn.jpg

~

Grand Mall, Edapally

http://i49.tinypic.com/2i267wi.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/rt19ud.jpg

~

Summit Mall, MG Road - Spread over 12 floors

http://i47.tinypic.com/15duzk1.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/2ic74ol.jpg

~

Metro One, Kaloor - 16 story building

http://i47.tinypic.com/rlmiq9.jpg

~

Oberon Mall, Edapally - 350,000 sq.ft.

http://i47.tinypic.com/2w6ylft.jpg

~

RDS-Rajagiri Mall, Kakkanad -

*Total built up area of 900,000 sq ft.
*Twin towers of 36 floors each, totalling an area of 540,000 sq ft.
*Commercial complex of 340,000 sq ft.

http://i49.tinypic.com/245lro1.jpg

~

Aerens Gold Souk, Vytilla - 450,000 sq.ft.

http://i49.tinypic.com/34fz5kz.jpg

~

Lulu Mall, Edapally - 180,000 sq.ft.

http://i49.tinypic.com/29hff9.jpg

~

The Forum Kochi, Maradu - ~1.5m sq.ft

http://i46.tinypic.com/2urnmdw.jpg

~

Unitech Proposed Mall, Maradu

Many more. We can add later.

Neptune Groups Cochin Project

around 34 towers of 16 storeyed ,

Courtesy : PLUS WWW.KOCHINOW>COM

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1912/neptunei.png


http://www.neptunegroup.in/#/home-page/projects/homes

Good collection of Mall Pictures.

Which one will be the next one to open?

Heard Abad Nucleus is to open mid April.

Any status on the other Malls?

^Aerens Gold Souk & Lulu Mall will be completed soon. Or is Aerens Gold Souk already open?

KMC, your back. So we finally get a render for this project. Heard about it on Kochi now.

Sorry if this was already posted)

DLF are building 7 star, 240 room Hilton Hotel on Marine Drive -

Location from Wikimapia:

http://i50.tinypic.com/107lttz.jpg

Link (http://dlfhotels.in/portfolio_hotels_projects.asp)

And it's neighbours are Dewa Royale, Purva Grand Bay, Marina Majestic and Prestige Neptunes Courtyard. Imagine that area in 5-10 years :cheers:

Speaking off Purva Grandbay here's an update

http://i50.tinypic.com/2vkltds.jpg

December 1
Copyright Purvankara
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Link (http://www.puravankara.com/projects/cochin/grandbay.htm)

*yawns* I'm of to bed...

Remember this, Purva Eternity? Well here is the December update from Purvankara's website -

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December 3
Copyright Purvankara
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Neptune Groups Cochin Project

around 34 towers of 16 storeyed ,

Courtesy : PLUS WWW.KOCHINOW>COM

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1912/neptunei.png


http://www.neptunegroup.in/#/home-page/projects/homes

A smaller unblured version -

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Another render -

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Zoomed in:
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Olive Kalista, Kakkanad

http://i45.tinypic.com/294p2k7.jpg

Aleta
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Update:
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Alisha
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Anna
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Arista
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Update:
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Astra
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Update:
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Bungalows
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Link (http://www.olivebuilder.com/Luxury-flats-and-villas-Cochin-kalista.html)

Remember Olive Courtyard in Kakkanad, well it's almost complete...

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Update:
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Link (http://www.olivebuilder.com/Luxury-flats-villas-apartments-Kochi-Courtyard.html)

If anyone wanted to see what infopark looks like right now, here it is

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Copyright Olive Builders

Sorry for spamming the thread. Please vote for the Mumbai banner here (http://xl.skyscrapercity.com/?page=banner&do=today) before it disappears. Best of luck :).

Latest happenings at at CIAL , Nedumbassery .

1. An ultra modern radar system to be set up at a cost of Rs. 60 crores.
2. A pipeline connecting the BPCL refinery - airport @ a cost of Rs. 45 crores to ensure free flow of Aviation Turbine Fuel . Fuel tankers need not ply the route nowonwards.
3. A three star hotel at airport premises .
4. An international trade centre to come up in the vicinity of the airport.
5. Golf course to be inaugurated very soon

Ah, your finally back. Was getting lonely here with KMC or you. Also anymore news on this International Trade Centre?

Ah, your finally back. Was getting lonely here with KMC or you. Also anymore news on this International Trade Centre?

Yup India101 - Nice to meet you after so long . Couldn't involve much with SSC czz of some hectic assignments here. I think you have done a great job in th midst of my absense. The thread looks damn colourful . Good work. & Initial work on the trade centre has already commenced @ Nedumbassery.

CIAL is slowly but steadily climbing heights.:)

^Haha, thanks. Was just trying to keep the forum from dieing out.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4928/ekm5.jpgWhere is tyhis one coming at Kaloor

I know you posted this along time ago but do you remember the socurce? Looks like an interesting project

Todays manorama reports that the louise cruise ship is being withdrawn. They blame the port trust chargine heavily for berthing etc.

I expected it. They did no marketing. Their agents ignored the customers who went to them. They just gave one ad in Hindu. How do they expect people to fill their cabins?

Their mistake is, they were in the european mindset, where people know about cruising option. Here in India, people needs to be made aware. They should have gone for regular ads on TV, and in local news papers.

They screwed up, and now they will blame Cochin for that. What a pity!!

(And I blame certain family member for shooting down my proposal to go)

Todays manorama reports that the louise cruise ship is being withdrawn. They blame the port trust chargine heavily for berthing etc.

I expected it. They did no marketing. Their agents ignored the customers who went to them. They just gave one ad in Hindu. How do they expect people to fill their cabins?

Their mistake is, they were in the european mindset, where people know about cruising option. Here in India, people needs to be made aware. They should have gone for regular ads on TV, and in local news papers.

They screwed up, and now they will blame Cochin for that. What a pity!!

(And I blame certain family member for shooting down my proposal to go)

But inaddition to these, ther is some truth in what Louis Cruises are claiming... Cochin Port trust is charging 25,000 USD for every docking at port while at the same time Mumbai Port Trust is charging 10,000 USD and Maldives charging 5,000 USD only... :bash:I fear that might be the main reason...

What else can you expect from the Socialist Republic, when it comes to the frivolous extravagance of the bourgeois!

The port has clarified that the rates are fixed by the regulatory authority, and they gave discounts. But the question remains how come Mumbai takes 10K in that case.

Yup India101 - Nice to meet you after so long . Couldn't involve much with SSC czz of some hectic assignments here. I think you have done a great job in th midst of my absense. The thread looks damn colourful . Good work. & Initial work on the trade centre has already commenced @ Nedumbassery.

CIAL is slowly but steadily climbing heights.:)

:banana:
CIAL registers increase in passenger movement


A Correspondent



Thanks to the increase in domestic tourists visiting the State since October last year





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With the onset of tourism season about 6,000-7,000 persons used the airport per day

CIAL to start a trade fair and exhibition centre


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Nedumbassery: Even as the civil aviation industry is experiencing a downturn globally, Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has registered a steep increase in the movement of passengers, thanks to a surge in the number of domestic tourists visiting the State.

The statistics available with CIAL suggests that though the total number of passengers using the airport grew only by 9 per cent during the first seven months of the current fiscal, it has jumped to over 13 per cent in the three months starting October 2009. CIAL had projected a growth rate of 10 per cent in its annual passenger movement at the start of the financial year.

According to CIAL Managing Director C.G. Krishnadas Nair, the number of domestic travellers moving through the airport had moved up from 4,000-5,000 persons per day to 6,000-7,000 persons with the onset of the tourism season in the State.

Given this sudden surge in the number of domestic passengers visiting the State and a steady growth in international sector, the company has now upgraded the expected number of passengers through here as 40 lakh a year.

During the last financial year, the international segment posted a growth of 13.52 per cent but the domestic sector faced a negative trend as both the aircraft and the passenger movement registered a marginal decline.

Mr. Nair said that CIAL plans to tap the large inflow of tourists to the State by promoting Kochi as the gateway to the ‘God’s Own Country’ by starting an exclusive tour division to coordinate between the tourists and the tour operators. This would enable the company to charge a commission apart from ensuring business for the tour agents without spending much on advertisement and other related expenses, he said.

Mr. Nair said CIAL would start a medium size trade fair and exhibition centre apart from opening more retail shops at the airport to tap the expected growth in traffic to Kochi. He said the airport company would conduct a seminar on the development of marine products exports in March as part of its efforts to develop Kochi as a hub of perishable cargo export in South India. At present, Saudi Airlines and Deccan 360 were carrying out freight services from here. The airport company was in consultation with the Emirates Airlines to launch its cargo carrier to Kochi.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/14/stories/2010011459740300.htm

Robbing off an alternative way

KOCHI: The construction work of Edappally Railway Overbridge has come to a standstill with the Union Surface Transport Department (USTD) taking a stand against the National Highway Authority’s decision to re-tender the work. It is learnt that the USTD has informed the authorities that it cannot allot Rs 24 crore for the proposed work as the amount is more than 50 percent of the initial estimate.


The Kaikkara Construction Company had undertaken the contract for the 561 m railway overbridge for Rs 14 crore. The National Highway Authority terminated the contract with Kaikkara on May 28, 2009, as the company failed to complete the work by the revised deadline of March 31, 2009.

The NHA approved a probable amount of contract (PAC) of Rs 24.41 cr for the completion of the work before July 17, 2009. On August 22 the financial report (FR) of the tender was forwarded to the USTD for its approval. “The work will restart after awarding the contract and it is up to the USTD to decide,’’ said C J Peuse, superintendent engineer, National Highway, Central Circle.

K Babu MLA said that hopes are still alive as there are representatives from the state in the Union Ministry to take up the matter. “We will put the issue before the union ministers from Kerala to convince the USTD to restart the construction work of the overbridge,” he added. The decision to cancel the contract has created uncertainty over the future of the project.

The construction work of the ROB came to a standstill in November 2008 and so far only 42 percent of the work has been completed.

kochi@expressbuzz.com

http://expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Robbing+off+an+alternative+way&artid=/uvpLyEShsU=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=

Wow, everybodys comming back. Almost thought we ran out of Kochi forumers.

MIR Green Metropolis - Jade Heights Tower I

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November Update
Copyright MIR Realtors
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Link (http://www.mirrealtors.in/jade_1_project.html#top)

MIR Green Metropolis - Jade Heights Tower can be seen from my apartment


http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2720/kknd.jpg


Am sorry.... Am staying very near to this location in Kakkanad and i trust the first tower is over now... Also the building can be seen clearly in the left side of the above picture... :)

Theres three towers, I think thats the smaller 21 storey tower in your pic and now the taller 32 storey ones have started construction.

Gold Souk Residencies at Gold Souk City- Kalamassery - Launched

3,2,1 bedroom apartments in the heart of Kochi
Size of development
Key Features

3 Lakh square feet


Gold Souk City, Kalamassery, Kochi is an integral part of 240 Acres Hi-Tech Park promoted by KINFRA
Combining stunning architecture with state of the art facilities, Gold Souk Residencies set unparalleled benchmarks in luxury, convenience and comfort.
Earmarked into 3-2-1 bedroom apartments, each home is open from multiple sides, with high ceilings and impressive views of the lush countryside.
Number of Towers : 2 , Number of Floors : 13 each.
No: of apartments per floor : 4 x 1 BHK:510 sq ft Super Area ; 3 x 2 BHK:1063 sq ft Super Area ; 2 x 3 BHK:1525 sq ft Super Area
Price : Rs 2500 per sq ft ( launch price )
http://www.goldsoukindia.com/index.asp

Sounds good but only 13 floors. Wish it was taller.

I dont know whether it has been posted here before. If so, sorry for the repetition.

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Here's a real render -

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Link (http://www.goldsoukindia.com/index.asp)

Accor to go solo , exiting JV with Emaar . In Kerala , they are negotiating a site at Kochi.....
Courtesy : Kochinow


French hotel company Accor Hospitality is likely to call off its hotels joint venture (JV) with realty firm Emaar-MGF and go solo.


Industry sources told DNA that the European hotel company is also seriously contemplating replacing the hotels’ Formule 1 brand with that of Etap Hotel. Both brands are owned by Accor.

When contacted, Uttam Dave, head of development, Accor Hotels, (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka) refused to comment.

However, industry sources said the top brass are debating the rebranding.

The initial strategy prepared for the Formule 1 properties is likely to be altered to suit Etap. The Formule 1 proposition has been put on the backburner for the time being.

“The Emaar-MGF JV is certainly not taking off, and a rebranding exercise is currently being considered for the expansion in India,” said the source.

The source said the Etap and Formule 1 brands are similar in terms of product offering.

“Just that the former is very specifically used for the European market, and properties outside (particularly Asia) operate under Formule 1. Once the strategy change is implemented, all Formule 1 properties are likely be branded under Etap Hotel in India.”

The source said Accor currently has around 8-odd properties under various stages of construction and all of those will sport the Etap brand when ready.

The locations, guest-room inventory, offering and price-points of these hotels could not be ascertained. According to the Etap website, the product is positioned as a property offering all the services of a modern hotel, at a very moderate price.

In November 2006, the Accor and Emmar-MGF joint venture had aimed to have 100 Formule 1 hotels in India, but in an official statement released last year, Accor confirmed there had been a delay in developing the hotels and that only four sites were being committed.

“Sites are under negotiation in locations such as Hyderabad, Kochi, Bangalore and Kolkata,” an official statement released mid-2009 said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_accor-may-exit-jv-with-emaar-mgf_1335316

KOCHI: Inadequate passenger patronage and the escalating dissonance between the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and the civic agencies in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have resulted in the 15 Volvo buses operating in the two cities incurring losses.

The buses with automatic transmission, each of which costs Rs. 80 lakh, need an income of Rs.50 per km to operate on a no-profit no-loss basis.

The average income in Kochi is Rs.36 per km, while that in Thiruvananthapuram is Rs.28 per km. In January first week, the seven buses plying in Kochi earned an average of Rs.40 per km, while those in the State capital got Rs.35 per km.

At present, the four buses on the Aroor-Angamaly route fetch Rs.38 per km, while the two on the Fort Kochi-International Airport route earn Rs.35 per km.

The total earnings from the six buses fell from Rs.81,930 on January 2 to Rs.78,090 on Thursday.

Each 40-seater bus runs an average of 330 km a day and records an average occupancy of 55 per cent, down from 60 per cent a fortnight ago.

The earning is down to Rs.11,880 a bus, down from Rs.13,000 a fortnight ago. The cost of operating a km in Kochi is lower than in Thiruvananthapuram because many roads in the capital have been dug up for laying water pipelines. The buses plying in Kochi have a mileage of 2.50 km per litre of diesel, while it is 2.25 kmpl in the capital city.
Parking facilities

KSRTC MD T.P. Senkumar said that passenger patronage would increase only if the Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram Corporations readied pay-and-park facilities for cars and two-wheelers near bus stops, and provided better shelters for commuters awaiting the buses. Referring to the two Corporations demanding a stake in running the Volvo-bus fleet, he said that the respective RTC’s in other States own and operate premium buses purchased under the JNNURM scheme. “It is only in Kerala that civic agencies are demanding a stake in the services. Too many players would ruin the project.”

In the case of Kochi, KSRTC will spend Rs.72 crore on the total of 50 Volvo, 120 non-AC low-floor and 30 mini buses under the scheme. The Kochi Corporation has not committed any of its funds for the project. “If the civic agencies cannot provide better amenities to commuters, let them run the services using their workers,” Mr. Senkumar said.
Wooing passengers

The schedules in the capital will be modified in a week, to attract more passengers. In Kochi, the KSRTC plans to market the premium buses by installing boards that mention the stops and timings of the buses, at prominent locales. It might also increase the number of stops.

Three weeks since it began operating in Kochi, many people do not know that they can travel in air-conditioned comfort up to 5 km, by paying the minimum fare of Rs.10.

“Earmarking pay-and-park centres will take time. Since the buses ply mostly along the highway (except in West Kochi), the KSRTC must take up the issue of bus shelters with the PWD and the NHAI,” said Mayor Mercy Williams. She added that the RTC must give publicity to its bus stops and timings and reassure people about the promptness of the services, to make the services more effective.

http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/16/stories/2010011659290300.htm

New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) The environment ministry has banned the setting up of new factories in 43 critically polluted areas of the country till August, by when the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and state boards will prepare a plan to improve the environment in these areas, a ministry spokesperson said here Friday
Source (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/enviornment/no-new-factories-in-43-critically-polluted-areas-till-august_100304314.html)
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The following are the pre-qualified applicants for the 4 laning of Kuttipuram-Edappally Section of NH-17 under NHDP Phase III B

1.IL&FS Transportation Networks Limited (ITNL)
2.Reliance Infrastructure Limited
3.Soma Enterprise Limited
4.Oriental Structural Engineers Private Limited
5.Patel Engineering Limited-KNR Constructions Limited JV

Dont know whether its a repost :

Cinemax multiplex has plan to setup a 5 screen multiplex in Trivandrum and 4 screen in Cochin

http://www.cinemax.co.in/DetailContent.aspx?ArticleID=9ee7e666-0269-472a-a0e3-5b0e143283b9

Don't think thats been posted. Nice find.

Gold Souk is opening on 21st. Teaser ad in Manorama today

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3295/goldsouk.jpg

Gold Souk is opening on 21st. Teaser ad in Manorama today

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3295/goldsouk.jpg

waaw great news the second mall getting opened to public , Kochities can proudly say we too have malls , need not wait till 2015...

Heera Lifestyle, Thripunithura

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Jan 16 (top) & Oct 7 (bottom)
Copyright Heera
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This is comming up across the road from the Lulu Mall. Almost done...

North Star, Edapally

http://i46.tinypic.com/2zfua06.jpg

Update from website:

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http://i48.tinypic.com/2vv8jzr.jpg

Link (http://www.assethomes.in/northstar.html)

E-scape, Kakkand

http://i48.tinypic.com/2z4zoqp.jpg

Update from website:

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Link (http://www.assethomes.in/escape.html)

Summit, Kalamassery

(Apartments + Shopping complex)

http://i48.tinypic.com/voa98m.jpg

Update from website:
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http://i48.tinypic.com/2zznjad.jpg

Link (http://www.assethomes.in/summit.html)

http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/9933/branton1.jpg

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/1456/branton2.jpg

So many real estate projects going ahead even inwake of recession.
Kochi's development is mind boggling.:)

^There's gotta be ~160 more. There is so much construction going on everywhere, was gonna post them but didn't want to flood the thread.

There was a dull period in the past couple of months. Now, all the construction is re-started, and the reckless tipper trucks are back on the roads.

There was a dull period in the past couple of months. Now, all the construction is re-started, and the reckless tipper trucks are back on the roads.

Yup Dileep ,

I am scared of these deadly monsters :ohno:

Accor to go solo , exiting JV with Emaar . In Kerala , they are negotiating a site at Kochi.....
Courtesy : Kochinow


^^ - Must be a misquote, the only site in Kerala that the Emaar MGF - Accor JV has in Kerala is at Trivandrum. I guess this will now be developed as an ETap property by Accor.

Cheers!

^^ - Must be a misquote, the only site in Kerala that the Emaar MGF - Accor JV has in Kerala is at Trivandrum. I guess this will now be developed as an ETap property by Accor.

Cheers!

any link to sustantiate ? also if the site is owned by emaar , how accor will develop it ? as they are exiting the JV , probably they may look for new sites.

121 crore for Vytila Bus terminal sanctioned .

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?programId=1073753765&contentId=6609823&tabId=11

..

Fashion Designers explore tier-II towns as orders dry up in west

Small towns and emerging markets are fast-replacing Paris and New York as the hotspots for Indian fashion designers such as Anamika
Khanna, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Rajesh Pratap Singh.


Mumbai-based Krishna Mehta is also overwhelmed by the demand in smaller cities such as Kochi, Vijayawada, Baroda and Rajkot where she entered this year with products priced 25% lower than her retail prices a year ago
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/cons-products/fashion-/-cosmetics-/-jewellery/Designers-explore-tier-II-towns-as-orders-dry-up-in-west/articleshow/5482761.cms

^^ - Must be a misquote, the only site in Kerala that the Emaar MGF - Accor JV has in Kerala is at Trivandrum. I guess this will now be developed as an ETap property by Accor.

Cheers!

They have an office in Kochi so they might be planning a project there:

Where all does Emaar MGF have offices?
Emaar MGF currently has offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Chandigarh, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Pune, Indore, Kochi, Lucknow and Goa.

Update on:

Berrywoods, Chembumukku

http://i49.tinypic.com/2wpleo5.jpg

Copyright Mather Projects (http://www.matherprojects.com/indvprojects/berrywoods/berrywoods.html)
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El Castillo, Jawahar Nagar

http://i46.tinypic.com/2r23pyr.gif

Copyright Mather Projects
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http://i47.tinypic.com/33v2o7m.jpg

Hacienda, Aluva, 22fl x 2

http://i45.tinypic.com/1zqcwvk.gif

Update
Copyright Mather Projects (http://www.matherprojects.com/indvprojects/hacienda/hacienda.html)
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http://i49.tinypic.com/2qxup8o.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2ly065h.jpg

I know it's small but this looks like a really nice project...

Esperanza, Kakkandu

http://i48.tinypic.com/9u3g2r.gif

Update
Copyright Mather Projects (http://www.matherprojects.com/indvprojects/esperanza/esperanza.html)
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Small but modern..

Natioanl Pearl Star, Edapally

http://i47.tinypic.com/2vtxm2u.jpg

UPDATE
Copyright National Builders (http://nationalbuilders.in/pearlstar_speci.html#speci)
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The Chancellor, Kakkand

http://i47.tinypic.com/w9gw8i.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/pgyh.jpg

Abad Builders (http://www.abadbuilders.com/viewlink.asp?IdPr=111&LiD=455&captn=Status#link)

121 crore for Vytila Bus terminal sanctioned .

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?programId=1073753765&contentId=6609823&tabId=11
^^
great news KMC!!

Update on:

Berrywoods, Chembumukku

http://i49.tinypic.com/2wpleo5.jpg

Copyright Mather Projects (http://www.matherprojects.com/indvprojects/berrywoods/berrywoods.html)
http://i48.tinypic.com/108eh4m.jpg

Good to see all these projects are shaping up nicely, I thought most of these projects are halted due to recession. Now got a better idea, Real estate business is now nicely catching up in cochin after a short dull period. :)

Good work India101:), keep going. Thread looks better and more colorfull.

They have an office in Kochi so they might be planning a project there:

India101 - I look after Emaar MGF's business in Kerala and I was part of the team which acquired the property for Formule 1 in Trivandrum. Trust me, I know. :)

If Emaar MGF is exiting the JV, they will simply transfer their equity share to Accor making it a 100% subsidiary of Accor. Simple!

Cheers!

eh, they never have planned any extraordinary projects.

Anyway here's a new project by DLF

Bayview, Marine Drive

(these are only the pre-renderings)

http://i50.tinypic.com/118kuar.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/359jzb4.jpg

Link (http://www.allcheckdeals.com/project-dlf-marine-cbdmarinedrive-kochi.php)

eh, they never have planned any extraordinary projects.

Anyway here's a new project by DLF

Bayview, Marine Drive

(these are only the pre-renderings)

http://i50.tinypic.com/118kuar.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/359jzb4.jpg

Link (http://www.allcheckdeals.com/project-dlf-marine-cbdmarinedrive-kochi.php)

TRUE INDIA101 ,

KOCHI HAS THE ENVIOUS PRESENCE OF NATONAL LEVEL BUILDERS - TATA HOMES / HDIL / DLF / SHOBA / SAHARA / PURAVANKARA Etc.UNLIKE OTHER PLACES WHERE THE MARKET HAS NOT YET PROVED MATURED TO HOLD THESE BIG BOYS.:)

Even Hiranandani and other groups are thinking about starting some projects in Kochi :cheers:

And plus Kochi already has hundreds of building firms

India101 - I look after Emaar MGF's business in Kerala and I was part of the team which acquired the property for Formule 1 in Trivandrum. Trust me, I know. :)

If Emaar MGF is exiting the JV, they will simply transfer their equity share to Accor making it a 100% subsidiary of Accor. Simple!

Cheers!

One last thing Ajay. There were may article about Emmar MGF planning to develop projects in cities across South India, Kochi being one of them. What happened to that?

Here's one of the articles from about 1.5 years ago:

EmaarMGF to invest Rs 12,000 cr in south

EmaarMGF Land, a joint venture between Emaar Properties PJSC of Dubai and MGF Developments of India, is planning to invest $3 billion (Rs 12,000 crore) in 10 locations across south India over the next few years.

The venture will develop residential, commercial, retail, IT, SEZs and hospitality facilities across 31 million square feet (sft) land in Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, Mangalore and Kochi. The company has a nationwide land bank of 13,000 acres, including 1,500 acres in south India, EmaarMGF chief executive officer, William R Rattazzi, told the media at the launch of $1.4 billion (Rs 5,600 crore) 'Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club' leisure and residential community project in Hyderabad.

The company is planning an initial public offering (IPO) after withdrawing its plans in February. "This (IPO) should take place in 12-18 months depending on market conditions. The size and price of the issue would depend upon market conditions prevailing at that time," Rattazzi said.

Boulder Hills, developed in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation, is spread over 531 acres in Hyderabad's information technology and financial corridor of Gachibowli.

It has a fully operational 192-acre championship golf course designed by Harradine Golf, the Switzerland-based company that designed over 200 golf course projects in Europe, Africa and Asia.

The first phase of Boulder Hills comprises 703 residential units with a mix of single and multi-family units. It will be home to a special economic zone with a built-up area of 3 million sft and 'The Mall of Hyderabad' spread over 13 acres.

The mall is expected to be completed by 2010.

In the residential space, according to Rattazzi, EmaarMGF will develop luxury and super luxury gated communities and townships over 20.5 million sft. In the retail arena, the company will develop 3 million sft top-tier retail space across its southern locations. The company will introduce the 'Mall of the City' series wherever it goes.

EmaarMGF also has plans to introduce luxury and boutique properties at Andhra Pradesh in association with Four Seasons and Marriot International.

The company is planning to have 30,000 rooms in the hospitality sector over the next five years.


Link (http://www.rediff.com/money/2008/may/31em.htm)

:WRONG THREAD:

eh, they never have planned any extraordinary projects.



: Ahem

India101 - I look after Emaar MGF's business in Kerala and I was part of the team which acquired the property for Formule 1 in Trivandrum. Trust me, I know. :)

If Emaar MGF is exiting the JV, they will simply transfer their equity share to Accor making it a 100% subsidiary of Accor. Simple!

Cheers!

Not that simple if land is owned by emaar , it wud be a management contract. Just like oberoi and Hilton once had . Hilton broke the JV , property rest with oberoi and became trident.

Bayview, Marine Drive

(these are only the pre-renderings)

http://i50.tinypic.com/118kuar.jpg


I recollect seeing the original renderings of this DLF Project, my guess is it is designed by Hafeez Contractor.

btw India 101, you're doing a commendable work here in this forum. Its good to see some sort of life back to Cochin forum. There are scores of huge projects which could have separate threads in Cochin but at least now we have someone like you who can keep us updated regularly on the major projects like in the "mall projects" thread you started. :)

Thanks scorpio :cheers:

: Ahem

Ahem what? Yes Emaar has built the worlds tallest building and the worlds largest mall but Emmar MGF has never built like that in India, most of their projects are quiet small.

Gold Souk Residencies at Gold Souk City- Kalamassery - Launched

3,2,1 bedroom apartments in the heart of Kochi
Size of development
Key Features

3 Lakh square feet


Gold Souk City, Kalamassery, Kochi is an integral part of 240 Acres Hi-Tech Park promoted by KINFRA
Combining stunning architecture with state of the art facilities, Gold Souk Residencies set unparalleled benchmarks in luxury, convenience and comfort.
Earmarked into 3-2-1 bedroom apartments, each home is open from multiple sides, with high ceilings and impressive views of the lush countryside.
Number of Towers : 2 , Number of Floors : 13 each.
No: of apartments per floor : 4 x 1 BHK:510 sq ft Super Area ; 3 x 2 BHK:1063 sq ft Super Area ; 2 x 3 BHK:1525 sq ft Super Area
Price : Rs 2500 per sq ft ( launch price )
http://www.goldsoukindia.com/index.asp

A render

http://i45.tinypic.com/14t6n44.jpg

Waterside perspective
http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/3493/bayview1.png

Roadside perspective
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3091/bayview2.png

Location Map
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/9075/bayview3.png

Project Layout
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/8639/bayview4.png

Whoa, that looks nice. Will be a great addition to the Marine Drive skyline.

I made a map of recent, u/c, app and pro (which is hard to read, sorry :D) at the top end of Marine Drive. I was amazed at the amount in one small area, I had trouble fitting them in:

http://i45.tinypic.com/2aada0y.jpg

Easier to read

http://i50.tinypic.com/1yonye.jpg

This is simply great work! You seem to have a lot of spare time India 101! ;) Mind giving me some?

Those Marine Drive homes fetch prices closer to 8 figures, and there are a lot on offer. But sooner or later the water-facing land is going to get all absorbed by these property developers. The presence of Navy Airport in the nearby island has forced these apartments to top out at these 15-16 floor heights. Else we would've been looking at a true highrise boulevard along the shores.

^Heehee, I was on holidays the past few weeks. They'll finshed on Thursday :(. There will be alot less updates. I'll should get some time ay night.

I made a map of recent, u/c, app and pro (which is hard to read, sorry :D) at the top end of Marine Drive. I was amazed at the amount in one small area, I had trouble fitting them in:



amazing , wonderful job

Puravankara is entering into a JV with a Mumbai based builder for 8.5 acres(out of 25 acres) of land they have in Marine drive .
Mumbai based Law firm is doing title deed verification . They already advertised in paper . If no complaints received , they deal will get executed in 15 days.......

Any one has any idea of this builder , .... is it Oberoi group?

They have sold it for 160 crores , and I beleive its Tata Realty the buyer as their new land mark project is of same 8.5 acres as given in the link

http://www.blonnet.com/2009/12/01/stories/2009120150720200.htm

amazing , wonderful job

Thanks :cheers:

Not that simple if land is owned by emaar , it wud be a management contract. Just like oberoi and Hilton once had . Hilton broke the JV , property rest with oberoi and became trident.

^^ - Lol, very funny to see someone trying to sell refrigerators to the eskimos. ;) A better idea of the equity-based structure of JVs viz a viz the management contract arrangement may help. :)

CIAL reintroduces ‘early bird’ scheme

Good to see 1200 people applying for membership , do we have such crazy golf players in Kerala? Nice to see.

Nedumbassery: Upbeat over the good response to the membership campaign for the CIAL Golf & Country Club (CGCC), Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) has decided to reintroduce its ‘early bird’ scheme for individual and corporate memberships.

A release issued by the airport company said that the decision to extend the last date for accepting applications till February 10 followed a demand for applications and personal requests from various quarters. The company had received over 1,200 applications so far, which were being processed.

The company has asked the applicants to send in their applications along with a demand draft of Rs.10,000 drawn in favour of the project developer.

They will have to pay the remaining amount with a tax of 10.30 per cent upon intimation of their confirmed admission.

The early bird scheme stipulates Rs.2 lakh as fee for an individual member and Rs.6 lakh for corporate members. The individual membership is transferable in the sixth and tenth year of commissioning subject to the company’s rules and regulations while the corporate membership for two designated members has the flexibility of substitution during the membership tenure.

The general membership conditions envisage subscription and maintenance charges for all the members while non-members, including the guests of members, will have to pay ‘green fees’ for playing.

Originally launched in July for the first 200 members, the early bird scheme laid down October 31 as the cut-off date for individual memberships while an additional month was given for corporate applicants.

Meanwhile, the company has revealed that it plans to commission the first phase of the CGCC project by the last week of March.

The first phase comprises nine holes with 36 par and 3639 yards of playing area and a driving range in addition to a mini-club house with a party-cum- conference hall and a bowling green.

The project developer plans to engage a private agency to manage and operate the golf course on a revenue-sharing agreement.

The scope of service of the licensee will include the operation of golfing and club activities and marketing and commercial activities apart from maintaining the CGCC’s infrastructure.

The CIAL is scheduled to complete the work on the second phase covering the remaining nine holes along with a permanent practice range and a full-fledged club house by 2013-14.

From Choice Constructions website -

http://i37.tinypic.com/ev7za1.jpg

NY Architect Lands Major Project in India

CetraRuddy to design luxury condos for Indian resort
CetraRuddy, the designers of the recently completed One Madison Square tower in New York City, has been awarded a commission to design a luxury high rise residential project and marina in Chochin, a prosperous port city in the South India state of Kerala. The project, to be named Choice Marina, is being developed by the Choice Group, one of the largest conglomerates in India.

The 13-storey two-tower sheme provides for spacious 3-bedroom homes, ranging in size from 3,086 sq. ft. to 3,245 sq. ft. With only two homes per floor, each apartment will occupy its own “tower” with water views in four directions. The units blend Western and Indian sensibilties and feature luxurious elements rarely seen in Indian developments including private elevators and large-windowed master bedrooms with freestanding bathtubs and dressing areas.

In addition to the apartments, Choice Marina will include an exclusive rooftop lounge and pool, outdoor sitting verandas, a private garden, and a seafood restaurant with spectacular water views. The building will be designed for maximum energy efficiency and sustainability.

Construction is slated to begin in early 2009.



http://i45.tinypic.com/25rzcex.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2dhz4si.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/14269sh.jpg

Link (http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=10608)

Any of you guys know the location?

India Vs AUZ ODI in kochi

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=City+awaits+ODI+frenzy&artid=HfoWnPI6A6U=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&SEO=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=

Noel Focus, Kakkand
http://i50.tinypic.com/11aj0go.jpg

Update:
December 4
Copyright Noel
http://i48.tinypic.com/4pta3r.jpg

(I know it's already been posted)

Holy Faith Lake View, Kakkand

http://i45.tinypic.com/2zfu05c.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2dufzm.jpg

Update:
Oct 10
Copyright Holy Faith Builders (http://www.holyfaith.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=18&crux_prj_id=10#)
Tower 1 -
http://i49.tinypic.com/r91nv7.jpg

Tower 2 -
http://i46.tinypic.com/i40o75.jpg

We all remember this one...

H20, Kundanoor

http://i46.tinypic.com/20qyt5v.jpg

Update:
September
Copyright Holy Faith Builders (http://www.holyfaith.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=18&crux_prj_id=3#)
http://i45.tinypic.com/308upsl.jpg

4000th

:lol: You too India101!!!. Such a bluffing was not expected from a person like you. I thought you had a fair idea of commercial spaces in India.

It would be better if you do some research before jumping the gun with adjectives. It is just a 17 floor tower, One floor for Retail, 11 floors for office, One floor for services and 4 floors for apartments. Office space units are about the 1000 odd sft and the super built up area of the building a measly 1 lakh sft.

I think you had simply counted the architectural feature/ACP panels on the facade and took them for floors.

http://www.noelprojects.com/?page=project_detail&id=4

To be frank, I would not have surprised if anybody else there made this comment, but was funny to hear from you. Hope you are aware atleast about North Star in Bangalore which is now the tallest completed tower in India outside Mumbai or about the DLF projects, esp the Signature Tower in Gurgaon.


Noel Focus, Kakkand

(This will be Kerala & and India's second tallest commercial building outside Mumbai)

http://i50.tinypic.com/11aj0go.jpg

Update:
December 4
Copyright Noel
http://i48.tinypic.com/4pta3r.jpg

(I know it's already been posted)

:lol: You too India101!!!. Such a bluffing was not expected from a person like you. I thought you had a fair idea of commercial spaces in India.



:(

Any of you guys know the location?

Choice marina is coming at Edakochi , it will Luxury redefined ...

Here is Nitesh IPO prosectus
They have 2 projects in Kochi
One is Nitesh Wimbeldon Gardens @ 8 Acres at Kakkanad
also they own 3.56 acres at Boghatty , Value of the agreement for 3.56 acres is 90 crores , i.e 25 crores/ acre

They quote crisil research report on Kochi which says
Planned residential supply in Kochi for the period between 2009 and 2011 is estimated to be 53 million square
feet. However, because of expected delays in project execution by developers in this period, it is
expected that only 39.8 million square feet will be developed. Total demand for the corresponding period
is expected to be 14.8 million square feet. (Source: CRISIL Kochi)

The total planned commercial space in Kochi for the period between 2009 and 2011 is 40.9 million square feet, with only 7.5 million square feet of
commercial space supply actually expected to be developed, as against a total demand of 3.1 million
square feet for the period between 2009 and 2011. (Source: CRISIL Kochi)

Retail penetration in Kochi is expected to increase from 5.0% in the financial year 2008 to an estimated 12.0%
in the financial year 2013 mainly on account of increase in number of malls and changes in the lifestyle
of people. At this time, nine malls are scheduled to come up in Kochi, adding 4.9 million square feet of
retail space to the existing 0.4 million square feet of retail space. (Source: CRISIL Kochi)

www.sebi.gov.in/dp/niteshestates.pdf

wait for Godrej properties Kochi Project soon

http://www.godrejproperties.com/ByCity.aspx

Not sure if some body has already posted this

New Mall coming up at Maradu
http://www.silpiarchitects.com/images/projects/commercial/1/b2.jpg

^^That is VKL Mall, Maradu. The rendering from Silpi is the only reference available till now.

Ah yes I was meant to post that but I couldn't upload images at the time. Thanks KMC :cheers:

Kochi Forum Mall
http://www.capitamallsasia.com/malls_in_Kochi.html
Mall Description
Kochi is the commercial hub of Kerala, one of the fastest growing second-tier metros in India. The mall is located in NH – 47, near Vytilla junction, Ernakulam.

Retail Mix
Lower Ground Level: Hypermarket & services
Upper Ground Level: Fashion, Lifestyle & F&B
L1: Fashion, Lifestyle & F&B
L2: Fashion, Home, Digital & F&B
L3: Cinema, Entertainment & Food
L4: Cinema

Contacts
CapitaMalls Asia Limited
39 Robinson Road, #18-01 Robinson Point, Singapore 068911
Tel: (+65) 6826 5557 / (+65) 6826 5753

CapitaRetail Property Management India Private Limited
4th Floor, Prestige Delta, 15/1, Residency Road Bangalore 560025
Tel: (+91) 80 4345 8888

Opening Date
Second Quarter 2013

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/2873/inkochi.jpg

Prestige is having 4 projects in Kochi

Marine drive , Maradu , one more in Kakkanad I heard , where is the 4th one ?
here is the prospectus
http://www.moneycontrol.com/news_html_files/pdffiles/nov2009/prestige.pdf

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/2880/cochin1.png

Awesome. Lets hope they're big.