Finally newspapers started reporting the worthniness of Kochi Mayor. Its high time, for success of many projects, the Mayor to be removed and collector to be appointed as Mayor

It is almost a year since the UDF took the reins of the Kochi Corporation. The change of hands has not seen the expected changes as far as development goes. With the council set to celebrate its first anniversary, Express puts under scanner the performance of the various departments of the corporation in alleviating the problems of the people and the status of the people-friendly projects.

Expectations skyrocketed when Kochi got a young Mayor. Not only Tony Chammany, but also his crew. The rest of the members and the Corporation secretary are full of youth and vigour, yet the Corporation does not have many proud moments to project over the last one year. Town Planning experts point out that the much-awaited ‘change of direction’ that the public expected from a bunch of young leaders did not happen and it is a major drawback when you go for a performance analysis of the council for the last one year.

“It is a very young leadership. Naturally we expect the policy making and administrative decisions to have a modern outlook and go for technology-driven proposals. Unfortunately, that is yet to happen,” they said.

Experts said that the major duties that have to be discharged by an elected body can be categorised into Servicing, Restrictive and Promotive. Here is an evaluation of the performance of the present council in the last one year.

Servicing

Under this, the activities of the corporation in the service sector are being evaluated. The UDF targeted poor roads during the election campaign which helped it defeat the LDF. However, it boomeranged as the roads in Kochi remained in bad shape during the rain. The situation could have been avoided if the corporation had taken necessary steps to finish the pre-monsoon repair work in a time-bound manner and qualitatively. However, the civic body had embarked on the road repair work last month and it will be a relief to commuters if the roads are maintained properly.

Among the positive steps taken by corporation in this regard, the Road Conclave was a novel idea. “Though late, the decision to organise the Road Conclave was a positive move. This will help it in improving the quality of the roads in future,” said an experienced Town Planner.

Promotive

This is one sector where the corporation has nothing to boast of. Though they blamed the former council for the bad state of the Brahmapuram Solid Waste Treatment, the present team is yet to take any steps to solve the issue. The scientific capping is only a temporary measure, a permanent plan is yet to be implemented. A new plant was suggested by the Health Department, but it remains on paper.

“When the LDF was in power, they had several ideological difficulties to implement the projects. The party was against public-private-participation (PPP) model. But there are no such restrictions for the UDF which has enough support from the Central and state governments,” said experts. They pointed out that the civic body could utilise maximum support and look for more projects for the overall development of the city.

Restrictive

The frequent raids conducted by the Health Department in the hotels and hostels and the tax collection drive were the major restrictive measures undertaken by the corporation. It was a good idea by the corporation to assess the existing buildings and bring them under the tax umbrella. But sources with the corporation said that the civic body failed in curbing corruption in various departments under it.

“Earlier, the Mayor used to conduct inspections on various offices under the Corporation. The majority of the offices are not even maintaining a proper attendance register. Bribery is rampant,” sources said.

e-Governance

Experts said the implementation of e-Governance would help make the system more transparent. “The council is doing everything to speed up the implementation of the e-Governance project. It took almost six months for them to award the tender to TCS. Once e-Governance is implemented, bribery could be curbed to a certain extent,” they said.

Financial Crisis

Though it is true that the corporation is facing severe financial crunch, the experts said that the civic body is still negligent of some of the reforms that can be used for augmenting tax collection . “It was after 17 years that the government amended the tax structure and gave consent to the local bodies to go for floor-area-based tax assessment. The new system will bring a considerable increase in the taxes. Though the neighbouring panchayats and municipalities have notified this amendment, Kochi Corporation is yet to take any steps in this regard,” experts said.

The experts also said that the corporation should be given priority for completing the projects proposed in the budget. “What they can do is to give priority to some of the key projects suggested in the budget. It will increase its credibility. It is only the first year and there is still scope for improvement. They should try to complete the projects proposed in the budget before March 2012 and should come up with a new budget next year with an array of novel proposals,” they said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/great-expectations-and-unkept-promises/193665-60-122.html

The fate of the Piravom water supply scheme aimed at augmenting the water supply to Kochi and adjoining areas will be decided on Tuesday.

The expert committee formed to evaluate the feasibility of an alternative route for laying pipelines will meet at Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday to finalise its report. The project has been hanging fire following opposition from local bodies in Piravom against the cutting open of the main road from Piravom to Ernakulam for laying the pipelines.

The State government had appointed a committee headed by Susan Jacob, technical member of the Kerala Water Authority, to check the viability of an alternative route suggested by the local bodies. The alternative proposal was to take the pipeline through Vettikkal area. However, on inspection, it was found that the laying of pipe through the route would incur recurring expenses, said a member of the committee.

The only viable proposal before the committee is to lay the pipeline from Pazhoor to Aarakunnam and from there to Mulanthuruthy, Kandanad, Tripunithura and Valanthakaad to reach Maradu.

The proposal is to pump water from Pazhoor to an overhead tank at Arakunnam. Water thus collected in the tank would flow through the pipelines by the force of gravity to reach the treatment plant at Maradu.

The 23-km-long route is the only viable one before the expert committee. The committee will finalise the proposals at Tuesday's meeting. The report will be submitted to the State government shortly, a committee member said.

The water supply scheme, funded by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, was to be completed by 2012 March. Going by the indications, the project was likely to be completed by December.

If the project was implemented as per the revised schedule, there would not be any significant cost overrun. If the schedules of the works that had been awarded were changed, it might lead to cost overrun, he said.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2545423.ece


Meanwhile Kerala Water Authority has finalized to replace the entire pipe network of Fort Kochi-Mattancherry as well as West Kochi on war-footing basis. The Irrigation Minister P.J Joseph announced in assembly, the entire works will be completed before March 2012 to avoid lapse of funds by JnNURM. Collector has been appointed for monitoring the progress of works.

Coming soon Onam Museum in Thrikkakara, the seat of Mahabali and focal point of Onam celebrations:banana::banana:


http://www.kochivibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/onam-celebration.jpg

Onam fever is gone. We need to wait a year more for the festival of colors, happiness and flowers. But here is something which is associated with Onam. And the best part is, it is a government initiative. Something which is interesting!

The Distrcit Tourism Promotion Council is starting an ‘Onam Museum’. Well, wondering what it is!? The museum which will be started in Thrikkakara, has got the initial government sanctions to it. Estimated to be built with 50 crores, along with the help of the Central government, This Onam museum will be one-of-its-kind. Onam Theme park and a garden exclusively for the lovely floral carpets will be some of the pioneer endeavors.

This is also a chance for the thousands of tourists to get acquainted with our festival Onam. Well, it’s not just the tourists who will be benefited from this. The current generation, who has only seen the commercial side of Onam, can also see and feel how Onam was celebrated once upon a time in Kerala. The authorities plan to set up an exclusive garden showcasing all the flowers which were once (exclusively) used for floral carpets.

http://www.kochivibe.com/a-museum-for-onam/


So Kochi is going to get another world class museums, along with the 16 mega museums of Muziris heritage circuit

That's the Mammoth Hotel cum Convention centre for sure :)

Those pics are Osum, Thanks Arun. Definitely, Panampilly Nagar is the best living space in Kerala!

Update : There is some kind of huge construction expected in bolgatty . I happen to drive thru goshree and saw land filling happening in a huge plot facing Vallarpadom island. I presume this is for EMKE group's MEGA convention centre and hotel :)

Might be, I had an unofficial information from Emke group, that stone laying function of this project will happen on the same day, when Lulu Mall will be formally opened. Also except an High profile VIP for both the functions.... Lulu Mall is scheduled as of to be opened by March of 2012. The local management team is racing to bag the title of 100th Hypermarket store of Lulu at Kochi..... I think, 96th store was opened yesterday in Madina Zayed of Abu Dhabi.... So only 3 more to go!!!!

^^

Yup, they opened it here and i was there!

What sort of killer offers Lulu have put in all their outlets! e.g: A 32" Samsung LCD TV for 850 Dhs!

There were more people in Madinat Zayed than we see in Aluva Manappuram :nuts:

The expanded capacity of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's Kochi Refinery will be dedicated to the nation on October 21 by Union Minister for Petroleum Jaipal Reddy.

The capacity of the Refinery has been expanded from 7.5 million tonnes a year to 9.5 million tonnes a year at a cost of about Rs.4,000 crore.

The occasion of the dedication of the enhanced capacity will officially mark the completion of phase II of the project for capacity expansion and modernisation of the refinery, enabling it to produce auto-fuels conforming to Euro III and partly Euro-IV specifications.

Kochi Refinery, initially a standalone refinery, established in 1966 with a capacity of 50,000 barrels a day is today one of the four refineries owned by the public-sector BPCL.

The product portfolio of the 1,90,000 barrels-per-day refinery includes LPG, naphtha, motor spirit, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel, high-speed diesel, fuel oils and asphalt.

Benzene, toluene, proplylene, special boiling point spirit and so on are the other products.

Phase I of capacity expansion and modernisation programme envisaged refinery modifications to meet BS-II product specifications and was completed in 2005.

Capacity has been expanded from 7.5 million tonnes a year to 9.5 million tonnes a year.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2547512.ece

Hahaha, The central city theory!!!!! Well, for everyone's information, the central city of Kerala is not Kochi, but Thrissur. It is the geographical center of Kerala. The distance from both extremes to Thrissur is equal. And for Kochinites, Thrissur is our own sister city

Mahesh, you Thrissur guys can expect a Ferrai or Bentleys showroom soon!! I hope so....

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

My dear Kochi SSCians.... Requesting to ignore further discussions on this topic, as the intention of person is for ego satisfaction, not any serious discussions. We have many other stuff to discuss. Leave this topic as this is a bait:cheers:

+10

Hahaha, The central city theory!!!!! Well, for everyone's information, the central city of Kerala is not Kochi, but Thrissur. It is the geographical center of Kerala. The distance from both extremes to Thrissur is equal. And for Kochinites, Thrissur is our own sister city

Mahesh, you Thrissur guys can expect a Ferrai or Bentleys showroom soon!! I hope so....

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

My dear Kochi SSCians.... Requesting to ignore further discussions on this topic, as the intention of person is for ego satisfaction, not any serious discussions. We have many other stuff to discuss. Leave this topic as this is a bait:cheers:


I expected this reply MI :)
Am not in for fight.You ans me If Kochi was in the Calicut's place and Calicut here near to Thrissur, then where do you expect all those showrooms to come?(Am not taking TVM as you will again say its for ego satisfaction).Now I hope you understood what I meant by a City in the Central region.Am also leaving this topic.
:)

I expected this reply MI :)
Am not in for fight.You ans me If Kochi was in the Calicut's place and Calicut here near to Thrissur, then where do you expect all those showrooms to come?(Am not taking TVM as you will again say its for ego satisfaction).Now I hope you understood what I meant by a City in the Central region.Am also leaving this topic.
:)

Of course they will come to Kochi because Kochi is the most happening place in Kerala. period.. lets stop this discussion here

Bharat , Dpkanu,Rajkrish Please refrain from posting here . I request TVM forumers not to contribute to Kochi threads and vice versa. Unfortunately such things have resulted in more harm than good for both Kochi and Tvm.

Cool down guys!

Hear Natalie Imbruglia!

3Vt0d9YlTC4

Nice one Sanju..Thanks :)

Guys..Lets focus on Projects :)

Kerala Largest Private Bank, Federal Bank (not claimed by me, rather company) chairman, Shyam Srinvas announced the operations management and legal department offices will be moved to Federal Towers in Marine Drive. Currently the tower houses Forex, IT and NRI division. With this, Federal Towers has became defacto Mini HQ for the Aluva based Federal Bank. The Chairman also said to media, there are plans to establish a second annexe to current Federal Towers HQ in Aluva as well as a memorial complex in Mookanoor, the birthplace of its founder- K.P Hormis.

The bank is celebrating its 66th foundation day, by simultaneously inaugurating 66 branches across Kerala, Maharastra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat along with 128 ATMs across the nation.

The bank also announced its new division, Federal Equity brokerage house, again based in Federal Towers-Marine Drive.

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

Eariler another national bank, Thrissur based South Indian Bank, moved its Administrative HQ and IT Division to SIB House in Rajagiri Valley.

I hope, soon Kochi will see more banking houses and equity brokering hub. Federal bank already announced an Investment cum Venture capital division.... These will surely help entrepreneurs in Kerala for better capital raising.

^^

Its a mistake MI, FB is Kerala's largest private sector bank! Note its Kochi based :lol: . So you can definitely expect a post that our city has the largest bank, the SBT! :)

^^

Its a mistake MI, FB is Kerala's largest private sector bank! Note its Kochi based :lol: . So you can definitely expect a post that our city has the largest bank, the SBT! :)

Done!!! Sorry for the mistake. Its a private bank and yes its already Kochi Based. Now is also located within Corporation Limits of 1962 too.....:lol::lol:

Eariler another national bank, Thrissur based South Indian Bank, moved its Administrative HQ and IT Division to SIB House in Rajagiri Valley.

I hope, soon Kochi will see more banking houses and equity brokering hub. Federal bank already announced an Investment cum Venture capital division.... These will surely help entrepreneurs in Kerala for better capital raising.

Is that so? I have doubts on that news, coz they recently built their corporate HQ @ Thrissur.

Is that so? I have doubts on that news, coz they recently built their corporate HQ @ Thrissur.

Like FB, they too divided the corporate HQ. The Administrative HQ which includes Personnel, Training, Legal, General Administration and IT divisions have been moved to their new facility in Rajagiri valley, while remaining, including Chairman's office in Thrissur.

The Rajagiri Valley unit is called as Administrative Office as written outside.

Fertilizer giant FACT, proposes 5710 crore worth industrial investment in Kochi:banana::banana:

Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT), a public sector major in the field of fertiliser and petrochemical production, has called for expression of interest (EoI) from PSUs for joint venture companies for projects such as a new sulphuric acid plant, urea plant, NP complex fertilizer plant, SSP plant and ammonia-urea complex.

The sulphuric acid plant has been proposed at the Cochin division of the company. There is a deficit of 800 tonnes per day between production and consumption of sulphuric acid in Cochin division of FACT.

The proposed plant will have a capacity of 2,000 tpd and will entail an investment of around Rs 265 crore. Production of urea in the Cochin division has been suspended since 2003 as the operations have become economically unviable.

However, a market survey indicates a demand-supply gap of at least 8 million tonnes by 2020. FACT alone requires about 300,000 tonne urea per annum to cater to southern states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

To meet this, the company has planned to set up a urea plant at the Udyogamandal division of a single train of 1,500 tpd. The new plant will be an add-on unit to the existing 900 tpd ammonia plant, which is based on Haldor Topsoe technology.

The capital investment for the plant and associated facilities has been estimated to be Rs 930 crore.

The company also proposes to set up a new integrated complex fertiliser production facility for manufacturing multiple NP grades at the Cochin division. It plans to increase the annual complex fertiliser production to 1 million tpa (tonnes per annum) by installing an additional 1,000 tpd NP plant using outsourced ammonia, phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid.

The estimated cost is Rs 220 crore. Besides, a 500 tpd capacity SSP plant at Udyogamandal has also been proposed at a cost of about Rs 60 crore.

FACT also intends to set up an ammonia-urea complex at the Cochin division as a part of its plans to revive urea production. Thae proposed complex will consist of an ammonia plant of capacity 2,000 tpd and a urea plant of 3,500 tpd. The cost of this venture is expected to be Rs 4,500 crore.

It will provide land and available infrastructure facilities like water to the JV as its share of the equity. It will also provide design and consultancy services through its design organisation FEDO, company sources said.

The company has invited expression of interest from builders, developers, architects and agents/dealers to assess their capability to be prequalified parties to design and construct dwellings using FACT-RCF Building Products Ltd (FRBL) building products or distribution of FRBL products.

FRBL is a joint venture of FACT and RCF for producing building products using gypsum.

http://business-standard.com/india/news/fact-invites-eois-for-new-chemical-plants/453031/

BPCL Kochi Refineries Upgrade Project to cost Rs.12,500 crore, to make country's biggest public sector refinery:banana::banana:

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd's (BPCL) Kochi Refinery is set to expand its capacity to 15.5 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa), at an estimated cost of Rs.12,500 crore. On commissioning it is expected to be the largest public sector refinery in the country.:banana::banana:

Union Minister for Petroleum Jaipal Reddy would dedicate to the nation the BPCL-Kochi Refinery's expanded capacity of 9.5 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) on Friday. (The work was taken up under the capacity expansion and modernisation phase II project. It is part of the major capacity enhancement project).

Rs.300 crore used

The major project, work on which had already started, would be completed in 2015-16. The company had spent Rs.300 crore on identifying the right process and getting the process licence for capacity expansion.

The new project required about 200 acres of land, which was being made available from the housing colony of the refinery. Land preparation work would begin soon.

Employment

The project would employ nearly 10,000 people in the construction phase and 1,000 person on commissioning.

The refinery would also set up a petrochemical complex, which would involve many derivatives-based industries. Joint ventures for the down-stream industries were expected to bring in investments to the tune of Rs.6,500 crore.

Kochi Refinery Executive Director E. Nandakumar told The Hindu on Tuesday that that initial work on capacity expansion was progressing well.

“Kochi refinery has undertaken an ambitious expansion plan to enhance refining capacity to 15.5 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) and also to diversify into petrochemical manufacturing for value addition,” said information on the Union Petroleum Ministry's website.

Indian Oil Corporation's Panipat refinery was the largest public sector refinery in the country. However, the biggest refiners in the country were Reliance Industries and Reliance Petroleum, which had facilities in Jamnagar, Gujarat, with capacities of 33 million tons and 27 million tons a year respectively.

Plan

There are a total of 21 refineries — 17 in the public sector, of varying sizes in the country. Their combined capacity is nearly 200 million tons a year.

The Ministry's plans for public sector refineries included capacity addition of 27 million tons over the next five to six years.

In the short-term, India planned 110 million tons a year of additional capacity, involving an investment of $ 22 billion.

________________________________________________________________


Work to be completed by 2015-16
Capacity on commissioning to be 15.5 mmtpa

________________________________________________________________

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2550434.ece

BPCL Kochi Refineries Upgrade Project to cost Rs.12,500 crore, to make country's biggest public sector refinery:banana::banana:

Awesome , see the kind of investment flowing .
12500 crore in single project .......

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd's (BPCL) Kochi Refinery is set to expand its capacity to 15.5 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa), at an estimated cost of Rs.12,500 crore. On commissioning it is expected to be the largest public sector refinery in the country.

Union Minister for Petroleum Jaipal Reddy would dedicate to the nation the BPCL-Kochi Refinery's expanded capacity of 9.5 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa) on Friday. (The work was taken up under the capacity expansion and modernisation phase II project. It is part of the major capacity enhancement project).

These are not just mere proposals..things are happening. Unfortunately we aint fully aware.

:applause:

Projects worth Rs 18K Crore announced in a day and some people questions Kochi's project capability in the last 5 years!! These are the real MEGA Projects of the state.

Fantastic news :)

These are not just mere proposals..things are happening. Unfortunately we aint fully aware.

Its sure that Kochi always has more things happening than rest of the state, but all that is not updated here as none of us either aware or free to run behind those.

I still remember, Dileepettan created a thread for VMH, after the project was nearing 1st phase completion!

Its sure that Kochi always has more things happening than rest of the state,but all that is not updated here as none of us either aware or free to run behind those.

I still remember, Dileepettan created a thread for VMH, after the project was nearing 1st phase completion!

Its a fact that some projects like Shobha hitech city or some of the SEZ's announced remain only on paper but there are lot of projects which are in progress or completed as well.

Couple of days back .I had posted a pic of a building u/c next to leela infopark ..none of Kochi SSCians were able to tell what that is.

Centre Square Mall which is expected to open late next year is another eg.

Kalyan Jewellers to open showroom in Kochi
The 30th showroom of Kalyan Jewellers will be inaugurated in Guntur on Saturday by its Andhra Pradesh brand ambassador Nagarjuna. Personalities from socio-cultural and political fields will attend at the inaugural function.
The two-storey 15,000sqft outlet will be the biggest showroom in Guntur. The lower floor will have more than 200,000 of gold ornaments, all of BIS 916 grade.
The top floor will have branded gold ornaments. Diamonds and platinum ornaments too will be exhibited for sale with separate counters for each section. Moreover, there will be a collection of silver ornaments and gift articles too.
As part of its expansion plan, Kalyan Jewellers is planning showrooms in different parts of the country including Thirupati, Nellur, Rajmundri, Kakinada, Vizakhapatnam, Nagarkovil, Kannur, Kochi, and Thiruvalla.
Kalyan is targeting a turnover of Rs 6000cr this financial year. The last year it was Rs 3500cr, according to Kalyan Jewellers managing director TS Kalyanaraman. To assist him in scaling new heights are sons Rajesh and Ramesh, apart from the 3,000 employees.

Source (http://www.cityjournal.in/Newspaper/20111019/Business/Business_4.html)

Expanded capacity of KRL to be dedicated to nation
The expanded capacity of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's Kochi Refinery will be dedicated to the nation on October 21 by Union Minister for Petroleum Jaipal Reddy.

The capacity of the Refinery has been expanded from 7.5 million tonnes a year to 9.5 million tonnes a year at a cost of about Rs.4,000 crore.

The occasion of the dedication of the enhanced capacity will officially mark the completion of phase II of the project for capacity expansion and modernisation of the refinery, enabling it to produce auto-fuels conforming to Euro III and partly Euro-IV specifications.

Kochi Refinery, initially a standalone refinery, established in 1966 with a capacity of 50,000 barrels a day is today one of the four refineries owned by the public-sector BPCL.

The product portfolio of the 1,90,000 barrels-per-day refinery includes LPG, naphtha, motor spirit, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel, high-speed diesel, fuel oils and asphalt.

Benzene, toluene, proplylene, special boiling point spirit and so on are the other products.

Phase I of capacity expansion and modernisation programme envisaged refinery modifications to meet BS-II product specifications and was completed in 2005.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2547512.ece)

Rs 4,000 Crore! project is going to be commissioned in 2 days. Did anyone knew that? :nuts:

^^^^^^

Well, its true that lots of projects are happening in our city. But none of us are much aware of, because most of us are not based in the city. So its technically impossible to say that whats reported here, represents the city.

Just see, Pune threads, its updated mostly on weekly basis..... Does that mean Pune is void of developments. If we look, its growth rate has almost touched near Mumbai and soon will surpass that. This forum cannot be a representation of whats happening in the city.

KRL's upgrade is known as they were talking this for past few years. I remember, it was n 2007, they started the works for upgradation. Ofcourse it was not reported here.....

I am sure, most of us still donot know whats happening in the project site for upcoming Petrochemical complex. I happened to see the place few days back, but didn't have camera that time. They are levelling the site. Now a few acres has to be acquired.

I am sure, none of us knows the big developments happening in Binaipuram where Binani Zinc is developing a new state of the art production unit. Its only after they announce the project opening date, we will know it.....

What more, have anyone knew, a 1.25 lakh sqft commercial place getting ready in MG Road, near to Pai Dosas.

Atleast 15 commercial spaces are getting ready in MG Road, NH Byepass and Vazhakala and we are not much aware of.

One more interesting fact. 2 four star hotels are also under construction. One in Vazhakala and another near to Dreams. Ofcourse, as rightly said by Arun, its lack of knowledge of such projects reflected here.....

And as usual, Kochi is really vibrant and a sure happening place, whether others agree or not.....

LNG Terminal to be commissioned in last quarter of 2012

Source (http://www.4-traders.com/PETRONET-LNG-LTD-9059291/news/PETRONET-LNG-LTD-Maintains-high-performance-achieves-highest-quarterly-profit-13846904/)
:cheers1:

Btw.. Check this also http://www.petronetlng.com/kochi-terminal.aspx

Snaps there are too good to beleive..

^^^^^^

Here are the snaps

http://www.petronetlng.com/Photo-Gallery/Kochi/large/1.jpg

http://www.petronetlng.com/Photo-Gallery/Kochi/large/2.jpg

http://www.petronetlng.com/Photo-Gallery/Kochi/large/3.jpg

http://www.petronetlng.com/Photo-Gallery/Kochi/large/4.jpg

LNG Terminal to be commissioned in last quarter of 2012

Btw.. Check this also http://www.petronetlng.com/kochi-terminal.aspx

Snaps there are too good to beleive..

:cheers:

Thanks Arun for the link!

Unlike many proj's they have put some quality photographs there :)

Well, did anyone knew this project had progressed this much, well i did not! Used to see 2 huge tanks, that's it!! There are no one here to update on these projects!

Again, No seperate thread for such a Mammoth project! :nuts:

:cheers:

Thanks Arun for the link!

Unlike many proj's they have put some quality photographs there :)

Well, did anyone knew this project had progressed this much, well i did not! Used to see 2 huge tanks, that's it!! There are no one here to update on these projects!


I also saw two huge tanks when i went to F.Kochi. I wasnt aware something of this magnitude was U/C.

WOW!!..Its a pleasant surprise.. :cheers:

I believe, the number of tankers will increase, once the proposal of upgrading the capacity gets approved.

Infact, I first saw these two tankers in the movie Chappa Kurishu..... But to be honest, the best view was from movie Pranayam. There are so many scenes where Mohanlal and Jayaprada sits in the viewing deck of Fort Kochi Beach walkway, which directly faces to the LNG Tankers......

Strictly speaking, I feel, we need some good iconic structure at the edge of Puthuvypeen, as a token of welcoming Sea farers to Kochi. Something like Gateway of India or Statue of Liberty etc. The tankers donot look good as a welcoming icon.....

Definitely there was earlier some proposal for errecting a giant Statue of Queen of Arabian Sea, probably in the small island, which now got merged with Vallarpadam.....

If not too large, atleast some recongiable icon must be there at the edge of Puthypeen.

In days to come, Oceanarium and Lulu Convention centers will give a new class feel to the skyline. Probably something of this sort will also help.

one iconic structure can surely be Lulu . Hope they live to their reputation .
some thing like Oprah house :) may be expecting too much .
They are yet to release who is partnering for Hotel project .

Hyatt , Hilton , Ritz Carlton these were the earlier names ...
if its Hyatt wish it were Grand Hyatt not some Hyatt Place , If it Hilton wish it were Hilton alone and not their Garden Inn stuff. If its Ritz Carlton , then nothing like it......

one iconic structure can surely be Lulu . Hope they live to their reputation .
some thing like Oprah house :) may be expecting too much .
They are yet to release who is partnering for Hotel project .

Hyatt , Hilton , Ritz Carlton these were the earlier names ...
if its Hyatt wish it were Grand Hyatt not some Hyatt Place , If it Hilton wish it were Hilton alone and not their Garden Inn stuff. If its Ritz Carlton , then nothing like it......

Well, the brand is not yet decided. This is because the company normally extends brands based on their assesments. Not based on franchise's interest. For a MNC, most of cities in Kerala are Tier-2 and hence they can lend only Tier-2 brands as of now. For example, for India's largest Mall, Lulu, its just Courtyard by Marriot, when it should be JW Marriot.

The reason cited by Marriot is that, regular J.W Marriots charges around 15,000 to 40,000 per night in different seasons, while Courtyard is around 7000-12000 range.

But there are many local hotels, say Burton Boatyard or Le Colonial or Bolgatty Palace or Le Meridien, that charges between 10,000 to 30,000. But thats a parameter which MNC company fixes and it cannot be changed. So thats why Lulu haven't gone in for a brand as of now for its ICC. Rather by the time of completion, say around 2015, Kochi would be one of major cities in South India, surely pulling in names like Grand Hyatt, Sheraton or Ritz Carlton.

I believe, the number of tankers will increase, once the proposal of upgrading the capacity gets approved.

Infact, I first saw these two tankers in the movie Chappa Kurishu..... But to be honest, the best view was from movie Pranayam. There are so many scenes where Mohanlal and Jayaprada sits in the viewing deck of Fort Kochi Beach walkway, which directly faces to the LNG Tankers......

Strictly speaking, I feel, we need some good iconic structure at the edge of Puthuvypeen, as a token of welcoming Sea farers to Kochi. Something like Gateway of India or Statue of Liberty etc. The tankers donot look good as a welcoming icon.....

Definitely there was earlier some proposal for errecting a giant Statue of Queen of Arabian Sea, probably in the small island, which now got merged with Vallarpadam.....

If not too large, atleast some recongiable icon must be there at the edge of Puthypeen.

In days to come, Oceanarium and Lulu Convention centers will give a new class feel to the skyline. Probably something of this sort will also help.

u know.. those two tanks are the worlds biggest tanks ever build

u know.. those two tanks are the worlds biggest tanks ever build

I have heard something on that note. Can someone post any link supporting this?

^^I have heard something on that note. Can someone post any link supporting this?

Unfortunately I can confirm that this is incorrect.:ohno: The two tanks at the Petronet LNG terminal have a capacity of 160,000 cubic meters. The largest existing LNG tank is owned by Tokyo Gas with a capacity of 200,000 cu. meters. The same company has a 250,000 cu. meter capacity tank under construction in Yokohama, Japan.

Edit: There are four tanks of 200,000 cu. meters capacity in the Isle of Grain LNG terminal in Kent, U.K.

My source for all this info is google. So while it is possible that there are other tanks of larger capacity that I may have missed, I can definitely confirm that the LNG tanks in Kochi are not the largest in the world.

Putting an end to the confusion over dismantling the north railway overbridge (ROB), the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that the second side bay will be pulled down on October 24. The decision was taken at the review meeting of the Kochi metro rail project on Wednesday.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/DMRC-to-dismantle-second-side-bay-of-North-ROB-on-Oct-24/articleshow/10422161.cms

^^

Unfortunately I can confirm that this is incorrect.:ohno: I can definitely confirm that the LNG tanks in Kochi are not the largest in the world.

You might be knowing that the construction is not over and they are expanding it to double the size. I have no idea, whether they build new tanks or develop existing ones.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/20102011/20102011-md-ek-2/35129213.JPG

Kochi Refineries will commission its upgraded facility tomorrow. Union Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy will dedicate the Rs 4000 crore worth facility to the nation.:banana::banana:

^^:banana::banana::banana:

A proud moment to Kochi & Kerala, Go Kochi! :cheers:

delete

BPCL Kochi refinery capacity expansion project to be dedicated to nation tomorrow

The Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, will dedicate the Rs 4,000-crore Capacity Expansion & Modernization Project - Phase II (CEMP-II) of Bharat Petroleum Kochi Refinery to the nation on Friday.

This is probably one of the largest capital investments in Kerala and is slated to enhance BPCL Kochi Refinery’s capacity from 7.5 million tonnes per annum to 9.5 MTPA which will cater to the increased demand for petroleum products.

The refinery is now well equipped to produce Euro III and Euro IV compliant fuels and with this current upgradation, the total refining capacity for the BPCL group now stands at 30.5 MTPA.

The capacity increase at Kochi Refinery entailed revamping of one of the existing Crude Distillation Units. Major new facilities like Vacuum Gas Oil Hydro-Desulphurisation (VGOHDS) Unit, Continuous Catalyst Regeneration Unit, Naphtha Hydro Treater Unit and Sulphur Recovery Unit have been set up.

Hindu Business line (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2554828.ece)

Kochi Firestations will get advanced equipments and facilities soon

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday said the Gandhi Nagar fire station and Thrikkakara fire station in Kochi will be provided with state-of-art facilities. He was responding to a submission made by Ernakulam MLA Hibi Eden in the Assembly on the lack of facilities in the fire stations in Kochi.

The MLA pointed out that Kochi lacks a fire station with most modern equipments.

Hibi Eden also pointed out there had been instances in the city where some of hotels and textile shops caught fire. “ In such cases, the crew could not operate from the the top of such huge buildings,” he said. Stating that the Government was aware of the dangerous situation in Kochi, Oommen Chandy said that there are four fire stations working in the strategic points of Kochi. The Government has also taken note of the fact the amenities provided are not sufficient. To resolve this issue, Chief Minister said that most modern equipments which will be purchased this year, with funds included under Plan fund, disaster relief fund etc will be provided to these four stations. He said the Gandhi Nagar Fire Station will be provided with a skylift. As the activities of Info Park and Smart City gain momentum, the problem of staff shortage in the Thrikkakara Fire Station will also be addressed.

Hibi Eden also pointed out there are no proper facilities for disaster management in Vathuruthi in Wellington Island.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cm-promises-more-facilities-to-fire-stations/194634-60-122.html

Ommen Chandy announced that additional hi-tech equipments like Water Mist Systems, Underwater Breathing Apparatus, Diving equipments, Oil cleaner machines, Driving Ammonia Suits, Watermist Motor cycles, Rubber Dickeys would be issued to Kochi Fire Force Unit, with specialized training for 84 firefighters of Kochi Gandhinagar Station.:banana::banana:

He also assured that steps will be taken fast to upgrade Thrikkakara Fire station to state's first Superspeciality Fire Station, with new state of the art Fire trucks to be purchased soon here. Currently only 17 firefighters are assigned which, which would be increased to 39 within next 10 months. 4 additional fire tenders will be purchased for Thrikkakara station, considering its proximity to Kochi Refineries, though the refineries maintain its own Fire Fighting division. The first oil cleaner machines and Gas detection kits will be soon issued to this unit.

Additional stations will be soon established, based on Home Secretary's report in this regard.

This was announced by CM in Assembly, replying to Hibi Eden's Submission

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/2073/13441421.jpg

Biggest Investment of Kerala- Rs 4000 Crore worth project, dedicates itself to the nation today.

The Expanded Kochi Refineries Phase 2

A special Cabinet Sub-committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday in the state capital to discuss and clear some of the major tourism projects for Kochi.

The main projects for discussion are

1. Renewal of Fort Kochi Heritage Zone, costing 69 crore, which includes modernization and preservation of heritage streets like Princess streets, Peterceli Street etc

2. Upgradation of 5 boat jetties- Ernakulam Central, High Court, Fort Kochi, Vypeen and Mattancherry for more berths and integrated facilities inside the station and setting up 2 boat jetties at Cherai Backwaters and Chendamangalam

3. Development of Fort Kochi Terminus Bus station with tourist amenities like Information counter, Tourist Police counter, comfort station with e-toilets and convenience stores.

4. Takeover of existing 11 Chinese Fishing Nets directly by tourism department and restoration of it with original teak wood

5. Beautification of Fort Kochi Park and installation of 100 new heritage styled lamposts across the heritage zone

6. Development of Parade Grounds to beautified open grounds suitable for cultural meetings and sports

7. Development of Cherai-Puthuvypeen beaches with more facilities

8. Starting of regular Tourist special Hip-on Hip-off services between various tourist points

Out of this, 3 major projects such as Fort Kochi Bus station, Taking over Chinese Fishing Nets and setting up several E-toilets across the heritage zone has been prioritized as DTPC has already prepared plans for it.

In addition DTPC has proposed further projects like High Sea Fishing Cruise, Night cruise with Light N Sound Show of Fort Kochi, Development of Muvattupuzha Triveni Sangam point, Thantonni Island Park and development of Muziris Heritage circuit.

All these will be discussed and finalized. The meeting will be chaired by Tourism minister Anil Kumar with K.M Mani- Finance Minister, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishan- Revenue Minister, K Babu-Ports Minister, K.V Thomas Union Civil Supplies Minister for state, District Collector Sheikh Pareek, Mayor Chammany and other officials of Revenue dept, Tourism and Transport.

International standard bus stops inaugurated


KOCHI: The bus shelters in the city will soon wear a whole new look as the Corporation has embarked on a new project to renovate them. A total of 58 new bus shelters will be constructed in the city. The first such facility was inaugurated by Mayor Tony Chammany here on Thursday.

Set up near the Corporation Office, the new bus shelter is fully made of stainless steel. The floor is laid with tiles and the shelter is designed in line with international standards. Corporation Town Planning committee chairman K J Sohan said that 57 more bus shelters will be constructed in various parts of the city soon. The tender for the same has already been awarded to an agency - Max Media Ltd.

“All the shelters will have a standard design. Depending upon the density of the passengers, the size of each shelter will vary. The agency which has been awarded the contract will be liable for the maintenance of these facilities for a period of five years,” he added.He said that 58 shelters will be constricted in the first phase. “Another 15 more facilities will be constructed in the second phase,” Sohan added.

Deputy Mayor B Bhadra, standing committee chairman T J Vinod, and chairpersons, including Soumini Jain, Essy Joseph and corporation secretary Ajit Patil were present

IBN-LIVE (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/international-standard-bus-stands-inaugurated/195084-60-122.html)

"Maserati" to enter in India 2011

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/3386/maseratiz.jpg


Maserati announces it will bring its uniquely Italian brand of high performance and custom-made exclusivity to the Indian car market this year.


The Modena-based luxury and sports car maker, in partnership with the successful Indian luxury retailer, the Shreyans Group, will open its first Indian showroom in Mumbai this year and plans are well advanced to open a second dealership in New Delhi in early 2012, with plans to cater to seven major Indian cities by 2015.
The Maserati India office will combine the experience in service, customers service and network management of Maserati professionals with the Indian market expertise of the Shreyans Group, which has established it as a key player in India’s luxury market in many sectors from cars to superbikes and fashion.

With the Indian economy recovering, the Indian car market posted 1.87 million sales in 2010 for an annual growth of 25 percent. Yet even that growth rate pales in comparison to the premium car sector, which grew by 70 percent last year.

The demand for the introduction of Maserati’s models - the Quattroporte flag-ship sedan, the GranTurismo coupe and the GranCabrio convertible - into India has been driven by a new generation of wealthy Indians.

Maserati predicts that its sedan range will absorb 80 percent of its buyers in India, with the remaining 20 percent choosing the GranTurismo coupe and the GranCabrio convertible.

Expectations are that customers in Mumbai and New Delhi will be India’s most enthusiastic, with New Delhi predicted to take 40 percent of Maserati’s entire Indian distribution and Mumbai 35 percent.

India will be the 63rd market for Maserati in the world.

http://www.maserati.com/maserati/en/en/index/passion/news-events/2011/04/Maserati-to-enter-in-India-2011.html


Hope our Kochi will be in the list of seven cities:banana:

Keralathinte centeril anenne marakkanda.....:)

Now is also located within Corporation Limits of 1962 too.....:lol::lol:

Now a days name boards of shops and offices in Aluva written like, Aluva, Kochi - 683___, for eg: Karvy branch at Bank Junction, Uninor office, some shops etc.....Interesting.... And North Paravur shops too....

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00814/21TVFISHING_BOATS_G_814932e.jpg

Those with a yen for adventure might soon be able to venture out into the high seas in fishing trawlers from Kochi.

The Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) intends to begin a weekly deep-sea fishing cruise from Fort Kochi on board the vessels. The agency carried out a preliminary survey on the feasibility of taking guests on board the trawlers. Tourists can view the fishing process and also see huge ships pass by them at close range through the international sea route located off Kochi.

“By accompanying fishermen, say in groups of less than 10, tourists will be able to travel many nautical miles away from the coast. We now need the Cochin Port Trust's approval, since the agency now permits only fishermen to travel into the sea in trawlers,” said T.N. Jayasankar, DTPC secretary.

He said the council wanted to begin the day trip on November 1. “From the Kochi coast, it takes around three hours to reach the deep sea. Even now, people accompany fishermen, seeking to enjoy nature away from land,” he said.

Such initiatives are in vogue in many coastal countries. “The trawlers used for the purpose have to be better equipped, with proper kitchen, an eco-friendly toilet, good seats, lifejackets, buoys etc. This will mean extra revenue for the fisherfolk,” Mr. Jayasankar said.

The rates can be very competitive in trawlers, unlike a deep-sea cruise in luxury yachts and ships.

The trip would also provide people an insight into the life of fisherfolk.

On Sundays

The project would also revive tourism in Fort Kochi. The DTPC would soon take up the matter with the port. This would also become a value addition for Kerala Tourism. “Initially, the trips will be organised each Sunday and the frequency increased on the basis of a trial and error method,” Mr. Jayasankar said.

The port trust did not permit tourists on regular fishing trawlers because of safety reasons, sources said. “The project is now in its preliminary stage. Initially we will hire a trawler and based on its feasibility augment the fleet,” Mr. Jayasankar said.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2557595.ece

Kochikku Sukaradasa!!!!

20,000 crore investment in next 5 years, says Jaipal Reddy.

The union minister for petroleum and natural gas S Jaipal Reddy dedicated to the nation the Rs 4000 crore capacity expansion and modernization project phase II of Bharat Petroleum Kochi Refinery on Friday. The project envisages refining capacity expansion from 7.5 million tones to 9.5 million tones making BPCL KRL fully equipped to make euro III grade petrol and diesel . With this, the total refining capacity of the BPCL group now stands at 30.5 million tonnes

BPCL KRL is poised for further expansion to 15.5 million tonnes along with a foray into petrochemicals segment. This project envisages an investment of Rs 20,000 crore. Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy, who was present at the meeting, said the company had requested for special concession of deferment of sales tax for 15 years for the proposed expansion. The chief secretary is already looking into the matter and is expected to submit a report soon, Oommen Chandy said.

Later talking to newspersons Jaipal Reddy said the regassified LNG terminal at Kochi is in an advanced stage of construction under the aegis of Petronet LNG. The Rs 4200 crore project is expected to be completed by 2012 and will provide 4500 mw of power.

On the request of the chief minister for allotment of domestic gas to Kerala, Jaipal Reddy said it will be discussed by an empowered group of ministers

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/energy/oil-gas/bpcl-kochi-refinery-poised-for-rs-20000-crore-expansion/articleshow/10444228.cms

^^:applause::applause::applause:

Kochikku Sukaradasa!!!!

20,000 crore investment in next 5 years, says Jaipal Reddy.

ho ho hooooo single biggest investment ever going to happen in kerala history:banana::banana:

AWHO Vaduthala Project

http://awhosena.in/images/02.jpg

http://awhosena.in/tb/28626.pdf

Construction of 27 storied Twin towers and a 15 floor tower at Silver sand scheduled to commence in Dec.....

http://awhosena.in/tb/8099.pdf

Biggies like Tata are going to come for Emerging Kerala... Dates likely to postpond.... Can really expect something big for Kochi and Kerala as whole:cheers:

Minister of Industries and Information Technology P.K. Kunhalikutty said that the proposed investors’ summit, Emerging Kerala, is likely to be rescheduled by a couple of months.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a job fair here on Saturday, Mr. Kunhalikutty said that the move is taking into account the convenience of the industry players. He, however, said that there will be no change in venue. The summit will be held in Kochi.

Investors of the stature of Ratan Tata will participate in the summit. Industries from South East Asia and places like Japan and Singapore have already expressed interest in the summit, Mr. Kunhalikutty said.

The summit was originally scheduled to be held in April next year. Reportedly, apprehension aired by certain quarters that conducting a summit at the very start of a financial year would keep away major industrial players prompted the rescheduling of the event.

He said that Kerala is on the cusp of a big change as opportunities beyond imagination are being created here. The State is in the forefront in the country in terms of IT usage and is on its way to leader position in e-governance.

With the cost of IT usage coming down, it will become affordable to all sections in the State. This change will reflect in governance and in all aspects of life. People will become positive in their outlook making Kerala a wealthy State, Mr. Kunhalikutty said.

Campus recruitment will become the order of the day in the State as talented young blood will be absorbed into the industry straight from the campus, he said.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2562264.ece

Ernakulam is all set to become the first smoking-free tourist destination in the country. In the wake of the success of the anti-tobacco measures taken by the Ernakulam district administration, the Kochi Corporation and the district panchayat, steps have been taken to declare Ernakulam as the first smoking-free tourist destination in India.

District Collector Sheik Pareeth said that Excise Minister K Babu would make the declaration of smoking-free Ernakulam at a function to be held at Marine Drive at 2.30 pm on Saturday. Hibi Eden MLA will preside over the function. “The decision was taken based on the success of the anti-tobacco initiatives undertaken in the city,” the District Collector said.

The Collector said that as per the independent observation study conducted on smoking in public places, it was found that there was no active smoking in nearly 95 per cent of public places. “In the public places prominent warning signs against public smoking and their rights to smoke free air are put on,” he said.

The District Collector said the study had also found that the majority of bars, cinema halls and restaurants were also free of tobacco smoke. Training to police inspectors, panchayat secretaries, health inspectors in the Health Department and the corporation has been completed.

“The resident associations and other civil society organisations had also extended their support in the venture,” the Collector said. He added that such a declaration will be of great help as it would bring about more public participation.

Saju V Itty, coordinator, Anti-tobacco Campaign said: “The first phase of the project aimed at controlling smoking in public places has been successfully achieved,” he said. A high-level meeting has been formed to evaluate the current programme and to enunciate various other new measures. The anti-tobacco campaign has successfully brought about many programmes to create awareness among all the officials in the police and other law-enforcing authorities.

City Express had earlier reported on the ineffectiveness of the anti-tobacco campaign in the district. The collector had promised to take all possible steps to implement the measures to control the use of tobacco.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ernakulam-becomes-the-first-nosmokingdistrict/195378-60-122.html

"Maserati" to enter in India 2011

Hope our Kochi will be in the list of seven cities:banana:
Keralathinte centeril anenne marakkanda.....:)

I wish this really happens, so that i can laugh @ one poor chap here!! :lol:

For people who don't know, Maserati is Ferrari's own brand, more of a sedan type.

OMG! 20K crores!!! What the hell of change of fortunes of Kochi, are we seeing after the new cabinet sworn in! :)

OMG! 20K crores!!! What the hell of change of fortunes of Kochi, are we seeing after the new cabinet sworn in! :)

Well, wait for one more mega project associated with Petronet.... The govt is lobbying hard for a mega powerplant as part of it. Ofcourse the ministry is divided on this issue, as Aryadan etc are not supportive to it.

But Union State Power Minister K.C Venugopal is very supportive to it. It aims to set up around 1300 MW power unit in Kochi, 1200 MW in Chemmani-Kasargod and upgradation of NTPC-Kayakulam....

Thats a final deal to make the entire CCIC belt to get industrial power......

In my expectation in days to come, the total worth of investments may cross beyond 35,000 crore for the mega projects associated with energy in Kochi alone

http://www.tbpl.in/upload/Periyar%20Theeram_2_periyartheeram_big_08.jpg

Lovely developments in Kochi!! Congrats guys..

Loved the city when we visited as part of a college tour 2 years ago.. Green, clean rivers and modern highrises.. One of the best cities in India.

Well, wait for one more mega project associated with Petronet.... The govt is lobbying hard for a mega powerplant as part of it. Ofcourse the ministry is divided on this issue, as Aryadan etc are not supportive to it.

But Union State Power Minister K.C Venugopal is very supportive to it. It aims to set up around 1300 MW power unit in Kochi, 1200 MW in Chemmani-Kasargod and upgradation of NTPC-Kayakulam....

Thats a final deal to make the entire CCIC belt to get industrial power......

In my expectation in days to come, the total worth of investments may cross beyond 35,000 crore for the mega projects associated with energy in Kochi alone

Why is it so ?

Why is it so ?

Simple, cost of thermal power is higher than hydro..... Unless its run by coal in UMPP style, the cost would around 8 or 9 per unit..... And you cannot give it for Rs 3 to public..... These power plants are gas based and surely will be higher.....

But perhaps we can think of Industrial power supply scheme, as industrial/commercial power is normally higher than domestic tariff rates.... So instead of straining Hydro power for both domestic and industry purposes, in future, these power can be used for industrial purposes with some tax subsidies etc while hydro power for increasing domestic usage.....

With more industrial projects planned as part of Cochin-Coimbatore Industrial Highway, we require more power and hope such UMPPs comes in Kerala.....

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=10296820&programId=1073753761&channelId=-1073751706&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=11

^^No expenses spared!! Great going!!

Kochi & Malabar top investment queries in GITEX (http://www.gitex.com/) :cheers:

InfoPark Kochi registers maximum enquiries, followed by CyberPark Calicut and InfoPark Koratty :)

ജി ടെക്സ് നിക്ഷേപകരുടെ ഇഷ്ട കേന്ദ്രം കൊച്ചി; മലബാറും മുന്നേറ്റത്തില്
ഏഷ്യയിലെ ഏറ്റവും വലിയ ഐ.ടി മേളയായ ജി.ടെക്സില് നിന്നും കേരളത്തിലേക്ക് ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതല് ബിസിനസ് നിര്ദേശങ്ങള് ലഭിച്ചത് കൊച്ചി കേന്ദ്രീകരിച്ച്. കേരളത്തിന്റെ പവലിയനില് പദ്ധതി രൂപരേഖയുമായി എത്തിയതില് ഭൂരിഭാഗവും താല്പ്പര്യം പ്രകടിപ്പിച്ചത് കൊച്ചിയിലെ ഇന്ഫോപാര്ക്കില്. താത്പര്യങ്ങളുടെ പട്ടികയില് രണ്ടാം സ്ഥാനത്ത് കോഴിക്കോടിന്റെ സൈബര്* പാര്ക്കുമുണ്ട്. തുടര്ന്ന് ഇന്ഫോപാര്ക്കിന് കീഴില് കൊരട്ടിയിലുള്ള ഐ.ടി.പാര്ക്ക്.

ജി ടെക്സ് വഴി കേരളത്തിന് പ്രായോഗികമായ 48 ബിസിനസ്സ് നിര്ദേശങ്ങളാണ് ലഭിച്ചത്. തുടര് ചര്ച്ചകള് കാര്യക്ഷമമായി നടത്തിയാല് ഇവയില് പലതും യാഥാര്ത്ഥ്യമാക്കാനാകുമെന്ന് അധികൃതര് തന്നെ വ്യക്തമാക്കുന്നു. ഐ.ടി.നിക്ഷേപകരുടെ പ്രിയപ്പെട്ട സ്ഥലങ്ങളിലൊന്നായ ഹൈദരാബാദില് തെലുങ്കാന വിഷയം കത്തി നില്ക്കുന്നതും കേരളത്തിന് ഗുണം ചെയ്യുന്നുണ്ട്. ഹൈദരാബാദ് കേന്ദ്രീകരിച്ച് പ്രവര്ത്തിക്കുന്ന പല കമ്പനികളും കേരളത്തിലേക്ക് പ്രവര്ത്തനം വ്യാപിപ്പിക്കുന്നതിനെ കുറിച്ച് ഗൗരവത്തോടെയുള്ള ചര്ച്ചകള് തുടങ്ങിക്കഴിഞ്ഞതായാണ് റിപ്പോര്ട്ട്.

ജി ടെക്സില് കൊച്ചി കഴിഞ്ഞാല് നിക്ഷേപകരുടെ താത്പര്യം ഏറെയും മലബാര് മേഖലയിലേക്കായിരുന്നു. കോഴിക്കോട് സൈബര് പാര്ക്കിനെ കുറിച്ചുള്ള ഒട്ടേറെ അന്വേഷണങ്ങളും ജി ടെക്സില് ലഭിച്ചു. ഇന്ഫോപാര്ക്കിന് കീഴില് കൊരട്ടിയിലുള്ള ഐ.ടി.പാര്ക്ക്, തിരുവനന്തപുരത്തെ ടെക്നോപാര്ക്ക് എന്നിവയെക്കുറിച്ചും കേരള സംഘത്തിന് അന്വേഷണങ്ങള് ലഭിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. സോഫ്റ്റ്വെയര്, ഹാര്ഡ്വെയര് ഡെവലപ്പ്മെന്റ് മേഖലകള് കേന്ദ്രീകരിച്ചുള്ള കമ്പനികളാണ് ഏറെയും കേരളാ പവലിയനെ സമീപിച്ചതെന്നും അധികൃതര് പറഞ്ഞു. ഒക്ടോബര് ഒന്പത് മുതല് 13 വരെയാണ് ദുബായില് ജി ടെക്സ് നടന്നത്.

Mathrubhumi (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/business/news_articles/story-224096.html)

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=10296820&programId=1073753761&channelId=-1073751706&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=11

If it's before Diwali he will do it free. :lol:

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^^ Who named it broadway?

^^ Who named it broadway?

It was a BROAD Way during the eighties! Encroachments and the development of MG Road and other roads made it smaller. Even now, if you restrict the parking and reclaim the encroachments, it will be wide enough to carry normal traffic.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/23102011/23102011-md-ek-2/41149119.JPG

Dhanesh, Its advised to give a brief English translation of all Malayalam reports.

Broadway renovation project sanctioned

The Rs 22 Crore Broadway upgradation JnNURM project got nod from the Central ministry of City Development.

Corporation has started the location sketch. The stretch will be restored to its Original glory, Ernakulam Market will be developed and beautified.

Port Trust against Oceanarium Project

CPT cites security threat to LNG plant, wants the land to construct the power plant.
People supporting the project
Nov 15 is the last date for International pre-qualification tender issued.

Madhyamam (http://www.madhyamam.com/news/127828/111023)

Port Trust against Oceanarium Project

CPT cites security threat to LNG plant, wants the land to construct the power plant.
People supporting the project
Nov 15 is the last date for International pre-qualification tender issued.

Madhyamam (http://www.madhyamam.com/news/127828/111023)

Those things are petty initial problems. Even if Oceanarium is planned to move to some new location, say northern side of Puthuvypeen or Southern side of Edakochi, it makes the effect same. For our city, a Mega Power plant is also equally important to fuel/energizing Industrial highway.....

Guys.... A very Happy news... Kochi is going to get its second Theme park soon, that too something too unique along with another Museum Project.

Kerala Tourism has approved the Ernakulam DTPC's proposal to open a National Museum of Onam and a pilgrim tourism centre at Trikkakkara.

This was among the 14 proposals placed before Kerala Tourism by the District Tourism Promotion Council. Currently, cultural programmes are staged at Thrikkakara only during Onam. “Once the museum is open, people keen to know more about Onam, King Mahabali, Vamanan and so on will visit the place all through the year,” said DTPC Secretary T.N. Jayasankar.

The museum and an Onam theme park planned at Mavelipuram, that too in Thrikkakkara, are expected to together cost Rs.50 crore. The agency plans to open the museum at the huge open space near the Thrikkakkara temple.

“The park will be a ‘sign board' that will motivate visitors to visit the temple located a stone's throw away. The park will also have statues of Mahabali and Vamana. It will showcase the legends associated with Onam. The park might be developed under a Central project. The consent of the Cochin Devaswom Board and a master plan are awaited,” Mr. Jayasankar said. Works Minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju and Benny Behanan, MLA, have evinced interest in the project.

DTPC's concept of having an outdoor adventure camping centre at Bhoothathankettu also was approved.

http://www.thehindu.com/template/1-0-1/gfx/logo-footer.gif (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2564303.ece)

‘Emerging Kerala' may be rescheduled
Minister of Industries and Information Technology P.K. Kunhalikutty has said that the proposed investors summit, Emerging Kerala, is likely to be rescheduled by a couple of months.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a job fair here on Saturday, Mr. Kunhalikutty said the move was taking into account the convenience of industry players.

He, however, said there would be no change in the venue as the summit would be held in Kochi. Investors such as Ratan Tata would participate in the summit. Industries from South East Asia and places such as Japan and Singapore had already expressed interest in the summit, Mr. Kunhalikutty said.

The summit was originally scheduled to be held in April next year. Reportedly, apprehension aired by certain quarters that conducting a summit at the very start of a financial year would keep away major industrial players prompted the rescheduling of the event.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2564260.ece)

Support for revival of Old Railway Station


People's representatives, merchant associations, residents' and railway passengers' associations have pledged their support for the early renovation of the Ernakulam Old Railway Station, also called Ernakulam Railway Goods station, located behind the Kerala High Court so that it could be used as a hub for suburban trains.
They were participating in a discussion organised by the Old Railway Station Vikasana Samithi here on Sunday. Inaugurating the programme, Union Minister for Food and Civil Supplies K. V. Thomas promised full support for the campaign to revive the station. He called upon all stakeholders to take up the cause together with the Railways.
Former Union Minister for Railways O. Rajagopal said that the station could be revived without major investment since the building and railway lines were intact. Suburban trains and mainline electrical multiple unit (MEMU) trains from neighbouring districts could be stationed there, reducing the congestion on highways and city roads, he said. He demanded the introduction of automatic signalling in the State so that trains could pass one after the other without waiting on end at signal points. P. Rajiv, MP, also spoke.
The samithi chairman M. R. Rajendran Nair demanded that the project be included in the forthcoming Railway budget since it would benefit thousands of people commuting to the city each day. “They need not cross the narrow North and South overbridges either. Multi-level parking could be introduced in the station compound for private vehicles.” Mayor Tony Chammany, Hibi Eden, MLA, and representatives of residents associations spoke.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2566553.ece

^^ Who named it broadway?

Aslesh, Do you know this Broadway was designed as a 70 feet (22m) road corridor, one of the first in Kerala that time.... It was much later MG Road with 70 feet wide came up which was more to support W.Island than city's commercial high-street. Broadway was designed as a commercial Hi-street to offload the congestion at Mattancherry Bazaars.

But over a period of time, encroachments happened which majority got legalized, reducing its width to current less than 10m..... A good lot of space became parking lot, remaining with pedestrian walkway, which itself became a hub of street vendors and road became a typical market.....

Hope, this project revives the erstwhile glory of Broadway.....

Close to 6000 Cr from FACT

FACT invites EoIs from public sector units for joint ventures

Hyderabad, Oct 24: Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd has chalked out a major expansion-cum-diversification plan at an investment of Rs 5,975 crore for which the company has invited expressions of interest from public sector undertakings to invest in joint ventures or other appropriate business models.

FACT has identified projects such as new sulphuric acid plant, urea plant, NP Complex Fertilizer plant, SSP (single super phosphate) plant and Ammonia urea complex for which substantial investment is required.

The company intends to set up these projects in Kochi and will provide land and available infrastructure facilities to the joint venture as its share of the equity. It will also provide design and consultancy services through its design organisation FEDO. The design and consultancy would also form part of FACT’s equity contribution, the company officials said.

Sulphuric acid plant

The new sulphuric acid plant with a production capacity of 2,000 tpd (tonnes per day) will involve an investment of Rs 265 crore. This plant can cater to the present deficit and also meet the additional requirement on account of the proposed revamp of the phosphoric acid plant. There is a deficit between the production and consumption of sulphuric acid in the Cochin Division of 800 tpd.

Urea plant

The capital investment for the 1,500 tpd urea plant and associated facilities has been estimated at Rs 930 crore. The urea production was suspended from 2003. However, the market survey indicates a demand-supply gap of at least 8 million tonnes by 2020. Recently, the Government has been encouraging fertiliser companies to revive production of urea to meet shortages and reduce exports. Besides, the company requires about 3 lakh tonnes per annum of urea to cater to the market requirements of southern States. Even now, the company is maintaining its presence by trading imported urea consignments.

Integrated complex fertiliser facility

The new integrated complex fertiliser production facility will be capable of manufacturing multiple NP grades. FACT plans to increase the annual complex fertiliser production to 10 lakh tones per annum by installing an additional 1,000 tpd plant using outsourced ammonia, phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid. The estimated investment is Rs 220 crore.

Ammonia-urea complex

As part of its plan to revive urea production, the company intends to set up an ammonia-urea complex, which will consist of an ammonia plant of 2,000 tpd capacity and urea plant of 3,500 tpd capacity. The estimated investment cost towards this will be Rs 4,500 crore

Source (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2567204.ece)

‘Emerging Kerala' may be rescheduled

Are going to postponed ? Or is it going to be preponed.

Are going to postponed ? Or is it going to be preponed.

Both possible by a couple of months. After all, we want the best thing to happen, so that the initiative bear sweet fruit :)

There could be a chance, Kochi bagging an industrial production unit of Canadian Low cost tablet maker- Datawind

A fortnight after Canadian electronics-maker Datawind unveiled its Ubislate, the world’s cheapest tablet PC priced at Rs 3,000, the company has bagged orders for around 500,000 units from dealers and distributors across the world. The company, which is manufacturing the device at

Hyderabad, is in talks to set up at least two more manufacturing facilities in India to bump up its monthly manufacturing capacity to over a million units.
Ubislate is a 7-inch tablet PC with 256 MB RAM, 2GB flash storage capacity and a 366 MHz processor, running on Android 2.2 operating system.

“We are actively exploring options to set up new Ubislate manufacturing lines at Noida and Cochin,” Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO Datawind told HT. “Around $50 million (Rs 250 crore) will be invested over the next few months (for this).”

The company is in talks with five electronic manufacturing service (EMS) companies and will finalise two to produce Ubislates for Datawind. EMS companies manufacture electronic products on contract for technology companies. Taiwan-based Foxconn, for instance, manufactures products for technology giant Apple.

Datawind has production facilities in China and Thailand, but is looking for a “Made in India” tag for the Ubislate. “The romance of Ubislate lies in manufacturing it in India,” Tuli said.

The Indian government has ordered one lakh Ubislate PCs under the brand name “Aakash”.

Datawind has confirmed bookings for another 1.08 lakh units in India and 4 lakh from dealers around the world. The device is expected to retail in India by December.

Thailand, Argentina, Panama, Sri Lanka and Sweden are exploring tie-ups on the lines of the India government, to supply the Ubislate to school and college students.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/Market-Updates/Rs-3-000-tablet-PC-sparks-500-000-order-frenzy/SP-Article1-760760.aspx


Hope this becomes a reality and pave way for more hardware development units in Kochi!!!:cheers:

MI, the hardware manufacturing prowess of Kochi is not well known because of the complications of non-disclosure agreements. Of course, adding a facility that makes half a million tablets per months is a quantum leap forward in capacity. It will add 1000-1500 jobs to ITI/Diploma holders, which is the best of things.

I have reason for special happiness, because I was instrumental in seeding this revolution here.

MI, the hardware manufacturing prowess of Kochi is not well known because of the complications of non-disclosure agreements. Of course, adding a facility that makes half a million tablets per months is a quantum leap forward in capacity. It will add 1000-1500 jobs to ITI/Diploma holders, which is the best of things.

I have reason for special happiness, because I was instrumental in seeding this revolution here.

Perhaps, once Electronics City project makes a headway, I am sure lot of manufacturing companies will come down and its very important for us.... I believe, Manufacturing is one sector which is as solid in its foundations right from the day when Man invented Wheel..... We require lots of industries to fuel our own economic growth.

Unfortunately, Electronics City project is hanging fire :(

I think we can safely read the tablet proposal and the NeST Hardware SEZ project together. :gossip:

when Emmanual silks to be opened? Its a huge one!!!

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Angane kochi mathram keralam aayal baki ullavaro? kochi oru main part ennu parayam enne ullu...ennathe jalathu ella placinum athintethaya vilayundu..kochi ethra valarnnu valuthayalum aduthi kiadakkunna alappuzhayum thrissurumonnum athallathakunnilla....

Angane kochi mathram keralam aayal baki ullavaro? kochi oru main part ennu parayam enne ullu...ennathe jalathu ella placinum athintethaya vilayundu..kochi ethra valarnnu valuthayalum aduthi kiadakkunna alappuzhayum thrissurumonnum athallathakunnilla....

See, these again are individual opinions of reporters, which we Kochinites too donot take too much on-board..... Yes, we respect the fact, that our city is growing and thats more positive for us.... Sometime back, Shiva Sena used to claim, Mumbai is India and Mumbai is for Marathi Manoos.... Those are respective private claims of an organization and few individuals, which no other Indians shares it. Just like Sachin Tendulkar says, he loves Mumbai, but more he loves is India....

I repeat, we all love Kochi, more we love is Kerala and India!!!!

District Collector Sheikh Pareek ordered for a feasibility study for developing a Water Tourism Corridor between Fort Kochi-Alleppey and asked DTPC to study and submit a report regarding it, based on a petition filed by Chellanam Agro Tourism Society.

The project to set up few mulit-crore worth projects, that will revolutionize the tourism belt from Kochi to Alleppey. Some of the proposals are

1. Kannamali Beach Tourism with proper planned Beach development
2. Kannamali Marina
3. Kalathara Integrated Water Sports complex
4. Kumbalangi-Kumbalam-Edakochi-Chellanam Canal Connectivity Tourism project
5. A musical walkway with green belt from Kandakadavu to Kumbalangi Island
6. Southern Islands Agro tourism project
7. Establishment of a dedicated Folklore cultural center
8. A water resort center, probably in PPP mode or by KTDC

These projects form the core of Water Tourism Corridor between Kochi and Alleppey.

A draft plan has been prepared by the society along with various local bodies of the area.

Unfortunately, Electronics City project is hanging fire :(

I think we can safely read the tablet proposal and the NeST Hardware SEZ project together. :gossip:

As of now only nest has some significant hardware manufacturing catering mainly to defence, though it does very less design of its own. But i wonder for hardware SEZ would any companies come as it would face serious resource shortage since its quite difficult to get hardware guys there. Only possibility is to have manufacturing alone done there.

Yes, it is true that most of the hardware work is contract manufacture, and that is what EXACTLY the tablet maker wants. They want capacity to ramp up volumes. They are not looking for hardware development services.

What is needed is capacity expansion, ie setting up assembly lines. Just need resources, ie money to buy machines, place to set them up, power/water/consumables to run them, and trained operators to operate.

Most of the HR would be ITI/Diploma holders, who are available plenty around.

BTW, catering mainly to defence is not a correct statement.

Yes, it is true that most of the hardware work is contract manufacture, and that is what EXACTLY the tablet maker wants. They want capacity to ramp up volumes. They are not looking for hardware development services.

What is needed is capacity expansion, ie setting up assembly lines. Just need resources, ie money to buy machines, place to set them up, power/water/consumables to run them, and trained operators to operate.

Most of the HR would be ITI/Diploma holders, who are available plenty around.

BTW, catering mainly to defence is not a correct statement.
Agree. At manufacturing side it has huge scope. Defence does has seizable production (circuit boards) indirectly mayb nest may never know it as it comes from third party vendors. I have seen lot of DRDO and other defence labs boards going to Nest for manufacturing and testing through third party companies. How Defence labs works is another screwed up story. Even nest has an aero division at bangalore not sure wat work they do here, There are few more companies that do Nest kind of job in kochi but on a low scale.

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1) Please provide a brief English translation of articles.
2) Avoid posting articles which do Kochi-Trivandrum comparisons as these result in too many arguments

1) Please provide a brief English translation of articles.
2) Avoid posting articles which do Kochi-Trivandrum comparisons as these result in too many arguments


I had a brief reading, I found this is more of an ornamental description of Kochi, from its past to present and how the city dreams big for future. On a casual reading, I didn't find any comparison with any city or region. I say, its more of a review of Kochi's past-present and future........ I don't think, I can go for an exact translation, as lot of ornamental phrases and poetry is mixed here... I will give a brief description to full report, once again going thro' soon

Irrigation department sanctions 6 crore Rs for Renovation and re-development of Edapally Canal

This was informed by Irrigation Minister P.J Joseph in the Assembly. He said, as phase 1 of Kochi Water Metro project, the canal will renovated and used for water transportation from Edappally to Tripunithara.

The Minister was speaking to a submission made by Benny Behanan. He said, the canal is almost damaged/extinct with waste being dumped and unscientifc constructions of side walls along with encroachments. The Minister reassured that the side walls would be rebuilt with dredging of the canal channel.

The Canal was built by Cochin Royal Government, using expertise of a Dutch Engineer called Ttukkalan to provide effective water transportation of goods from Tripunithara to Edapally, from where it would transported via land and Periyar river. Untill a decade back, it was also a source of drinking water, which later discarded after waste dumping.

The other water projects taken by Irrigation department, under Estimation committee's final approval are 10 crore worth Kadambayar River Modernization project, aiming to clean the river and provide a naviable channel from Vytilla to Kakkanad-Smart city side, as well as 1.95 crore woth Karakonam Canal cleaning project of Thrikkara. In addition, the widening and renovation of Perundoor Canal is in final stages of approval and works will commence soon, said the minister.

Rs 225 Crore sanctioned for drinking water supply scheme in Greater Kochi

3 Municipalities under Greater Kochi, Kalamasserry, Thrikkakara and Eloor. Each Municipality will get 75 Crore worth projects. In addition, a treatment plant is also planned in HMT Land in Kalamassery, with a pumping line from Kalamassery to Eloor at 2.58 crore.

This is to solve the water crisis permanently for these areas.

http://www.madhyamam.com/news/128611/111026

Angane kochi mathram keralam aayal baki ullavaro? kochi oru main part ennu parayam enne ullu...ennathe jalathu ella placinum athintethaya vilayundu..kochi ethra valarnnu valuthayalum aduthi kiadakkunna alappuzhayum thrissurumonnum athallathakunnilla....

yes, you pointed it. The authorities should give importance to all other cities also. not only a Kochi or Trivandrum. Mattullavarkkum avarude naadu nannavanamennu aagrahamundu. Aa nilakkulla parishkarangal venam. It should not be a single city oriented.:)

yes, you pointed it. The authorities should give importance to all other cities also. not only a Kochi or Trivandrum. Mattullavarkkum avarude naadu nannavanamennu aagrahamundu. Aa nilakkulla parishkarangal venam. It should not be a single city oriented.:)

Mahesh, I support that.... And in my opinion, ever since Kerala was formed, our state's policy has been equitable distribution. Even if its not there, still it will happen in Kerala, considering the basic nature of Malayalees for extreme decentralization. Politicians and several industrial lobbies will play their part, pushing and pulling, making an equitable distribution.

And this is also serves a reason, how come a might Chera Empire, crushed down to 31 or 40 pieces of small provincial kingdoms in Kerala..... We can't have a centralized model anywhere and thats very positive anyway.

A small example- how did Palakkad gained IIT? There is no visible leader or political personality from that district to pull up such a prestigious institution into it.... Yet it happened, as lot of invisible lobbies play their part.

And Mahesh, the report was published in a local page and was only praising the city. It has nothing to do with any other districts nor comparisons. In any travelogue kind of report, we see the reviewer making very high opinions, as seen sometime back in the same publication. Praising one's own city doesn't mean they are critical to anyone..... Ofcourse, I too won't count in lot of phrases, which are just used for Ornamental style.

And Mahesh, the report was published in a local page and was only praising the city.

No, it was the first page of Mathrubhumi Sunday supplement published on last Sunday. :|

Most of the HR would be ITI/Diploma holders, who are available plenty around.


Not really, most diploma holders get jobs faster than degree holders. Count the number of polytechnics to that of Engineering colleges.

Well, in the employee rolls, the number of ITIs far exceed diploma holders. Diplomas are assigned to testing and QA, while ITIs do the operations part.

Diplomas also need a career track. They will be promoted to position of supervisor, production engineer etc. ITIs also get elevated, but only those who prove themselves and show leadership qualities.

I no longer have close involvement with the business anymore, so I don't know how easy/difficult it is to get people. But I always see youngsters coming in for recruitment.

Though funds to the tune of Rs 590 crore were allotted for various projects in the last five years under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), the Kochi Corporation has failed to utilise even 30 per cent of the total amount. According to the available statistics, projects worth Rs 588.93 crore were allocated by the Centre to eight components for Kochi under JNNURM, but the civic body could so far spend only Rs 174.20 crore.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/wasted-money-wasted-projects/195860-60-122.html

You know, the problem is all the rules and regulations attached to this money. Otherwise they would have spent it all in a few days!!

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/27102011/27102011-md-ek-9/1111937.JPG

One of Kerala's major packed/processed food major, the state govt owned Meat Products of India, known as MPI is all set to upgrade its primary processing facility at Koothathukulam. Under a new brand, MPI will intensify its operations to cater its ever growing customer base. Since it can't match its supply upon the demand, it has started intensifying production of Chicken by subsiziding to farmers to increase the number of chicken production. Around 3 crore Rs will be spend for it and expected to start showing its result within next 6 months.

A technical upgradation at cost of Rs 10 crore is planned to install special units that can produce valves made out of Animal tissues to be used in human. The project will be done in association with Sri Chitra Heart Institute and aims to provide quality heart valves to public at lower cost.

A pig farm will also be set-up soon to increase the production of pork based products.

Baby store Frank & Mates (http://frankandmates.com/index.html) enters Cochin
Baby store Frank & Mates has opened its first outlet in Cochin. Spread across three levels over an area of 3500 sq. ft., the store has everyday baby essentials by brands such as Philips Avent, Medala, Chicco, Pigeon, Playskool, Funskool, Fisher-Price, Himalaya, Vicks, Huggies, Bella Baby, Tommee Tippee, Nuk, Step two, Quercetti, Johnsons & Johnsons and Mother Care.

The products available in the showroom include baby skincare products, healthcare products, bath towels, bath toys, cloth nappies, diapers, disposable wipes, baby blankets, clothes and accessories, baby and toddler food to food warmers, sterilizers, bottle / breast feeding accessories, travel accessories, playtime CDs, rattles and teethers, garments, toys, pregnancy skincare and accessories.

The outlet also stocks a wide range of colorful prams, bassinets and high chairs. A food section with items such as bottled purees of fruits, sweet potato, broccoli, avocados and chicken noodles is also available. For expectant mothers, Frank & Mates has a juice shop which also serves falooda shakes and salads.

Speaking on the occasion, Muneer Hamza, owner, Frank and Mates, said: "Brands like Mothercare, Mom and Me and Baby Shop present in bigger cities are favorite purchasing hubs for mothers. But in smaller cities, parents are deprived of good quality products for their babies. With Frank and Mates, smaller cities will now also experience wider variety of baby products.”

Hamza further added,"We want Frank to be a role model for kids. We have even brought out CDs with our signature jingle and songs that will impart values to children.”

With an investment of around Rs 1 crore, Hamza expects a profit of at least Rs 3 crores in three years time. Aiming to have a store in almost every state of South India, Hamza also plans to launch stores of not less than 3,500 sq. ft. in cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum and Calicut.

Source (http://www.indiaretailing.com/news.aspx?topic=1&Id=6234)

Baby store Frank & Mates (http://frankandmates.com/index.html) enters Cochin

Its been there for more than an year....opposite to Kalyan silks...

LNG Terminal at Kochi got clearance from Environment ministry to double its capacity from 25 Lakhs to 50 Lakhs tons. :cheers:

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/2241/lng.png
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/4922/lng2.png


http://www.mathrubhumi.com/story.php?id=225370

^^
LNG Terminal at Kochi got clearance from Environment ministry to double its capacity from 25 Lakhs to 50 Lakhs tons.

• The project will be commissioned next year
• Additional investment of 500 Crores.

Salient Features of this project:

• The huge L.N.G tanks are manufactured by I.H.I Corporation, Japan
• Exxon mobil corporation (US based MNC) will bring gas from Gorgon gas plant, Australia
• The works are being carried out under the leadership of 75-odd engineers from Japan, Taiwan and Britain.
• Equipments will be procured from USA as well.
• Pipes will be laid to Udyogamandal, Ambalamugal, Bangalore, Mangalore and Kayamkulam.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/28102011/28102011-md-ek-17/162713919.JPG

Mayor responds positively to the request for considering the hand-over of Corporation land and bldg to General Hospital for an upgrade to Medical College.

The Mayor said, he will discuss in the council and said they are ready to move, if govt provides alternate land in a prime location. The works of new corporation HQ is underway and will be completed soon

^^
LNG Terminal at Kochi got clearance from Environment ministry to double its capacity from 25 Lakhs to 50 Lakhs tons.

• The project will be commissioned next year
• Additional investment of 500 Crores.

Salient Features of this project:

• The huge L.N.G tanks are manufactured by I.H.I Corporation, Japan
• Exxon mobil corporation (US based MNC) will bring gas from Gorgon gas plant, Australia
• The works are being carried out under the leadership of 75-odd engineers from Japan, Taiwan and Britain.
• Equipments will be procured from USA as well.
• Pipes will be laid to Udyogamandal, Ambalamugal, Bangalore, Mangalore and Kayamkulam.


Great news...:cheers1:

Corss posting from Tuticorin Region Thread

Railways to augment freight traffic in State

The Railways would adopt a three-pronged approach to encourage the transportation of goods through rail, with Kochi as the focal point, the Thiruvananthapuram Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Rajesh Agarwal has said.

Apart from boosting trade and commerce, this would considerably decongest Kerala's roads which are now saturated with vehicles, he said, while speaking to The Hindu here recently. Expressing concern at the extremely-low rate of transporting goods through the State's rail network, he said that Thiruvananthapuram Division plans to embark on a drive to take goods movement off the roads.

Referring to the Division's plan to promote goods transport, he said that priority would be given to transport containers from the Vallarpadam International Container Transhipment Terminal in goods trains.

Secondly, impetus would be given to the movement of cargo such as coal, gypsum, cement from Harbour Terminus Station in Willingdon Island through rail. Impetus is also required to transport coir, rubber, china clay from Kerala to other States in goods trains.

For this, the focus would essentially be in the Ernakulam-Kollam route and the goods from here can be transported to places like Nagercoil, Tuticorin, Mangalore and the Konkan apart from the North and North-East, he said.

Despite being Kerala's commercial capital, Kochi is not generating adequate demand for transporting goods through rail, he said.

The Harbour Terminus station would be developed as a hub for goods trains.

Thought must be given to enhancing the transport of goods from Kerala to other States, using the existing railway lines, he said.

Passenger trains

To the question about steps being taken to speed up passenger trains, he said that commuter (short distance) and long-distance trains must be segregated.

“Now we are slowing down the movement of long-distance trains in Kerala by permitting stops at even minor stations. This should end and short-distance commuters must use mainline electrical multiple unit (MEMU) trains that would be introduced soon. The MEMUs accelerate and decelerate faster,” he said.

Referring to the delay in introducing MEMUs that would link neighbouring districts, Mr. Agarwal said that political pressure by the State can speed up the availability of coaches and also the introduction of new trains to metros such as Bangalore where there is a huge population of Keralites.

Old Railway station

Answering a question about the overwhelming demand to develop the Old Railway Station located behind the Kerala High Court as a hub for MEMUs and suburban trains and also stations in Kochi's suburbs, he said that the State Government too can pool in with funds since the Railways has already developed around 100 stations in Kerala.

Doubling of lines

On the inordinate delay in doubling rail lines, the DRM said that there are problems associated with land acquisition.

source - thehindu.com

Corss posting from Tuticorin Region Thread

Well there is no doubt that Railways can increase the revenue by starting a dedicated freight corridor from Coimbatore to Ernakulam as well as an exclusive line from Kochi to Tuticorin via Trivandrum.

If we see atleast 500 lorries pass each day at Walayar Checkpoint in Palakkad and there is extremely heavy congestion from Vadakkancherry to Thrissur side. Thank god, the widening of Mannuthy-Edappally Highway has reduced the horror, but still atleast half of them can be offloaded if Coimbatore-Ernakulam Freight corridor comes up.

This should a prerequisite of our state govt for starting CCIC.

Ofcourse people objections etc will be there for LA. But without a vision, more problems are getting added day after day.

I think, a new station near Kalamassery CFS should be made as Goods Hub, as part of Dedicated Freight corridor to be planned in future. There is no point in bringing all the goods from Northern side inside city and then transporting via water to Vallarpadam.

Maybe for Tuticorin-Kochi line, Harbour terminus may be okay.But priority should be making Harbour Terminus as MEMU Station than exclusive goods hub. Perhaps it may be required, as we plan for FWTZ soon in W Island.

But its so strange that Railways claim State's investment into railways only in Kerala. Elsewhere they are investing without any controls..... When crores are invested in Bihar, Jharkhand, Bengal and TN, why not same in Kerala too? Thats something too strange to believe.... There should be more pressure for realistic needs like DFC, more MEMU lines, more stations, upgradation of station facilities etc, rather than Railway zone or water bottling plant etc.....

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/29102011/29102011-md-ek-17/145616213.JPG

Health Minister Adoor Prakash assured his support for upgrading General Hospital into a Medical college, provided the District administration and Cochin Corporation can identify the remaining 2.5 acres of land.

Development projects evoke interest in Europe :cheers:
Development projects in the State coupled with the possibilities presented by the investors' meet, ‘Emerging Kerala', scheduled for next year, have begun to evoke interest among investors in Europe.

The Austrian trade office in Mumbai has approached the State conveying the interest shown by a few leading Austrian companies in the construction sector. They have expressed interest in associating with two projects in the State, the development of SmartCity Kochi and an outer harbour in Kochi.

The companies concerned are known for their expertise, especially in areas such as shoring, dewatering, tunnelling, supporting, piling, drilling, foundation laying, etc. Besides the technical know-how, they also boast most modern construction equipment such as crawler cranes, drilling rigs, impact hammer, piling rigs, foundation rigs, and hydraulic vibrators.

The companies have sought information on the scope of the projects, tender formalities, and the parties they should contact in case the tenders have already been finalised.

The Austrian trade office has also shown keen interest in the proposed ‘Emerging Kerala' investors' meet. Expressing confidence that Austrian companies would be very much interested in participating in the summit, the office has sought information on the formalities to participate in it.

Once the State government hits the campaign mode ahead of the investors' meet, it is likely to evoke interest among more countries. Last Saturday, Industries Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty had said that industries from South East Asia, Japan, and Singapore have already expressed interest in the summit.

Germany is likely to be another European country to be attracted by the opportunities offered by the State, especially with the 15-month-long collaborative celebration commemorating the cooperation between Germany and India.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2572470.ece)

Simple, cost of thermal power is higher than hydro..... Unless its run by coal in UMPP style, the cost would around 8 or 9 per unit..... And you cannot give it for Rs 3 to public..... These power plants are gas based and surely will be higher.....

But perhaps we can think of Industrial power supply scheme, as industrial/commercial power is normally higher than domestic tariff rates.... So instead of straining Hydro power for both domestic and industry purposes, in future, these power can be used for industrial purposes with some tax subsidies etc while hydro power for increasing domestic usage.....

With more industrial projects planned as part of Cochin-Coimbatore Industrial Highway, we require more power and hope such UMPPs comes in Kerala.....


MI, I really respect your views on most matters but have to disagree on the above.Cost of coal based power is the cheapest and most reliable. India has the third highest reserves of coal in the world and although off late, the problems at coal india have created problems,coal is the cheapest source of energy by far.genration costs are not more than 3 to 4 per unit even assuming the worst case situation of using indonesian coal even after the recent price hikes forced by the indonesian govt.Hydro involves huge capital costs and low plfs which is difficult to be economical in a high interest rate country like india. Everyone knows about the problems with gas from the kg basin. Using lng is not economical because of the liquefaction and regasification costs. The problem with kerala is that thee are no coal sources and the population density does not allow plants to be economical both due to land and environmental costs. We should not be planning UMPPs in kerala but should enter into long temr ppas with projects in states where it is economical to generate power without undue environmental impact on the population.

http://www.tbpl.in/upload/Periyar%20Theeram_2_periyartheeram_big_08.jpg

Hi, which building was this picture taken from? Lucky owners for such a lovely view!

MI, I really respect your views on most matters but have to disagree on the above.Cost of coal based power is the cheapest and most reliable. India has the third highest reserves of coal in the world and although off late, the problems at coal india have created problems,coal is the cheapest source of energy by far.genration costs are not more than 3 to 4 per unit even assuming the worst case situation of using indonesian coal even after the recent price hikes forced by the indonesian govt.Hydro involves huge capital costs and low plfs which is difficult to be economical in a high interest rate country like india. Everyone knows about the problems with gas from the kg basin. Using lng is not economical because of the liquefaction and regasification costs. The problem with kerala is that thee are no coal sources and the population density does not allow plants to be economical both due to land and environmental costs. We should not be planning UMPPs in kerala but should enter into long temr ppas with projects in states where it is economical to generate power without undue environmental impact on the population.

Well, even I am too not in opinion that we should have thermal plants.... But else is the alternate option to fuel better industrial dreams. Industries I don't mean any extreme polluting chemical industry. But even to have a clean electronic industry, we need power? We find extreme hard to harness more hydro power, considering environmental protests. Some hydel projects like Athirapilly again will affect our tourism industry too...

So what else option. We can't allow Nuclear plants, we donot have enough sunshine all around the year to consider solar power. The maximum alternative eco-friendly power which we can consider would be wind-mills.

So we are forced to go behind Thermal, whether we like it or not. We cannot dot several Thermal plants nor go for coal bases plants, considering pollution issue. In such case, its good to have power plants outside Kerala and bring in power to the state, like now planned at Baithrani in Orissa. But is that enough?

Its that context, Gas plants to be considered. I agree, its costly. If my knowledge is right, the production cost itself is around Rs 8 or 9 per unit. But instead of supplying it to domestic households, such costly power can be used to supply to industries directly, which can afford to do so. For an industry, uninterupted power supply is more important than cost. Today invariably, each and every commercial unit in our state establishes a generator outside their unit, due to regular powercuts, as we are overstraining cheap hydro power.

My vision underlines, let cheap Hydro-power be used for domestic tariff users, while expensive power for industry....

There are places in Kerala, where population density is low and ideal for such. Chemmani is one such. A gas based plant will not created as pollution as Coal...

Hi, which building was this picture taken from? Lucky owners for such a lovely view!

The pic is taken from Thrissur builder's "Periyar Theeram" Apartment.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/30102011/30102011-md-ek-2/55911187.JPG

Muziris Mega Heritage Circuit to be opened in April 2012.

One of the India's Mega Heritage circuit, the Muziris Heritage Zone will be dedicated to the nation in April 2012, by Hon. Prime Minister of India, Dr.Manmohan Singh, in Kodungallor the erstwhile capital of Imperial Cheras.

The decision was finalized in a special meeting held under chairmanship of Tourism Minister Anilkumar in Kodungallor, to open the phase one of Muziris Mega Project, spread over Paravur-Kodungallor areas, believed to the ancient Muziris, the lost capital city of Early Chera Empire, which was regarded as Ancient World's largest seaport.

Tourism Minister intimated that renovation and excavation works across the site to be completed by January 2012. The renovation of Paliyam Palace, seat of Kochi Prime Ministers as well as Kottapuram Fort Excavation has to be completed by Dec.

The beautification of Kottapuram Market to its erstwhile glory as said in legends, will be completed by March 2012. Currently granite stones are being laid on the ground.

4 museums will be commissioned as part of grand opening of Muziris Project in April 2012. The Paliyam Palace, The Paliyam Mansion (Nalukettu), Jewish Synagogues at Paravur and Chendamangalam.

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/31102011/31102011-md-ek-13/541121.JPG

Urban Development and Industries Minister said that special schemes and projects has to be planned for Greater Kochi Metro Region. Since the Kochi is racing fast for becoming one of the largest Metropolitian regions in the country, several satellite cities like Aluva are awaiting for more developmental projects and outlays. The govt would seek expertise of international urban development agencies for ensuring effective and better growth of the region.

Last week Embrahim Kunju was saying about new Kalamassery-Pamba highway..Kalamassery-Mulanthuruthi-Piravom-Uzhavoor-Pala-Punkunnam..then I am not sure..

anyone had some idea about the proposed alignment? I have a small plot near Vennikulam, on Piravom rd ..athu pokumo:ohno:

MG Road worries a lot....

Development and growth are two necessary conditions for the progress of an economy but when it affects the livelihood of many citizens, the extent of development stands to be questioned. The plan to widen MG Road poses in front of such an issue. While the widening of the road will definitely contribute to improving the traffic and drainage problems in the city, the shopkeepers and hawkers are faced with the issues of reconstruction and dislocation.

Kaja, a roadside teashop owner finds the widening of MG Road a good aspect of development but at the same time understands that he will have to relocate his tea shop and establish himself at a new spot. Sainudeen of Lens And Frames is worried that a corner of his shop will be lost in the process of widening. “The traffic blocks on MG Road are already a pending issue, This will further worsen during the time of widening,” Deepak, the manager of B S A Motors complains. He says that the process of construction will take a long time to complete and therefore will affect the business as a whole.

On the other hand Chandravathi, an employee at Sukrith Metals and Gifts, agrees that “development is a necessary condition for society and therefore we must understand its importance and gracefully accept it.”

Ramlal Prabhu, the owner of R V Metals, explains the boon and bane of the widening. He agrees that it can contribute towards reducing the traffic issues in the city but he is worried about the various enterprises that stand to lose their space on the roadside. He says: “If we play safe and follow the various guidelines, we do not stand to lose much of our property. But it will in general affect the business owing to lack of footpath and parking facilities. MG Road provides the maximum income for the state via taxes. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that these businesses do not fail. Another issue that he points out is the reconstruction of the temple gopuram on MG Road. He hopes that the drainage system would improve after the widening of the roads. He also points out that if all unauthorised buildings need to be demolished, then many more building across the state will have to face the same.

Anu, the manager of Punjabi Libas, expresses more worry and concern about the situation. The shop, situated close to the road, stands to lose a major portion of the showroom. This will affect more than the business. The situation calls for the entire reconstruction of the shop. “The widening has negative impacts on our business at various levels. But at the end of the day, we remind ourselves that this is for development,” Ajeesh, who owns Vijronics, has been running his rented shop since 1972. He explains that around 95 per cent of the shops on MG Road are rented. So the impact shall be less on the shopkeepers. Their major concern shall be relocation. “

For the citizens of Kochi who commute through the daily traffic block on MG Road, the widening of the road is an absolute necessity. For the larger cause of the nation, the citizens may have to sacrifice their individual rights, says a passer-by. In the end their looms a certain amount of uncertainty about the coming plan but everyone hopes that the plan will turn out be a success.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/traders-stand-to-lose-a-lot/197860-60-122.html

^^

MG Road is widened by 2 metres, that's prob. 1m per side. Does these shops lose too much?

Cochin container freight station may open this year
Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE), the full-service export house of the State Government, expects to commission the Rs 47-crore Cochin International Container Freight Station (CFS) at Kalamassery, near Ernakulam.

Work on the project is now in advanced stages of completion, according to Mr Febi Varghese, Managing Director, KSIE.

CUSTOMS-BONDED

The CFS would have a built-up area of 16,000 sq ft and feature a Customs-bonded cargo handling centre that is capable of handling 1,000 containers at a given time.

A multi-purpose export cargo handling centre admeasuring to more than one lakh sq ft in area would be another major attraction at the CFS.

The CFS is expected to play a key role in controlling the movement of freight in and around the Kochi port that has shot into prominence with the commissioning of the Vallarpadam International Container Transhipment Terminal in the neighbourhood.

The Hindu Businessline (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2586186.ece)

A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Monday directed the Ernakulam District Collector to set apart 40 cents of land for getting a private pilot sewage treatment plant established in Kochi.

The Bench comprising acting Chief Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair and Justice P.S. Gopinathan ordered that Aquakem Engineers (India) Private Limited, a subsidiary of a Sharjah-based company, be allowed to set up the plant at its own cost. The company approached the court saying that it could install the sewage treatment plant and rent it out to the Kochi Corporation.

The court directed the District Collector to identify suitable land and hand it over to the company within 10 days. The Collector had also been directed to allot land to the Pollution Control Board for setting up a temporary STP plant at Brahmapuram.

The directives were issued on a petition filed by High Court lawyer R. Sudha seeking to prevent discharge of effluents into the Munnar river, the Periyar river, the Pambanar and the Chinnar from resorts, hotels and restaurants situated in and around Munnar.

The court also directed the corporation, the State government, the pollution control board and the Suchitwa Mission to monitor the work of the company and submit reports before the court.

The court opined that the authorities should think of introducing a system for granting licence to authorised agencies for collecting waste.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2588154.ece

A Dutch heritage conservation agency is likely to help the Muziris project with underwater archaeological study at Pallippuram and Kottappuram, where the remains of Dutch and Portuguese fortifications still survive, and also trace the route change of the Periyar in the 14th century.

The forts, most of which have been washed away by time and water, form part of the Muziris heritage conservation and tourism project that link up areas around the ancient port of Muziris. The project, spearheaded by the Kerala Tourism Department, aims to showcase and conserve the archaeological, cultural and commercial heritage of these areas by marrying tourism with heritage conservation.

On an invitation by the Muziris project authorities, a four-member Dutch team is now in Kerala to get a hands-on feel of the areas and assess the level of Dutch partnership. “We are assessing how to support the project with Dutch expertise in certain areas so that it could throw light on Dutch economic and cultural history in Kerala in the 17th and 18th centuries,” said Robert Parthesius, director of the Leiden-based Centre for International Heritage Activities. (After defeating the Portuguese in 1664, the Dutch held sway over Kochi for nearly a century.)

Mr. Parthesius, a specialist in maritime and underwater cultural heritage (MUCH), who is an Associate Professor of archaeology at Leiden University, told The Hindu that the forts had over time tumbled into water and a study of the remains could retell Kerala's maritime history and recollect the cultural and trade heritage Kerala had with Portugal, the Netherlands and other countries. He noted that maritime archaeologists could, by analysing an ancient shipwreck, reconstruct the maritime history of a place. He said the Dutch National Archives in The Hague held a treasure trove of records relating to Kerala. Moreover, the Dutch records at Tamil Nadu's State archives in Chennai were now being digitised by the Dutch authorities.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2590493.ece

Any news about the Shobha HI-Tech city coming up in Maradu....

Any news about the Shobha HI-Tech city coming up in Maradu....

Who said its coming up? It is safely stored in the cold storage @ New Delhi.

Kochi's Aspinwall forays into Pharma Logistics


Logistics major Aspinwall & Co is foraying into the fast growing market for pharmaceutical logistics which has an addressable market of $1.5 billion globally. A source at Aspinwall said that the company has entered into a joint venture with Singapore-based pharma logistics firm Pharma Logistics Singapore Pvt Ltd to address the niche market for clinical trial pharmaceutical shipments.

The (JV) (Joint Venture) firm, Aspinwall Pharma Logistics India Ltd, will handle shipments for clinical trials in the Indian and select international markets for a start, before diversifying as and when the requirement arises, the source said. The primary goal of the JV will be to tap new opportunities to improve supply chain efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of global pharma majors.

"The Indian and Chinese market have emerged as hot destinations for clinical trials by global pharmaceutical giants and there are strong prospects for logistics companies who can successfully tap the opportunities early on," the source said, without specifying when the new JV would commence operations.

The pharma logistics market has an addressable size of $500 million in India. "Our Singapore partner is currently training our staff on various aspects of clinical trial shipments like storage and temperature maintenance, among others," he said, ruling out for now the possibility of setting up a dedicated hub to manage clinical trial shipments.

The new JV firm has been officially registered and will be manned primarily by Aspinwall employees in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and New Delhi.

Aspinwall is also expanding the distribution network for its coir products division to Europe by setting up direct distribution in Rotterdam in Sweden. The European operations of the company are expected to contribute Rs 10 crore to its topline within the next three years.

The shipping logistics business still contributes a majority of Kochi-based Aspinwall's revenues. But diversification has always been a key prerogative, after getting out of unremunerative businesses like spices and timber in the late 19th century, and chemicals a few years ago.

In recent years, the company has diversified into the coir and coffee processing business which have emerged as alternative routes to augmenting non-core revenues. The coir and coffee businesses contribute 10-15 per cent of Aspinwall's current topline. The company has even evolved a 'Monsoon Malabar' brand, a mildly toned coffee, exclusively for the European markets.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Aspinwall-forays-into-pharma-logistics-via-tie-up-with-Singapore-firm/articleshow/10583057.cms

Lexus coming to Kochi

Lexus, Toyota's premium marque, will be hitting the Kerala automobile market within one year. Nippon Motor Corporation authorities revealed that they will be selling Lexus cars will be available through their showroom in Nippon Towers at Kalamassery.

http://www.maximacar.in/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Lexus-250-2.jpg

Merc, BMW, Audi, Volvo, Porche, Jaguar, Land Rover & now waiting for Maseratti & Lexus! Whooo hooo wooooaaaa :cheers:

Industry stalwarts laud telecom innovation hub project
Prominent figures in the Indian IT and telecommunications industry have expressed great faith in the potential of the country's first telecom innovation hub being set up in the state.

The National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board ( NSTEDB) under the Union department of science and technology recently announced the setting up of the innovation hub in association with Technopark and MobME Wireless Solutions. The hub being set up in Kochi will become operational in January 2012.

Infosys co-founder and co-chairman Kris Gopalakrishnan, who has agreed to take up the role of the chief mentor of the hub, said it would be a milestone in the development of entrepreneurship culture in Kerala.

We need many more startups to be created in new technology areas - areas that will be the drivers of economic growth and job creation in the 21st century. To create successful small and medium enterprises from start-ups requires the right support ecosystem. The TBI will provide the same," he said.

The telecom innovation hub aims to create a vibrant ecosystem for start-ups to create breakthrough technologies for the global telecommunications industry. The hub will focus primarily on student startups from college campuses and will be modeled on technology incubators in the Silicon Valley. It aims to incubate 1,000 product startups over 10 years and start the search for a billion dollar company from a college campus by the turn of this decade.

Congratulating the new initiative, NASSCOM president Som Mittal said, "India is on a progressive growth path and one of the most potent factors contributing to this is the SME segment. We, at NASSCOM are committed to enhancing their global competitiveness by creating newer platforms for their growth and development. In this endeavour NASSCOM has identified three clear agendas - focusing on the priority to the SME segment, catalyzing the 'IT for India' momentum by providing them with a platform to drive their business and building relevant skills amongst the youths to create future entrepreneurs. We are optimistic that the telecom incubator would help create global innovators of tomorrow from India."

Rajan Mathew, director-general of Cellular Operators Association of India, termed the hub as an important milestone in India's journey towards grooming young intellectual and entrepreneurial talents as world class leaders, especially in the telecom space.

We have already established ourselves as the second largest telecom market in the world. COAI, along with our members who are leaders in the mobile communications industry, look forward to supporting this initiative by providing the needed support, mentoring and encouragement to our budding talent," he said.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Industry-stalwarts-laud-telecom-innovation-hub-project/articleshow/10583751.cms)

The implementation of the proposed Broadway Heritage conservation project of the Kochi Corporation is likely to give fresh headaches to the civic administration.

The Corporation authorities hope to begin the implementation of the first few components of the Rs. 22-crore-Broadway and Ernakulam Market Heritage Urban Renewal Project latest by the first week of January. Engaging the trading community in a positive way in the implementation of the project will be one of biggest challenges before the administrators as the flow of life through the area is likely to be affected, officials said.

The civic authorities had a tough time managing the different interest groups and evolving a consensus for the demolition of the North Overbridge.

As any major development activity on the Broadway is likely to affect the business activities in the area, the civic authorities are planning to take steps cautiously. The clearance and re-laying of the service cables for power and telecommunication would be another major hurdle before the civic authorities while taking up the development programme.

If everything progresses as planned, the Kochi Corporation will begin the work of development of the connectivity road from Banerji road to Broadway in January. The idea mooted for this component is to develop a parking space in the area and encourage people to leave their vehicles in the parking lot and walk through the Broadway. The area available near the KTDC building complex will be utilised for parking of the vehicles which bring people to the area. The nature and timings of restriction on vehicular movement and related aspects have to be discussed by the Kochi Corporation council, officials said.

The development and renovation of the market area will also be taken up in the first phase. The civic authorities have prioritised these projects for implementation as it owns the land in which the development activities are planned. In the second phase, the civic authorities are planning to take up the development of the Broadway area near the Ernakulam Guest House.

The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission had cleared the heritage renewal project for Kochi last year. While the Centre for Heritage Environment and Development of the Kochi Corporation had prepared the Detailed Project Report for the project, the Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation was assigned the task of preparing the tender documents for the project.

The DPR envisages the introduction of modern facilities in Broadway while protecting the heritage structures. Development of the basic amenities without altering the heritage character of the area would be the focus of the project.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2593436.ece

NCC arm plans 2.5-million sft projects in South
NCC Urban Infrastructure Limited, a subsidiary of Hyderabad-based construction major NCC Limited, is lining up over 10 residential and commercial projects, together with a built-up area of 2.5 million sft, in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi.

“While we recently launched six projects in Bangalore, both apartments and villas, which are expected to generate a turnover of Rs 250 crore per year, ventures in Hyderabad, Kochi and Chennai are to be launched in the next two to three months,” said Narayana Raju Alluri, managing director of NCC Urban.

Speaking to Business Standard on the sidelines of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)’s conference on urban infrastructure with the theme ‘Building sustainable cities for tomorrow’s India’ here today, he said the company had received Rs 150 crore as equity and the remaining as loan from the parent, NCC Limited, to fund acquisition of land for these projects.
NCC Urban, which has so far developed over 2 million sft of residential and commercial space, currently has a land bank of over 400 acre.

The company is in the process of launching a 100-acre integrated township, enveloped with commercial space, in Visakhapatnam, besides a 150-unit apartment venture in Guntur city shortly.

On the company’s maiden overseas project, NCC Harmony, a twin-tower project of 2.3-million sft coming up at the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park, Alluri said the project was going slow because of the Dubai financial crisis. The company had invested around Rs 150 crore in the project and raised the rest through sales.

Business Standard (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/ncc-arm-plans-25-million-sft-projects-in-south/454324/)

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/2112011/2112011-md-ek-21/4211296.JPG

Aluva Muncipal Park[G C D A park] to undergo a major face lift.

Dutch help for Muziris project
A Dutch heritage conservation agency is likely to help the Muziris project with underwater archaeological study at Pallippuram and Kottappuram, where the remains of Dutch and Portuguese fortifications still survive, and also trace the route change of the Periyar in the 14{+t}{+h}century.

The forts, most of which have been washed away by time and water, form part of the Muziris heritage conservation and tourism project that link up areas around the ancient port of Muziris. The project, spearheaded by the Kerala Tourism Department, aims to showcase and conserve the archaeological, cultural and commercial heritage of these areas by marrying tourism with heritage conservation.

On an invitation by the Muziris project authorities, a four-member Dutch team is now in Kerala to get a hands-on feel of the areas and assess the level of Dutch partnership. “We are assessing how to support the project with Dutch expertise in certain areas so that it could throw light on Dutch economic and cultural history in Kerala in the 17 {+t} {+h} and 18 {+t} {+h} centuries,” said Robert Parthesius, director of the Leiden-based Centre for International Heritage Activities. (After defeating the Portuguese in 1664, the Dutch held sway over Kochi for nearly a century.)

Mr. Parthesius, a specialist in maritime and underwater cultural heritage (MUCH), who is an Associate Professor of archaeology at Leiden University, told The Hindu that the forts had over time tumbled into water and a study of the remains could retell Kerala's maritime history and recollect the cultural and trade heritage Kerala had with Portugal, the Netherlands and other countries. He noted that maritime archaeologists could, by analysing an ancient shipwreck, reconstruct the maritime history of a place. He said the Dutch National Archives in The Hague held a treasure trove of records relating to Kerala. Moreover, the Dutch records at Tamil Nadu's State archives in Chennai were now being digitised by the Dutch authorities.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2590493.ece)

City of future

By D Govardan Nov 02 2011

Southern states seem to have caught on the importance of Tier II cities. To the recent list of 36 future cities, culled out by Girem, an urban planning body, south contributes 13
Recently, Girem, an independent body with focus on urban planning and real estate, unveiled a list of 36 future cities across states at its 4th Girem Leadership Summit. These future cities were culled out from a large pool of short listed cities by a panel of experts who have selected these cities based on various parameters such as population size and the strength of the education and culture.

Interestingly, out of the 36 future cities, the top three — Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode – are from Kerala. Of the top 10 cities, four – Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Madurai and Salem – are from Tamil Nadu and five more cities – Mangalore, Belgaum and Mysore in Karnataka. Along with Vishakapatnam and Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and Puduchery south India takes its contribution to 13 out of the 36 future potential cities.

http://e.mydigitalfc.com/PUBLICATIONS/DCF/DCF/2011/11/03/Article//271/03_11_2011_271_003.jpg

Source www.mydigitalfc.com/real-estate/city-future-808

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2011/11/04/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2011_11_04_F_LO_003/40_78_508_1010.jpg
Metro Rail Land Acquisition: Executive Sanction given.

Tapping the tourism potential, District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is all set to introduce waterway tourism from Marine Drive to Kadambrayar. DTPC is intending to introduce a leisure boat ride from Marine Drive to Kadambrayar. A trial run was conducted this year and the paper, to approve the proposal, has been submitted before the government.

The things to be done for the development of the waterway include dredging some shallow portions, removing water hyacinth from a few places and reintroducing boat service through this water route. For promoting the waterway and developing a tourism hub around Kadambrayar, the DTPC has selected the place as one among the four locales for ‘Utsavam’, which showcases Kerala’s ethnic art forms.

“An investment of about `50 lakh is intended for the first phase of the project. One of important things about the waterway is that it could decongest the traffic from Kochi to Pallikkara. House boats, speed boats and ordinary boats can be plied in this route. DTPC along with Destination Management Committee (DMC) will overlook the project and the basic infrastructure will be readied within a few months after getting the nod from the Tourism Ministry. A new DMC will be formed under the MLA and the work will be monitored by them. Currently, big boats cannot enter the waterway as bund created in Brahmapuram is blocking the route. The collector will visit the site to clear the work in Brahmapuram area,” DTPC official said.

As part of the project, seafood restaurants and shops will be set up on the either sides of the river. “The work of the walkway is almost over. The boat operators in Thevara, Marine Drive and Pallikara are ready to ply their boats in this area. The proposal also was given for setting up DMC office on the northern side of Boat Jetty near the High Court of Kerala. The Kadambrayar is all set to become one of the tourist hubs of the Kochi city with few years time,” DTPC official said.

http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/DTPC-plans-big-for-Water-Tourism/329735.html

Public Sector Fertilisers and Chemical Travancore Ltd (FACT) and the Coir Board have signed an MoU for conducting research studies to develop a technology to convert coir pith into value added products like organic fertiliser and filler for fertiliser mixtures.

The Rs 1.50 crore joint project of FACT and Coir Board will be completed within three years and the benefits arising out which will be shared equally between the two organisations, a FACT press release said.

FACT research and Development wing will carry out the research studies for the project which will explore possibilities of reducing the adverse impact of coir pith on the environment, converting it into value added products like organic fertiliser and fillers for organic fertilizers and chemical fertiliser mixtures.

Coir pith is an organic matter left behind after extraction of coir fibre from the coconut husk. India generates about 7 lakh tonnes of coir pith per year. This was considered a waste and the dumping of it created mounts of wase leading to environmental pollution.

A process to convert this waste into value added products was discussed at various levels and the culmination of which resulted in FACT Research and Development Department being entrusted with the task of developing a technology for the same.

http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=10369076&tabId=1&channelId=-1073865030&programId=1080132912

Govt. to consider establishing WTC in Kochi as per the direction of World Trade Centers India.

Source : http://malayalam.deepikaglobal.com/latestnews.asp?ncode=84189

Govt. to consider establishing WTC in Kochi as per the direction of World Trade Centers India.

Source : http://malayalam.deepikaglobal.com/latestnews.asp?ncode=84189

:cheers::cheers:WOWWW

This is the news we were waiting for!!! So many proposals since 6 months.... I wonder where would be Kochi be after 5 years, if these all gets materialized. WTCA has earlier issued licence to Mather Group for the establishing Kochi WTC, few years back.....

The News translation runs like this


http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/2814/wtc.png

Chief Minister Ommen Chandy discussed with WTCA Business Head Head Scott, WTC India Director N. Ashokan, Bangalore WTC Chief Bose K Nair about establishing Kochi World Trade Center. The WTCA has listed down few prerequristes for Kochi WTC which the cabinet would consider soon. The WTCA has been asked to prepare a plan to be presented at Emerging Kerala to be held in Kochi in January for presenting before investors.

Currently WTC functions in Mumbai and Bangalore. If things go well, Kochi may be the 3rd Indian city to have WTC.

Another traffic park for kids

Entertainment The new park at Vytilla opposite Gold Souk, is getting attention from kids.
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00827/05komp_i-drive_GOM3_827808e.jpg
The outdoors beckon The childrens park, 'i-drive' opposite Gold Souk

School children at play at Uncle John's ‘i-drive' (park) are oblivious to the mid afternoon, 12 o'clock heat. There are greater issues at stake such as whether it is a mini-car or a cycle or a scooter that they want to ‘drive'.
The new park which is functional at Vytilla, opposite Gold Souk, is drawing kids like a magnet. While on the bridge, you have a full view of it below.

The ‘traffic park' is the brainchild of Joseph Simon, director, Uncle John. We already have a traffic system in a mini form at the children's Park in Ernakulam, though it is not in full form. The idea germinated as a result of being ‘bogged down' by the driving on Kochi roads. “Today's children are tomorrow's drivers, so I thought educating them would create responsible drivers in the future,” he says. . There was a plot of land, and everything fell into place.

The traffic park is the ideal traffic situation. Orderly ‘roads', perfect ‘pavements'…all things we crave for on our roads. Collin Gomez, assistant sales manager, offers a conducted a tour of the park. He also doubles up as teacher. “For the time being I am the traffic teacher here. I tell children about the traffic signals and rules, in short what they need to be aware.” He assures you that it is only till such time that professionals (traffic cops) step in. There are miniature traffic signals, zebra crossings, small cars (battery operated and others), bicycles etc.

‘i-drive' is the outdoors with a range of activities available which will tempt kids to abandon the TV remote, mouse or joystick. There is a trampoline, a mini-amphitheatre and stage, a small pond with a fountain complete with a bridge, there are the swings etc. Those with little children can rest assured because there are restrooms too.

Work is going on, on a skating rink (Collin adds there will be skating lessons by an instructor), a bowling machine and an enclosed space (for budding cricketers) and if that is not all there will even be a toy train. By the way, there will be go-carting too (all in the future).

All you have to do is, buy an ice-cream for Rs 20. That is your entry ticket. Licking it, enter the park! There will be a food court soon and a full fledged ice cream parlour too. These will be accommodated in a giant butterfly or is it a dragon fly? Riding the cars and the bicycles come at a price ranging from Rs. 25 per half hour upwards.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article2599165.ece

The tourism sector in Ernakulam district is all set to witness a boom as the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has some big expansion plans.

These include the implementation of the Fort Kochi-Mattanchery Heritage Zone Project, the beautification of the stretch between Willingdon Island and Kundannoor Bypass and the second phase of the Kumbalangi Tourism Village Project.:cheers:

Apart from the spots which already top the tourism chart, the government has also decided to re-develop unexplored regions like Cheranelloor, Muvattupuzha and Paravoor. A decision in this regard was taken at a high-level meeting convened by Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K V Thomas in Thiruvananthapuram the other day.

A detailed proposal for the development of the Triveni Sanagamam in Muvattupuzha to a tourist destination has already been prepared. “The Rs 11-crore project for the Triveni Sangamam include the construction of a walkway and the development of the spot. We are also working on projects for the development of Paravoor Court Complex and for setting up a theme park at Mavelipuram,” DTPC secretary P Jayasankar told Express.

Another project is to set up a Destination Management Council at Cheranelloor.

“We are working on this project. Boat jetties will be built at Cheranelloor to connect the Muziris Heritage sites with the backwaters in Kochi,” Jayasankar said. He said Rs 5 lakh had been earmarked for the second phase of development of the Kumabalangi.

“Meanwhile, the beautification of the 480-metre stretch between the Willingdon Island and Kundannoor Bypass will be done in the first phase at an estimated cost of `1 crore,” he added. The improvement of safety lighting in the Fort Kochi water edge areas, revitalisation of Mattanchery street, renovation of Fort Kochi boat jetty, improvement of the premises of Mattanchery Palace and the renovation of Kalvathy canal are some of the major components that will be included in the project.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ernakulam-to-be-tourists-paradise/199384-60-122.html

Project highlights tourism potential of Chellanam


http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00828/KI05CHELLANAMFGVC_G_828054e.jpg
Rustic charm: A scene from Chellanam.


The residents of Chellanam are trying to overcome the fate of forever being on the fringes of development priorities by forming a project to tap the tourism potential of their village.

A detailed Fort Cochin-Alappuzha Corridor Tourism (FACT) project has been prepared by the Chellanam Agri and Tourism Development Society and submitted to the authorities concerned. “The project was conceived in the light of the realisation that Chellanam was not utilising the heavy tourist movement between Fort Kochi on its northern end and Alappuzha on the south, both most sought after tourism destinations in the State. Chellanam has 15.5 km of pristine beach stretch, backwaters and rural tourism to present,” said K. Xavier Julappan, president of the society.

Among the spots being highlighted as part of the project are Kannamali beach that extends up to 400 metres and smaller beach fronts at Cheriyakadavu, Gonduparambu and Kandekadu, the 5.25 km stretch of Kalathara-Kallencheri backwater, the 4 km stretch of Erattathodu-Chakkarachal backwater, the 11-km long Vijayan Canal and the 11-km-long Thekkan Pozhi that extends up to Andhakaranazhi Beach.

The project report said that Kannamali beach held the potential of developing into a major tourist site, especially with the beach vanishing from Fort Kochi due to change in tidal patterns and the next nearest beach being Cherai, which is 25 km away.

Chellanam is also planning to develop on the lines of its more famous neighbouring village Kumbalanghi, which is the first model tourism village in the country.

It has been proposed that homestays and art centres to showcase traditional art and cultural forms could be established as it is done in Kumbalanghi.

While Kumbalanghi showcased itself as a fisherman's village, Chellanam is proposing to tap the potential of village agri-tourism.

“The village can also highlight traditional craftsmen engaged in making of country boats and traditional fishermen in action,” said Mr. Julappan.

In the long run, advanced tourism projects like Kannamali Marine project, Kalathara Water Sports Tourism project and backwater and canal-related projects can be taken up, the project report suggested. Copies of the project have been presented to Union Minister of State for Food K.V. Thomas, Dominic Presentation, MLA; P.I. Sheikh Pareed, District Collector and Jayasankar, secretary of DTPC.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2599961.ece

:cheers::cheers:WOWWW

This is the news we were waiting for!!! So many proposals since 6 months.... I wonder where would be Kochi be after 5 years, if these all gets materialized. WTCA has earlier issued licence to Mather Group for the establishing Kochi WTC, few years back.....

The News translation runs like this

Then what is the licence for mather . some confusion here ..

from shaffi mathers website
"Shaffi is working to facilitate the establishment of WTC Hyderabad and WTC Cochin soon. "

:http://www.shaffimather.org/Entrepreneurship_social4_worldtradecentre_india.html

Has Nest Electronic City construction started?

Then what is the licence for mather . some confusion here ..

from shaffi mathers website
"Shaffi is working to facilitate the establishment of WTC Hyderabad and WTC Cochin soon. "

:http://www.shaffimather.org/Entrepreneurship_social4_worldtradecentre_india.html

They are facilitators to the project. They too require large developers to support it. Previous govt did nothing to support such initiatives and with recession affecting scope of getting quality investors was down...

Now with active govt support along with project this as part of Emerging Kerala event, I am sure they may get a suitable co-developer like how they got Brigade for Bangalore WTC.....

Chinese nets on Fort Kochi waterfronts in for better times


http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00829/05kijlp01_dtpc_nets_829081e.jpg


Sixteen Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi and Vypeen will benefit from the Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council's project to revive the nets to their past glory.

The total cost works out to Rs 1.50 crore (a one-time corpus) and the detailed project report is ready. The scheme would be implemented by constituting a society which would procure the costly teak logs used to support the nets. The DTPC has also chalked out a plan to bring value-addition to the nets which are an indelible icon of Kochi for the past many centuries and also a major tourist attraction.

The subsidy-linked resurgence package of the nets was carried out with Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) as the consultants. An architect has readied the drawings and worked out the cost.

The convenor of INTACH's Kerala chapter K.J. Sohan said that the organisation had taken up the matter with the National Culture Fund. “The heritage value of the nets must be retained at any cost since the Fort Kochi beach would wear a barren look without the nets. What is needed is a government order on supplying teak wood to the fishermen at a subsidised rate. The escalation in price of teak has led many fishermen to opt for iron pipes, which spoil the aesthetics of the nets,” he said.

Many net operators gave up fishing and dismantled the nets because of the prohibitive price of teak and the fall in fish catch due to pollution.

This apart, encroachers who have put up stalls all along the beach front hamper a view of the famed nets, the beach and ships passing by. They continue to create problems for tourists, despite the government allotting them 64 kiosks in Fort Kochi as part of a rehabilitation drive.

The DTPC also plans to tidy the locale's waterfront and restore the heritage value of the bus stand plaza. “We have also drawn up a plan to raise the height of the pavements in the heritage zone. A plan is also afoot to renovate the Nehru Park, Parade Ground and Santa Cruz ground,” said T.N. Jayasankar, the DTPC secretary.

He reminded that Fort Kochi won many international awards about nine years ago for heritage conservation. “All this is a thing of the past and crass commercialisation is ruining the locale,” he said.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2603121.ece

More than five years after the reclamation of the land along the Ernakulam Tourist Boat Jetty, it will now be handed over to the Tourism Department.

The move is expected to give the much-needed impetus to the investments in the potential tourist spot in the city. The 2.7 acres of land was reclaimed with the funds of the Tourism department.

But further development of the area has been delayed owing to the uncertainty over the ownership of the land.

The State government has now ordered the transfer of land to the Tourism Department.

The current decision is expected to boost the long pending infrastructure development including power supply in the area, development of the walkway from Subash Park to Rajendra Maidan, leasing out the government buildings around jetty, electrification of the lamp posts, development of the KSRTC bus station and so on.

Though the Tourism Department had funded the construction of the Tourist Boat Jetty and the land reclamation work the title deed was not transferred to the department.

“Since the land was not devolved to the Tourism Department, it had been reluctant to invest in the area. There was uncertainty that after the investment the land might go into the hands of the GCDA or the Corporation.

But more importantly, since the title deed was not given, the buildings were not allotted numbers and the power supply was denied. At the time of the inauguration, the main boat jetty building alone got power supply due to the intervention of the then Mayor,” said a senior official with the Tourism Directorate in Kochi.

Due to the absence of power supply the seven other buildings built in the area could not be leased out. Even the walkways on the second floor of the boat jetty building could not be opened to the public.

“The delay in the transfer of the document was mainly because it was reclaimed land. There are several procedures when it comes to the transfer of reclaimed land. But since the government order is given, we will be sending a proposal at the earliest. The transfer is expected to happen within a month,” District Collector P I Sheikh Pareeth said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/boat-jetty-area-on-wings-of-development-hopes/199706-60-122.html

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PXuezopE4oE/Tq_a1rarxII/AAAAAAAAAPk/fyVSvPUpSAI/s640/IMG-20110807-00112.jpg

Fort Kochi Park Area

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bf4XYnI-rcU/Tq_a5PjOLoI/AAAAAAAAAPs/dNz_REDfR3c/s640/IMG-20110807-00115.jpg

The Colonial area of Fort Kochi

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RnP1kO5GnF8/Tq_bGPcNl_I/AAAAAAAAAQY/ePA1WDywW0s/s640/IMG-20110925-00254.jpg

Sea-View decks at Fort Kochi's promenade walkway.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KVQExJjVkhc/Tq_bMsR8f5I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/uuY7N7c6phQ/s512/IMG-20110828-00158.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ok_sGMqah9Y/Tq_bMN9tX_I/AAAAAAAAAQs/Z4HdeYHol34/s512/IMG-20110828-00159.jpg

The heritage Jew Street

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CEZuc5M2FwQ/TrVM6QVX3lI/AAAAAAAAaww/XhLZ8xq8nVc/s640/KER_20111025_162557.jpg

Sexy Fort Kochi Ave 1 during Monsoons.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SRzjC0L1rGg/TrVMyKyo6GI/AAAAAAAAawg/pcHbqip6FWs/s640/KER_20111025_160945.jpg

The 700 year old Chinese Fishing Nets, spread around, welcoming visitors around the world to the most beautiful natural harbour of Kochi.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-44_j-h8Rd0k/TrVMwPi1XnI/AAAAAAAAawc/RNDoID_KFIM/s640/KER_20111025_160923.jpg

Currently 11 heritage original Chinese nets are there in Kochi. More conservation and renovations are planned to keep the last remaining original nets intact as testimony of Indo-Chinese relations.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IXroKaChZuc/TrVMVafTqII/AAAAAAAAavk/2TqyQT6gDbo/s640/KER_20111024_165814.jpg

The Fort Kochi Sea Promenade Walkway

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zzHNsVkcCpo/TrVMRRE-l7I/AAAAAAAAavc/KmACBnV_yI8/s640/KER_20111024_154611.jpg

Its always never ending sea in front of the Promenade Walkway Decks.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n0ifO2RVJ_0/TrVMPnUWdnI/AAAAAAAAavY/bcJY8KZ7qZg/s640/KER_20111024_154534.jpg

Vast expanses of seas is a breathtaking view from the Promenade.

Kochi's favourite viewpoints

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8bklCjiaDpM/To-FqUYXY-I/AAAAAAAAAqk/6FArHoPEuVw/s640/Alfa%252520Serene%252520Aug11%252520018.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ETK-GO3Ewmw/To-FqqkadPI/AAAAAAAAAqo/eGhd4gL-t1s/s640/Alfa%252520Serene%252520Aug11%252520019.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hf_S40EgqxU/To-FrAlsoWI/AAAAAAAAAqs/CEv7x4C-L5M/s640/Alfa%252520Serene%252520Aug11%252520020.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hts84M9hqNQ/To-FszsTBFI/AAAAAAAAAq0/muCA4-rzYQk/s640/Alfa%252520Serene%252520Aug11%252520022.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p73_YRZ0-Fk/To-Ft2P0ZAI/AAAAAAAAAq8/jyGspgByFlE/s640/Alfa%252520Serene%252520Aug11%252520024.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dwJa2kOymtc/To-GEL4HMyI/AAAAAAAAAs8/6IZbw2gKDa0/s640/Alfa%252520Serene%252520Aug11%252520056.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-H2WZom8ZOAg/To-GVHsaEZI/AAAAAAAAAuY/6gVd6geI5ts/s640/Alfa%252520Serene%252520Aug11%252520080.jpg

The views from Maradu River with Le Meridien, Intercontinental, BPCL Office and lots of greenery.

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Palarivattom-Civil Lanes Road

^^

Awesome pictures! :)

Kochi's favourite viewpoints

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The views from Maradu River with Le Meridien, Intercontinental, BPCL Office and lots of greenery.

What a beauty! :cheers:

The Bolgatty Palace, now a KTDC heritage hotel, the Dutch Palace at Mattancherry and the David Hall in Fort Kochi are among the surviving monuments to the Dutch colonial rule in the 17th and 18th centuries in Kochi.

The Dutch, who had arrived on the Kerala coast in 1604, a full century after the Portuguese landed, overthrew the Portuguese from Kochi in 1663.

The Dutch sway continued until 1773.

For scientists and academicians, the most important relic of the Dutch past is the great botanical classic ‘Hortus Malabaricus' (literally, the garden of Malabar), which is a detailed treatise on over 700 plants, herbs and trees found in Kerala during the 17 {+t} {+h} century. The book was conceived by the then Governor of Kerala, Hendrik van Rheede.

It took van Rheede 30 years to complete the book (with a lot of inputs from Itty Achuthan, an ayurvedic scholar of herbs from Cherthala.) ‘Hortus' was published in 12 volumes from Amsterdam during 1678-93.

Hortus Malabaricus will be among several pieces of cultural heritage of the Dutch past of Kerala that will be put on show during a ‘Dutch heritage day' to be held in Kochi next March.

The Dutch day will be a sequel to the India heritage day celebrated in The Hague in Netherlands last month. “The Dutch heritage day will celebrate the long trade and cultural relations between India and the Netherlands,” said E. Muhammed Afsal, policy advisor at the Dutch embassy in Delhi.

“A composite programme consisting of art, academics, archaeology and heritage conservation is being chalked out.” Mr. Afsal said the Dutch heritage day would coincide with the opening of the first phase of the Muziris Heritage Tourism project with which the Dutch are collaborating. The Dutch are also partnering with the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which will showcase art from around the globe.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2605379.ece

WOW! Top Shots MI^^

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awesome pics , truly urban ...

sad greenery is making its way out .... chilavanoor lake will also disappear soon it seems...

3rd & 4th railway line in Ekm-Shr section soon

The Railway has started the process to build 3rd railway line on the congested Ernakulam-Shoranur stretch. Considering the growth in traffic in lieu of ICTT, they are planning to build the 4th line along with the 3rd line construction.

The 4th line will be exclusively for ICTT and the feasability study for the same has been assigned to Traffic cum Engineering Survey.

The 106.85 km Kochi-Shrnur section is the busiest railway stretch in the state.

ഷൊര്ണൂര്- കൊച്ചി നാലാം ലൈനിനു റയില്വേ നീക്കം

തൃശൂര്: ഷൊര്ണൂര് - കൊച്ചി റയില് ഇടനാഴിയിലെ ഗതാഗതക്കുരുക്ക് ഒഴിവാക്കുന്നതിനു നാലാമത്തെ ലൈന് നിര്മിക്കുന്നതിനു റയില്വേ ശ്രമങ്ങള് ആരംഭിച്ചു. നിലവിലെ തിരക്കിനു പരിഹാരമായി മൂന്നാം ലൈന് നിര്മിക്കുന്നതിനു നേരത്തെ ശ്രമം ആരംഭിച്ച റയില്വേ, വല്ലാര്*പാടം കണ്ടെയ്നര് ടെര്മിനല് മുന്നില് കണ്ടാണു നാലാം ലൈന് കൂടി പരിഗണിക്കുന്നത്.

വല്ലാര്പാടം കണ്ടെയ്നര് ടെര്മിനല് പൂര്ത്തിയാകുന്നതോടെ ചരക്കു ഗതാഗതത്തിനായി മാത്രം ഒരു ലൈന് മാറ്റിയിടേണ്ടി വരുമെന്നാണു റയില്വേയുടെ നിഗമനം. നാലാം ലൈന് സാധ്യമാണോയെന്നും ഭാവിയില് ലാഭകരമാകുമോയെന്നും കണ്ടെത്തുന്നതിനും വേണ്ടി ട്രാഫിക് കം എന്ജിനീയറിങ് സര്വേക്ക് നിര്ദേശം നല്കി. സംസ്ഥാനത്ത് ഏറ്റവും കൂടുതല് തിരക്ക് അനുഭവപ്പെടുന്ന ഇടനാഴിയാണു ഷൊര്ണൂര് മുതല് കൊച്ചി വരെയുള്ള 106.85 കിലോമീറ്റര് ദൂരം. എന്നാല് ഒട്ടേറെ വളവുകളും ചെറിയ കയറ്റങ്ങളുമുള്ള ഈ മേഖലയിലെ പാതയില് വേഗം കുറച്ചാണു ട്രെയിനുകള് സഞ്ചരിക്കുന്നത്. മൂന്നും നാലും പാതകളുടെ നിര്മാണം ഒരുമിച്ചു പൂര്ത്തിയാക്കുന്നതിനാണു റയില്വേയുടെ നീക്കം.

കേരളത്തില് മെമു ആരംഭിക്കുന്നതിനും നാലുവരി പാത സഹായകരമാകും. കൊങ്കണ് മേഖലയിലെയും സേലം മേഖലയിലെയും ട്രെയിനുകള് ഇടതടവില്ലാതെ ഓടുന്ന ഷൊര്ണൂര്- കൊച്ചി മേഖലയില് നിലവില് പാതയുടെ 140 ശതമാനം വരെയാണ് ഉപയോഗിക്കപ്പെടുന്നത്. കേരളത്തിലെ റയില് ഗതാഗതത്തിലെ വര്ധന കണക്കിലെടുത്തു ലൈനുകളുടെ എണ്ണം കൂട്ടുന്നതിനു തൃശൂര് റയില്വേ പാസഞ്ചേഴ്സ് അസോസിയേഷന് ഏറെക്കാലമായി ശ്രമം നടത്തിയിരുന്നു.

Manorama (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?programId=1073753765&contentId=10373976&tabId=11)

awesome pics , truly urban ...

sad greenery is making its way out .... chilavanoor lake will also disappear soon it seems...

Chilavanoor Lake is getting spoiled with the water hyacinth due to restricting the water with bund at Bund road and other end being dumped with mud....

Once the water metro starts, this entire lake would come back to life and its essential for the beauty and eco-balance of the city

City Veterans Speaks about issues and problems which Kochi faces as a growing Metro. A report worth to consider where we need to change....

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S Krishnakumar, former Ernakulam Collector and former Union Minister, is one of the chief architects of modern Kochi. On the 10th anniversary of City Express, Krishnakumar pens down the journey of the city in the past 10 years and his vision for its future.

The Kochi port is a gift of nature to Kerala. Formed some seven centuries ago when a major flood hit the banks of the Periyar, the Kochi port replaced the Kodungalloor port as a major centre of trade. It was developed at various stages, by the rulers of the Cochin state and later by various governments. Gradually, there was a confluence of connectivity, including roads, shipping and aviation, around the port.

Owing to these inherent advantages Kochi naturally emerged as the industrial and commercial capital of Kerala. From then on the development of Kochi became synonymous with the development of the hinterland around itthe Greater Cochin area. There has been several phases in the development of the area.

Sir Robert Bristow who developed the Willingdon Island was one. Another stalwart who shaped Kochi’s development was V K Krishna Menon.
The list is a long one.These men brought about planned development to the city.

But now what is happening is unplanned haphazard growth like the one that is seen in Mattancherry.

The GCDA’s developmental plan laid out 30 years ago clearly spells out several components that are required for the city. In the past 10 years a number of these have materialised as per the plan, including the Container Terminal at Vallarpadom, the LNG terminal and the Goshree Island bridges. But many components like drainage, water supply, traffic congestion etc have been ignored. The main failure of these projects is the lack of attention specifically to the Kochi city. There is a failure of town planning at the administrative level.

Powers have been taken away from institutions like the GCDA and given to local self-government bodies. The planning for an entire region cannot be handled by a panchayat or a municipality.

There is an absolute lack of imagination at the level of town planning.
In many bodies associated with city planning, appointments are based on political affiliations, group loyalties or on the basis of community.

This should be changed. Thirty years ago we were able to reclaim land from the sea. Later, the land was was given to the corporation. But today the same organisation is selling off land to private parties. The open public places in the city are being transferred to private hands. This could become a grave issue in the future.

The main resource in a city like Kochi is the increase in land value. But the government is not able to consolidate the benefits of this addition to land value since a vast portion of land in the city is in the hands of private players.
The addition in land value is attained through infrastructural development.
But this is given scant attention. Earlier, we had proposed a body to take care of the infrastructure of the entire city. This body must have representatives from both the Central and state governments. Unless something like this comes up, the city can only have haphazard and unplanned growth. Owing to the unplanned growth we are still struggling with problems like poor drainage system which other countries have solved centuries ago.

Cover rural POCKETS

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Many have echoed Mahatma Gandhi’s sentiments that India lives in its villages.

The population is more concentrated in villages and any developmental programme must reach rural pockets also, said Justice V R Krishna Iyer.

Today the craze is for urban development. Slums, absence of good accommodation and basic needs make towns ugly and fi lthy. Our cities are marred by concrete jungles where human beings live like insects, without the dignity of true development.When I ask Mayors about their plan for the city, they have no meaningful answers. When you enter villages there is nothing civilized there. Our villages must receive more attention. More civilized facilities such as potable water, sports facilities and communication possibilities are needed in villages

City has changed A LOT

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A feel of freshness and sanctity pervaded the air when I set foot in Kochi in 1954. The cool breeze from the river and backwater caressed the city and a pleasant smell wafted. The warmth of the sun spread as it rose, with no high rises to mar the view of the horizon. It was common to see women walking to the temples in clean clothes in the morning and evening. Cycle rickshaws took you around and life moved at a leisurely pace. Uplifting was the ambience.
Women were safe, abuse or eve-teasing was unheard of, men did pass trivial comments though, said journalist Leela Menon. But things have changed for the worse since industrialisation. Population explosion, vehicle explosion and pollution are choking Kochi.

Make the city LIVEABLE

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Kochi Corporation Town Planning Committee chairman K J Sohan is of the opinion that though the city is being projected as one of the fast growing metros in the country, it is yet to attain the status of a ‘livable’ city. “To make the city livable, we will have to work on the fundamentals. Priority should be given to basic needs of society, including drinking water, healthy environment and better access to the opportunities that a city generates,” Sohan said. Cities are known as angels of growth and to fully utilise the benefi ts of this growth, our priorities should be right. “For instance, a well-planned public transport system is essential to create better access for the public to the opportunities created by the city

A film hub in the MAKING

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With its proper geographical positioning and true metro characteristics, Kochi has emerged as a fi lm hub in the past few years, observes fi lmmaker Siddique.

“Other than the multiplexes, all other theatres in the city are more than 30 years old and they remained without any refurbishment till 10 years ago. It was during the last ten years that the city theatres got a real facelift.

Theatres like Sridar and Padma were renovated and multiplexes were introduced in the city,” he says.

Another important change, he says, is the change in theatre culture. “Family audience is returning to the theatres as they can now watch fi lms without any external distractions. Even the spending pattern has changed as they are ready to pay extra money

Private investment SHOULD GO UP

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Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Managing Director, V-Guard Industries Ltd, expressed his concern over the disparity between private investment and infrastructural development in the city. In the past ten years, a number of multi-storey buildings have come up across the city and the roads are now fl ooded with expensive cars. But at the same time the infrastructural development in the city has not kept pace with this. In the past ten years there has hardly been any major roads laid down in the city. As such there is an increase in congestion.

So what we fi nd is a clear imbalance, he said. The buying power of the people has gone up but the infrastructure has not kept pace with this.


Increase in floating POPULATION

The major change in the city during the past ten years is the increase in the floating population. This has acted as a catalyst for the real estate industry.
Till 1992, the number of housing complexes was below 10. Now the number is over 100. What attracted people to Kochi is nothing but the fact that it is a growing city. Expectation on mega projects such as Vallarpadam Container Terminal and Smart City have attracted people to Kochi. But the unfortunate fact is that the infrastructure in the city remained the same, though the number of people increased. The construction of Goshree bridges and the linking of Vypeen island with the city is the major achievement on the infrastructure side. It is to be noted that the project was implemented not on a BOT basis.

City GROWING

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Gradually Kochi is becoming alien to its natives. There is no doubt that the city has grown but along with the growth, migrants have pocketed major hubs which had led Kochiities to the suburbs, says former Mayor C M Dinesh Mani. The city has not been scientifi cally planned. This would lead to many issues in the coming years, he said. “Kochi will become a hell for all if the authorities did not have a proper vision,” he said. Kochi has come across many big projects that have pushed the city towards the suburbs, he added. “The city has become a place unfi t for living,” he said. He also feels that the city was losing its rich culture and tradition. Mall culture and fl at culture have carved into the heart of the city, he said

Infrastructure woes REMAIN

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Recalling the development that took place in the city in the past ten years, Deepak Ashwani, the chairman of Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Kochi is the fastest growing city in the state. However, issues like infrastructure have not been addressed all through the years.

He expressed concern over the upcoming Metro project that would affect the business community in the city. “One of the major issues with the city is lack of infrastructure for the development of trade and commerce. This has been a major issue with the city during the last decade. Around 200 to 300 vehicles arrive on the roads of Kochi every day. But unfortunately we don’t have any proper roads in the city.” He pointed out that the Metro railway has already done enough damage to the business community in Kochi.

City has lost old VALUES

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The city has grown much and with the growth it has lost some of the old values, feels Excise Minister K Babu. When Kochi grew, the people and their culture changed that has almost changed the face of the city, he says. “It is quite natural for a city to change itself with its growth. Now we lack the love and the helping mentality that used to be there years back,” Babu said and added that life has become fast now. Even in political life, changes can be felt.

Feeling a decline in the political culture, Babu says that the intimacy and love that was felt among the politicians have been lost somewhere. Recapturing the fi rst days when he landed in Kochi along with his grandfather, he says: “I see a great change in the city."

More focus on BUSINESS

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Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K V Thomas feels the city has lost the age-old love and intimacy. “There was a time when love and intimacy fl ourished in the city. Even politicians belonging to different parties had respect and love for each other,” he said. And this intimacy, love and bondage have been lost somewhere. Remembering the days when the entire city was part of the festival of the Eranakulathappan temple, Thomas says that nowadays there is not much life in these festivals. “Today, everything is looked upon on the basis of business,” he notes. The small hotels that used to sell delicious foods are a lost memory for Thomas.

City Express (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/soaring-hopes-for-growing-metro/200240-60-122.html)

Interview with Mayor and Opposition leader


It has been a year since the UDF-led Kochi Corporation came to power and citizens expected that the new council would be better than the erstwhile LDF-led council.

However, a year later, the new council is yet to fulfil its election manifesto. Deccan Chronicle, in a four-part series, looks at the widening gap between peoples’ expectations and what the Corporation has delivered. In this concluding part, Mayor Mr Tony Chammany, and opposition leader, Mr K.J. Jacob, have their say.

DC: What is your major achievement during the last one year?

Mayor Chammany: It was just a starting period for us. The major highlight is the improvement in road conditions within and outside the city. Road repair work was undertaken on a war-footing and almost all roads have been resurfaced or repaired. By December-end or mid-January, repairing of all roads will be completed.

Q: What has been the amount spent for this?

A: Roughly, `60 crore. Besides funds from the Corporation, money has come in from the public works department and the People’s Plan.

Q: Water scarcity is a major problem in the city. How do you propose to tackle it?

A: Yes, it is a burning issue. We are banking on the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission-funded Muvattupuzha drinking water project; work is progressing. State has given Rs11 crore for land acquisition. The project is expected to bring an additional 100 mld of water to the city and adjoining areas.

Q: Traffic snarls are a bane of this city as also waste management. What steps are you taking to tackle these issues?

A: As part of decongesting city roads and promoting water transport, the council proposes to constitute a company on the lines of the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL). Formalities are being worked out. Efforts are on to set up a new plant at Brahmapuram, to tackle the solid waste disposal.

City lacks proper sewerage: Jacob

DC: How do you rate the performance of the Kochi Corporation?

KJ Jacob: The performance has failed to meet the people’s expectations. The ruling Congress front has failed to address some of the major issues of the city and they seem to be least concerned.

Q: What are the main issues?

A: Solid waste management, water scarcity, construction of flyovers (Atlantis and Pachalam), sewerage plant and lack of transparency in the corporation office administration are the major issues.

Q: What are the solutions?

A: To resolve water scarcity, Muvattupuzha drinking water project has to be commissioned. It will augment the drinking water supply to the suburbs, including West Kochi and the neighbouring coastal panchayats.

Q: What about the issue of sewerage treatment?

A: Sadly, the city does not have an effective sewerage system. The Elamkulam plant should be used effectively for areas such as Panampilly Nagar and Kadavantra.

Q:How effective has the administration been?

A: Office administration in the corporation is not transparent. Officials have little commitment to their work. They need to be strictly monitored. Even after the opening of Janasevanakendram, people are not getting certificates on time.

Q: But all things cannot be bad. What has been one major achievement of the present council?

A: The council has succeeded in slightly improving the condition of roads in the city. Most roads were not motorable, but things have changed during the past one year. All agencies have done road repair and patchwork.

Interview says that condition of roads have improved..i am not sure about this .Has it really improved.

I also wonder why work on atlantis and pachalam rob hasnt really taken off even though JNURM funds are available

കൊച്ചി മെട്രോയെ വായനക്കാര്* വിളിക്കുന്നു: കോമെറ്റ് (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&programId=1079897624&contentId=10394675&district=Cochin&BV_ID=@@@)
Readers (Manorama) Suggest the name KOMET for Kochi Metro

കൊച്ചി മെട്രോയെ വായനക്കാര്* വിളിക്കുന്നു: കോമെറ്റ് (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&programId=1079897624&contentId=10394675&district=Cochin&BV_ID=@@@)
Readers (Manorama) Suggest the name KOMET for Kochi Metro


how come parvathy omanakuttan in the expert panel:ohno:..anyhow, nice selection..thanks to dir sidique

Metro manorama started campaigning for Muvattupuzha district..

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?district=Cochin&contentId=10366875&programId=1079897624&tabId=16&BV_ID=@@@

it think if the govt wants to create a new district, they should give preference to devide malappuram dist between coastal areas and eastern hillocks..

Metro manorama started campaigning for Muvattupuzha district..

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?district=Cochin&contentId=10366875&programId=1079897624&tabId=16&BV_ID=@@@

it think if the govt wants to create a new district, they should give preference to devide malappuram dist between coastal areas and eastern hillocks..

Well, Bifurcation of Ernakulam district was a necessity untill 2000 to make Kochi Urban and Rural.

But in today's context, I don't think so, it has any further meaning, as developments of Kochi has spilled out eastern sides with several parts of proposed Muvattupuzha becoming key for Kochi's IT map, Perumbavoor-Kalady side becoming a major real estate activity center etc.....

I feel, the chances for such is too less, as now its well opposed by real estate and business lobbies.

കൊച്ചി മെട്രോയെ വായനക്കാര്* വിളിക്കുന്നു: കോമെറ്റ് (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&programId=1079897624&contentId=10394675&district=Cochin&BV_ID=@@@)
Readers (Manorama) Suggest the name KOMET for Kochi Metro

Nice name. :applause:

how come parvathy omanakuttan in the expert panel:ohno:..anyhow, nice selection..thanks to dir sidique

To quote one of my professors, "She got some idea!"

I feel, KOMET is a prefect branding..... It can be branded iconically like New York's Subway or London's Tube.....

According to the National Housing Bank’s (NHB) Residex , the property prices in Kochi rose by 24.42 per cent in the second quarter of the current fiscal. But realtors in Kochi say that though there is a rise in prices, the demand for properties has diminished considerably in the past eight months.

According to them, the volume of sales so far this year may come to 200 acres within the city and outskirts, which is very less compared to the huge volume of sales that Kochi had witnessed soon after the announcement of the Smart City project.

The unavailability of property at prime locations, including MG Road, has prompted buyers to look for land on the suburbs of the city. The stretches along the National Highway from Edappally to Maradu, Kakkanad and Thrikkakara are still the favourite locations for genuine buyers. But the hot spot which has now become the ‘flipping’ hub is Edappally.

Flipping refers to purchase of a revenue-generating asset and quickly reselling it for profit. “Flipping was high around the Smart City area when the project was announced. Now, it is Edappally where flipping is happening. The main reason is that the place is expected to witness huge development once the Lulu Mall becomes functional. Here, you will get more than double when you flip,” an experienced agent who used to fix land deals told Express.

He said market manipulation is also high in Kochi. “Market manipulation is a deliberate attempt to create demand by altering the market rates of property. Determining the fair market value (FMV) will not be possible and the buyer will go in for the price range offered by the mediators,” he added. According to realtors, the price of a cent of land within the city now ranges from `45 lakh to 60 lakh, and near the Bypass the estimated cost per cent falls between `20 lakh and 27 lakh. “The sale of large volume of land usually takes place on the outskirts where a cent of land costs from `1 lakh to 1.5 lakh,” he added.
However, the role of brokers in land deals has come down. And for big land deals, it is business tycoons who play the role of mediators.

“The involvement of such mediators will minimise the risk factor, political and legal hurdles. Usually such mediators gain something between `5 crore and 6 crore for a single deal,” sources said.

Another group that gains profit out of land sales is the land-filling mafia. “They are active on the outskirts. If a person purchases land and goes in for land filling, these people will come up with protest. The landowner will have to go in for a compromise with their leader who will later be ready for a settlement. After getting the settlement amount, the mafia will offer the landowner its help in filling the land for a lower amount,” sources added.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/land-prices-beyond-reach/200691-60-122.html

Prestige has 5 projects in Kochi

Neptune Courtyard
Forum Mall
TMS Square?? - 3.5 lac office space ? no idea where this is

two more projects are there ....

http://www.prestigeconstructions.com/investors/pdf/q2-fy-2012-investor-presentation.pdf

Way to go for Kochi...Amazing to see so many national players in our city.

There are plenty of office space comming up..I really wish atleast some of them can be changed into IT space..Preferably in a SEZ

Expected start date is 2012 for Forum Mall..Thats okay considering the fact that we have 3 more malls expected to open in coming 1-1.5 years which itself will take the count to 6 :)

Forum and GIP will be the icing on the cake..:) Expect them by 2016

Prestige has 5 projects in Kochi

Neptune Courtyard
Forum Mall
TMS Square?? - 3.5 lac office space ? no idea where this is

two more projects are there ....

http://www.prestigeconstructions.com/investors/pdf/q2-fy-2012-investor-presentation.pdf

Well, thanks KMC for the report..... Well, once again its confirmed that Forum Mall project is going to be start by 2012, avoiding all doubts.....

TMS Square, I am not sure, there is some levelling works happening near Infopark Expressway, somewhere opposite to second side road to Rajagiri. A board with Prestige's logo has been displayed there. I am not sure whether its this project or some ad of Prestige project going to come up there......

Since the area is booming with lot of office projects, I have a feeling, it might referring to this. This is the only work happening currently in that stretch.

Forum Mall seems to be too big from what I expected..... 9.1 lakh sqft GLA Mall, 5.5 Lakh sqft of Hospitality and 2 lakh sqft of office space, which means a total built up space of 1.6 million sqft facility....

I feel, Kochi will be of different league city after 5 years....

Once we have more projects Infopark expressway can be very well converted into an small IT Corridor..:)

Maradu is turning out to be the best strech in Kochi..With Audi,BMW,MERC's and porsche,GIP and Forum also expected to open in another 4 years...:) Fortunately we have great 6 lane strech there which adds to the class

Best part of having top national players like DLF,Puravankara,Prestige etc is that the final product is in a different league...Just imagine how kakkanad would look once DLF new town heights is fully ready..Similary Neptune Courtyard is already one of the best realty projects in the country..even in the U/C stage most of us are awestruck by its beauty...

BTW.Retail is one hell of sector when it comes to employement generation...Not in class of IT tho..but its a very young sector which helps a city's growth and is a clear indication of Economic progress.

I bought an apt near Sarovaram in anticipation :horse:

It all begins with what I call 'decent employment', ie employment that provides disposable income, and a means and need to spend it. IT business fits the bill perfectly. so does Tourism, electronics manufacturing, automotive plants etc. The disposable income feeds retail, entertainment and lifestyle, which itself generate semi-decent employment. All these action on the side generate regular employment that feeds regular economy.

The advantage we have is, from beginning we are not a one trick pony. We began with the port, but diversified into trading and manufacturing early on. Same goes with the modern businesses. There is a healthy mix of IT, tourism, manufacturing and other businesses. This is the advantage of being controlled by the market forces and not by government planning. As far as we can see, the same pattern is going to continue.

I am disappointed that Kunjali is putting the Amballoor Electronics City project in freezer. Now that Jacobettan is no more, I am seriously concerned about that project. We need more of such modern manufacturing industry around to feed the lower rungs of middle class. We also need an entry into automotive field.

^^ Good Investment boss.

I am firm believer that KOCHI is KOCHI just because of its strategic location. No other district is surrounded by 4 other districts in kerala. Any business here gets a share from neighbouring districts :) Its a pakka business city...most of the business men here dont have roots in kochi..thats the interesting part..:)

Amballor Electronic City ..Well..Even I dont have much hopes..Btw..any idea abt NEST's Electronic City project.?.I happen to see some construction updates on their website .

The info I get about NeST is that construction is progressing.

Here are the images grabbed from the website

http://www.nestinfratech.com/thumbs/e14.jpg

http://www.nestinfratech.com/thumbs/e11.jpg

http://www.nestinfratech.com/thumbs/e17.jpg

District boundaries are, just like city limits, are arbitrary. So, bound by four districts doesn't mean much. But being connected by water through the four major rivers to the vast interior is what fueled the development of the city. The vast region from Chalakkudy to Pathanamthitta is connected by water, which enabled the British to loot the resources in that region and channel them out of the port.

The info I get about NeST is that construction is progressing.

Here are the images grabbed from the website

http://www.nestinfratech.com/thumbs/e14.jpg

http://www.nestinfratech.com/thumbs/e11.jpg

http://www.nestinfratech.com/thumbs/e17.jpg

Woww... Good to see they are making fast progress..... Hope to see it at the earilest

I bought an apt near Sarovaram in anticipation :horse:

I am disappointed that Kunjali is putting the Amballoor Electronics City project in freezer. Now that Jacobettan is no more, I am seriously concerned about that project. We need more of such modern manufacturing industry around to feed the lower rungs of middle class. We also need an entry into automotive field.

Well, with Piravom election becoming so crucial to this govt's stability, I have a strong feeling that a hype for the project might be created in next 6 months, so that people will have sure positive feeling for UDF..... And once a hype is sowed, its pretty easy to make it grow.

Projects in Kochi by http://www.ajitassociates.com/images/logo.jpg (http://www.ajitassociates.com/index.php)


Quest School for Excellence
Area: 30k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/img_project90.jpg

Bhavans Royal Institute of Management (BRIM)
Area: 30k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/02842.jpg

Maritime University
Area: 35 acres
Status: Proposal Submitted
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/03639.jpg

Ice Cube Shopping Centre
Area: 15k sq ft
Status: Nearing completion
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/00291.jpg

Devaswom Tower - Vytilla
Area: 1,80k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/00368.jpg

KSEB Head Quarters - Palarivattom
Area: 1,70k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/01046.jpg

Police Head Quarters
Area: 1,20k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/01223.jpg

KINFRA Biotech Park - Kalamassery
Area: 5,50k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/01450.jpg

Dream 5 Star Hotel - Vytilla
Area: 3,60k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/01611.jpg

Beach Resort - Cherai
Area: 2.03 Acres
Status: Design Completed
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/01878.jpg

City Lagoon - Silversand Island
Area: 3,00k sq ft
Status: Concept
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/03946.jpg

4 Star Convention Centre - Aluva
Area: 30k sq ft
Status: Master Plan Completed
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/04230.jpg

Chottanikkara Temple
Area: 1,00k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/04353.jpg

Navarathri Mandapam - Chottanikkara
Area: 25k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/04916.jpg

Ramakrishna Math
Area: 35k sq ft
Status: Proposed
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/05142.jpg

Inter Religious Dialogue Centre
Area: 30k sq ft
Status: Design Submitted
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/05290.jpg

Army Welfare Housing Org. - Indian Army Residential
Area: 4,50k sq ft
Status: On Site
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/05778.jpg

[QUOTE=mohammedirshad06;85529482]Well, thanks KMC for the report..... Well, once again its confirmed that Forum Mall project is going to be start by 2012, avoiding all doubts.....

TMS Square, I am not sure, there is some levelling works happening near Infopark Expressway, somewhere opposite to second side road to Rajagiri. A board with Prestige's logo has been displayed there. I am not sure whether its this project or some ad of Prestige project going to come up there......
QUOTE]

they have project at kakkanad , i have heard that before ....

how big the plot is ?

Cabinet to consider Kochi Metro in 2 weeks

The Central Urban Development minister conveyed that the Cabinet will consider Kochi metro within 2 weeks. Chennai Model will be followed. The minister hinted that the project will get the clearance in the cabinet meeting. :banana:

Fingers Crossed! :)

Asianet News (http://www.asianetnews.tv/news/1787-union-cabinet-to-take-up-kochi-metro)

That ice cube thingie is a shopping centre? I thought it is office building.

That ice cube thingie is a shopping centre? I thought it is office building.

Its just 15k! where is the location?

Its just 15k! where is the location?

Its in Padamughal, Kakkanadu

New Marine Walk Way & Food Court coming up!

The 2.5km walkway will extend from Alexander Parambithara Bridge to Mattanchery BOT bridge.

The Food Court will come up @ Heritage Bridge.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5207/desertqy.jpg
cc: Manorama

So many walkways are coming up.... Its good to see Kochinites gets lots of choice to have morning walks and evening strolls..... A list of potential options for near future

1. South Willingdon Island-Thevera Bridge Walkway
2. Harbour Bridge walkway
3. Marine Drive extensions
4. Kadamakudy Boat club Walkway
5. Kadambayar River Project Walkways and festival grounds
6. Cheranallor Walkway
7. Thoppumpady Football stadium walkway gardens

In near future the 8 km ICTT Road walkway has potential to be raised to level of Doha/Abu Dhabi Corniche or Dubai Creek walkways.....

Kochi Metro: Decision within Two Weeks: Kamal Nath (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/story.php?id=228908)

ന്യൂഡല്*ഹി: കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ പദ്ധതിയ്ക്ക് അനുമതി നല്*കുന്ന കാര്യം സംബന്ധിച്ച് കേന്ദ്രമന്ത്രിസഭ രണ്ടാഴ്ച്ചയ്ക്കകം തീരുമാനമെടുക്കുമെന്ന് കേന്ദ്ര നഗരവികസനമന്ത്രി കമല്*നാഥ് പറഞ്ഞു. മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി ഉമ്മന്*ചാണ്ടി പദ്ധതിയ്ക്ക് അനുമതി നല്*കണമെന്ന് ആവശ്യപ്പെട്ട് ചര്*ച്ച നടത്തിയിരുന്നുവെന്നും കേന്ദ്രസര്*ക്കാര്* ആവശ്യമായ എന്ത് സഹായവും നല്*കുമെന്നും മന്ത്രി പറഞ്ഞു.

കേന്ദ്രമന്ത്രിസഭായോഗം വിഷയം പരിഗണിക്കുന്നതിന് മുമ്പ് ധനമന്ത്രാലയത്തിന്റെ കീഴിലുള്ള ആസൂത്രണസമിതി പദ്ധതി ചര്*ച്ച ചെയ്യുമെന്നും ചെന്നൈ മെട്രോ റെയില്* പദ്ധതിയുടെ അതേ മാതൃകയില്* കൊച്ചി പദ്ധതി നടപ്പാക്കാനാണ് ഉദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നതെന്നും നഗരവികസനമന്ത്രി അറിയിച്ചു.

Relcon dezire - Marine drive ...

is there land available on Marine drive extension

http://www.relcongroup.com/images/relcon-dezira.jpg

Kochi Marinas fame spreading far and wide

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kochi-marinas-fame-spreading-far-and-wide/201232-60-122.html


Kochi is showing the way to other maritime cities in the country. The successful implementation of Kochi Marina project seems to have prompted Tamil Nadu, Andaman Nicobar and Maharashtra to set up their own marinas. A team of officials of the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and teams from other coastal states recently visited the Kochi Marina to study the project.
“Apart from government agencies, some private players have also come here to learn about the marina. It is the first time that many of them were seeing a marina though the term is familiar to them.” said Commander (retd) Jose Varghese, head of operations at Kochi Marina.� The Kochi Marina was set up by the KTDC under the guidance of KITCO. It can berth 34 yachts at a time and this will be later enhanced to 50. It was set up by the KTDC spending Rs 8.21 crore, of which Rs 4 crore was Central assistance.
A three-storey Marina House on the north-eastern side of the Bolghatty Palace Hotel to accommodate sailors is another attraction of the marina. Facilities to repair yachts and fill fuel, recreational facilities such as golf course, swimming pool and spa, health club, restaurant and beer parlour are the other components.
“Being the first and only marina in the country, it is quite natural that other maritime states would be interested to know whether they can set up a similar facility to promote adventure tourism. The TTDC team may be planning a marina in Chennai,” said K G Mohanlal, MD, KTDC.
The floating docks of the marina are built on concrete beams. A board walk - a wooden structure protruding into the backwaters to facilitate tourists to watch the yachts - has also been arranged at Kochi Marina.
The marina constructed by Sharjah-based Gulf Marinas is being operated by Mumbai- based Ocean Blue on a three-year contract with the KTDC. While the marina is being operated by Ocean Blue, the Marina House which has 24 deluxe rooms, including four suite rooms, a recreation centre and cafeteria, is under the direct management of the KTDC.

City Lagoon - Silversand Island
Area: 3,00k sq ft
Status: Concept
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/03946.jpg

4 Star Convention Centre - Aluva
Area: 30k sq ft
Status: Master Plan Completed
http://www.ajitassociates.com/uploads/projects/04230.jpg

So many Convention centers are planned in Kochi. It seems the city has tremendous scope of becoming India's most leading MICE City.....

The City Lagoon seems to be too big... 3 lakh sqft Convention center, that too in heart of the city with VMH in proximity, it would really outweigh!!!!

Aluva is another prefect choice.....

[B]So many Convention centers are planned in Kochi. It seems the city has tremendous scope of becoming India's most leading MICE City.....

The City Lagoon seems to be too big... 3 lakh sqft Convention center, that too in heart of the city with VMH in proximity, it would really outweigh!!!!

Aluva is another prefect choice.....

I guess city lagoon is a non starter .... this project was heard some 2 yrs back .

EMMANUAL SILKS OPENING TODAY!!!:banana::cucumber::cheers1:

EMMANUAL SILKS OPENING TODAY!!!:banana::cucumber::cheers1:

No!!! That might be a wrong information.... I too have seen in a FB site called Kochi Unlimited stating the same. But without any ads or promotions, chances of grand opening will be less.....

No!!! That might be a wrong information.... I too have seen in a FB site called Kochi Unlimited stating the same. But without any ads or promotions, chances of grand opening will be less.....

so we have to wait a little more for the grand opening!!.:ohno:

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1338/waterc.jpg

After taking Europe and Japan by storm, bullet trains are now ready to come to Kochi. Bullet trains are to be introduced by the Indian Railways, as a part of the proposed high-speed rail corridor.

According to the initial plan, India’s first bullet train will be introduced between Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai. The train will pass through Kochi and is expected to give a boost to the business and tourism sectors of the city.

The high-speed rail corridor project was proposed in the 2010 railway budget. A total of six high-speed corridors were proposed in the budget including Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai. The total length of the Thiruvanathapuram-Chennai corridor will be 869 kilometres. The high-speed corridor will connect Chennai with Bangalore, Coimbatore, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. The total project cost is estimated at `87,000 crore. According to Indian Railways, ‘Vision 2020’ action plan, the project will be implemented in a Public-Private-Participation (PPP) mode.

Major international agencies have already approached the Railway Ministry to carry out a feasibility study on high-speed rail corridor. These agencies include Japan Railway Technical Service, Korea Rail Network Authority, Belgium Rail Engineering and a consortium of five Spain-based companies. The Railway Ministry is expected to select one agency from this group by next month and entrust it with the preparation of a feasibility study report.:banana::banana:

Meanwhile, the sources with railways said that the representatives of ‘Shinkansen,’ a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan operated by four Japan Railways Group companies, is expected to arrive in India by next week. The representatives of the company will hold discussions with Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi on the proposed high-speed corridor.

The high speed rail corridor is expected to be implemented in different phases. The first phase from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi is expected to attract an investment of Rs 43,000 crore. And the work is expected to commence in 2013. The maximum speed that can be achieved is 350 km per hour on the proposed high-speed track and the 230 kilometre length between and Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram is expected to be covered in 45 minutes.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bullet-train-to-hit-kochi-soon/201537-60-122.html

^^ ഇതിനു പാലാരിവട്ടത്ത് സ്റ്റോപ്പ്* ഉണ്ടോ ? ഒരു ചായ കുടിച്ചിട്ട് പോകാല്ലോ !

^^ ഇതിനു പാലാരിവട്ടത്ത് സ്റ്റോപ്പ് ഉണ്ടോ ? ഒരു ചായ കുടിച്ചിട്ട് പോകാല്ലോ !

പാലാരിവട്ടം പോട്ടെ, കളമശ്ശേരി TVS ജങ്ക്ഷന് ഒന്ന് നോക്കു, കൊച്ചി പഴേ കൊച്ചി അല്ല :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/381622_2261195203435_1055076644_2026692_344297457_n.jpg

^^ ഇതിനു പാലാരിവട്ടത്ത് സ്റ്റോപ്പ്* ഉണ്ടോ ? ഒരു ചായ കുടിച്ചിട്ട് പോകാല്ലോ !

Ideally the HSR stop somewhere near Nedumbassery Airport area, from where Metro and Airport Rail station as well as Bus Terminal under planning, would connect passengers to City Core.....

This would be help as passengers bound via Cochin Airport can move in such a way....

In Europe, there are Flight+Train kind of ticketing. Perhaps in future, Cochin Airport will make a big boom, if HSR touches near Airport, providing HSR+Flight kind of ticketing....

Ideally the HSR stop somewhere near Nedumbassery Airport area, from where Metro and Airport Rail station as well as Bus Terminal under planning, would connect passengers to City Core.....

This would be help as passengers bound via Cochin Airport can move in such a way....

In Europe, there are Flight+Train kind of ticketing. Perhaps in future, Cochin Airport will make a big boom, if HSR touches near Airport, providing HSR+Flight kind of ticketing....

Ja, you're right...! they have rail and fly tickets in Europe. Airlines like Emirates provide free rail tickets from the airport to the destination.
it would be nice if the trains stop at the airport..! even though it's a long shot...., would love to see high speed trains in Kerala.

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2011/11/13/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2011_11_13_F_FP_001/44_0_1950_476.jpg

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that Kochi-Male Ferry service would commence soon, speaking to Maldives Parliament as part of Indo-Maldives friendship meet.

India will soon launch a cargo-cum-passenger ferry service between Kochi and Male, the capital of Maldives, giving an impetus to Kochi-based exporters to open up new business ventures.

The shipping ministry has plans to operate two biweekly services in this sector and it is expected to start operations within a few weeks.

"Cochin Port will soon invite private operators interested in operating the service," said K Mohandas, secretary, Shipping Ministry of India. Last July, a delegation led by Mohandas and Mohamed Latheef, permanent secretary, ministry of transport and communication of Maldives, agreed to operate ferry service between Kochi and Male. Later, at the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, which concluded in Maldives on Friday, both the governments took the decision to complete the preliminary work for the service by the end of this year.

"Initially we will operate a cargo ferry service, similar to the one between Colombo and Tuticorin, from Kochi port to Maldives," a senior official at Cochin Port Trust (CPT) revealed.

"Currently a relatively smaller ferry is operating between Tuticorin and Male through the shallow waters of the Palk Strait. It transports vegetables and groceries from Tamil Nadu. The new service is expected to improve the trade between India and Maldives, and groceries from south Tamil Nadu could be sent to Maldives markets on relatively bigger ferry from Kochi," the official explained, adding: "Using a larger vessel would also bring down the cost of transportation."

"Maldives now imports goods, including light engineering merchandises and automobiles worth $1 billion per annum, mainly from Dubai and Singapore. The new ferry service from Kochi would help India develop a new market for our engineering products like motors in Maldives, and we expect this trade of value-added products to increase gradually in the coming years," the port official said.

CPT is now preparing for the launch of the ferry service by getting the berth and terminal for passengers and cargo ready. This month, a team of senior port officials from Maldives is expected to visit Kochi to discuss the arrangements to be made at their end to facilitate the ferry service.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Biweekly-ferry-service-to-Male-soon/articleshow/10721417.cms

Trenching works for Piravom project await approval


A crucial component of the Piravom drinking water supply scheme for Kochi and adjoining local is awaiting the clearance of the State government.

The Kerala Water Authority (KWA), the implementing agency for the project, is awaiting a government order approving the trenching of the Piravom-Ernakulam thoroughfare for laying pipelines. An expert committee appointed by the State government had recently submitted a report stating that the original route proposed for the laying of pipelines was the only feasible one for laying the pipeline.

The Minister for Local Self Government had appointed the committee to look into the issue following the opposition raised by some local bodies in Piravom against the opening of the road. They had also contended that the feasibility of laying pipelines along some alternative routes should be explored. However, on inspection, it was found that the original route was the only feasible one, said a member of the committee.

The KWA is waiting for the government decision on the recommendation of the committee. The government needs to accept the report and issue a government order permitting the laying of the pipeline, he said.

If the government order permitting the laying of pipes is obtained without much delay, the water supply project can be completed by December 2012, officials said. The project is funded by the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission for providing drinking water to Kochi corporation area and adjoining village panchayats.

The upcoming by-poll in Piravom Assembly constituency following the death of T.M. Jacob was unlikely to affect the implementation of the project. Though it was apprehended that the declaration of the election and the imposition of the model code of conduct may stall the project for few months, Authority officials opined that the ban would be effective only for new projects. Many components of the Piravom project were initiated earlier and were progressing. The issue of trenching the road, which was scheduled earlier, got delayed due to the local opposition, officials said.
The Revenue officials have started the legwork for acquiring land for the water supply project. The price of the land that has to be acquired has been decided and the authorities are hoping that most of the land owners would voluntarily submit their holdings. They also hoped that most of the land owners would accept the price offer and surrender the land in advance.

The construction of the intake well at Piravom through which water has to be drawn from the river, the procurement of the pipes and the casting of structures for taking the pipes through water at Valanthakaad was progressing. The piling work for the water treatment plant at Maradu has also been completed. Around 300 piles have been dug for the plant. Distribution pipes were also procured and its laying had started at Kumbalanghi area.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2625947.ece

Chief Minister of Kerala, Hon. Oomen Chandy, rang the ‘Opening Bell’ at BSE this morning, in Mumbai, Monday, November 14, as a part of his visit to Mumbai during India Economic Summit of World Economic Forum.

It was the first ever visit by a Chief Minister of Kerala to the exchange and BSE was delighted to host him for the Opening Bell.

Kerala is a high potential state with respect to retail and institutional investments in the stock market with 11 active members with another 10 in various stages of registration. There are several stock broking offices present in almost every single city and town in Kerala which reflects the interest the people have towards the capital market.

On this occasion, BSE announced opening of its new regional office premises in Kochi. The new premises will offer investors based in South India a host of membership services across business lines, investor services and educational activities, all under one roof. :banana::banana:

Supporting the cause of greater financial inclusion BSE has planned a comprehensive Investor Awareness Campaign across districts of Kerala. Over 56 Investor Awareness Programmes were held in Kerala and rest of the South zone this year and the new office will boost these efforts. BSE has so far conducted programs in Ernakulam, Trivandrum, Alleppy, Thrishur, Thodupuzha, Kottayam, Chitoor, and Calicut and will continue partnering with other institutions to conduct several more such programs.

With the imminent start of the BSE SME Exchange, it aims to focus on Kerala, for the development and growth of SMEs. It has been organising various activities and conducting Seminars over past few months for educating SMEs on the benefits and requirements for listing on the BSE SME Exchange.

At the Opening Bell, S Ramadorai, Chairman, BSE Ltd. said, “We are delighted to have an opportunity to host Chandy during his visit to Mumbai. BSE is happy to contribute towards Govt.’s objective of sustainable and inclusive growth of the Indian economy by initiating a comprehensive year-long Investor Awareness Campaign across tier-2 cities of Kerala with content delivered in Malayalam. Our new Regional Office in Kochi is also part of the strategic focus to connect and serve BSE’s large investor & member community in Southern India, which has been growing steadily. Lastly, BSE SME Exchange will allow promising enterprises from South India to access retail capital and BSE will focus on Kerala’s vibrant SME sector.

Finally, the BSE Institute, through one of its partner entities is looking to work closely with the financial services sector in Kerala to help in Skill development in BFSI vertical through a Sectoral Skill Council.” Speaking at the occasion, Shri Oomen Chandy, Hon Chief Minister of Kerala said, “I am glad to visit Asia’s first Stock Exchange that has nurtured the growth of Indian capital markets. I feel there needs to be a financial democracy in India and every Indian should look for investment avenues available across India to their and national benefit. The investor awareness programme of BSE in kerala will help in educating the Keralite investor to better understand investment opportunities and risks”

Our new Regional Office in Kochi is also part of the strategic focus to connect and serve BSE’s large investor & member community in Southern India, which has been growing steadily. Lastly, BSE SME Exchange will allow promising enterprises from South India to access retail capital and BSE will focus on Kerala’s vibrant SME sector.

What's the BSE office currently operating from Cochin Stoke Exchange, MES Centre?

What's the BSE office currently operating from Cochin Stoke Exchange, MES Centre?

Well may be somewhat more facilities center....

The BSE is looking to open a new regional office in Kochi in the next two months. The announcement was made on the occasion of the ringing of the opening bell at the BSE by the Kerala Chief Minister, Mr Oomen Chandy.

“The new premises will offer investors based in South India a host of membership services across business lines, investor services and educational activities,” said a release from the stock exchange.

Mr Chandy said that the investment opportunities in the southern States were immense and he stressed on the need to spread awareness among the investors. BSE has so far conducted programmes in Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Thodupuzha, Kottayam, Chitoor, and Kozhikode, and will partner with other institutions to conduct several more such programmes.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/article2627291.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

Well may be somewhat more facilities center....

Yup, its the investor service centre (http://www.bseindia.com/invdesk/services.asp#11). :)

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/15112011/15112011-md-ek-2/42724453.JPG

Metro Rail may be extended to Tripunithara

The Kochi's dream project, the Aluva-Pettah Phase one of Kochi Metro may be extended till Tripunithara, instead of Petta, by adding additional 2 Kms. This matter is brought into Metro's consideration after it finds difficulty in Land Acquisition for Terminal Station in Petta, which is densely populated. Since original plans requires Petta to be terminal station, it requires more larger facilities like Loco Servicing, Loco Parking apart from a much larger public parking complex and station. However the LA ran into extreme public opposition with public protesting against massive land acquisitions planned in the area. Metro Officials are also concerned whether it would run into legal tussles and subsequently delays.

Its in this context, the line is proposed to extend upto Tripunithara's SN Junction where Steel Authority of India has 10 acres of land unused. Since the area is not as densely populated as Petta, with acres of unused paddy fields there, its also possible to extend the terminus station there with increased facilities. Moreover the Tripunithara's proposed Bus terminus is planning to come near to this place, providing a strong feeder traffic to Metro from those coming from Eastern parts.

In addition, the proposed extension will help to fuel for second phase alignment to Kakkanad side, as the main SP/AP road is just 800 meters from the proposed site.

Considering all aspects, the Metro Rail company is actively considering the proposals.

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00836/14tvchandy_GS73OB2S_836952e.jpg
The Bullish CM..


Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday said Kerala had a lot of investment opportunities to explore across financial market categories and underlined the need to spread awareness among investors.

“Recently, a lot of investor-related complaints have been recorded, which we are accessing. To avoid such incidents in future, I feel that an investor education programme is essential, especially for the common people to better understand investment opportunities and risks,” Mr. Chandy told reporters here after he rang the opening bell at the BSE.

On the occasion, the BSE announced the opening of its new regional office premises in Kochi in the next two months. The new premises will offer investors based in southern India a host of membership services across business lines, besides investor services and educational activities.

“We are initiating a comprehensive year-long investor awareness campaign across tier-2 cities of Kerala with content delivered in Malayalam. Our new regional office in Kochi is also part of the strategic focus to connect and serve the BSE's large investor and member community in southern India, which has been growing steadily,” BSE Chairman S. Ramadorai said.

The Chief Minister asserted that Kerala had very high potential for retail and institutional investors in the stock market, with 11 active members, besides 10 more in various stages of registration.

“Kerala government has already submitted a representation to the Centre about the need for changing the present Coastal and Island shipping (Cabotage) Act for the Vellarpadam port in Kochi and is awaiting its response,” Mr.Chandy said on the sidelines of the function.

“An amendment to the Cabotage Act had become very crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of the Vallarpadam Container Terminal,” he added.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2628700.ece

http://i39.tinypic.com/1zmd0k4.jpg

DEEPIKA 15/11/2011

If anybody knows about Thanthonni thuruthu development plans please reply.

Minister inaugurates open air stage in Kochi


An open air stage, constructed by the Kochi Corporation, was inaugurated at the Corporation Colony, Chilavannur, on Monday. The Rs. 20-lakh stage was constructed under the project of the Kerala Sustainable Development Programme (KSUDP) for improving the infrastructure facilities of colonies.

K. Babu, Minister for Excise, inaugurated the stage.

Mayor Tony Chammany presided.

Benny Behannan and Dominic Presentation, MLAs; Deputy Mayor B. Bhadra; Essy Joseph, Soumini Joseph and Ratnamma Raju, chairpersons of corporation standing committees; T.G. Girija Devi, Project Manager, KSUDP; V.R Chitra, Social Development Officer, KSUDP; and Lata Babu, president of the Community Development Society attended.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2628755.ece

Kochi Electronic City: Master Plan preperation & land acquisition to start :cheers:

All is not over for E-City!

The 334 acres of land required for the project will be taken up within 1 year. Master Plan for the project will be completed during the period.
Electronics Hardware units, R&D centers and ancillary units will be part of the hub.

Mangalam (http://mangalam.com/index.php?page=detail&nid=505146&lang=malayalam)

Phillips Carbon Black on Expansion mode
RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group outfit Phillips Carbon Black Ltd (PCBL) today reported a 14 per cent drop in net profit to Rs 21 crore for the July-September 2011 quarter, compared to the same period last year. This is irrespective of a 36 per cent increase in net sales to Rs 559 crore.

The profit decline was largely attributed to a 46 per cent increase in raw material cost leading to squeeze of margins; so much so that the profit (before interest and tax) from carbon black production came down by nearly 38 per cent to Rs 24 crore.

In fact, profits of the country's largest carbon black producer could have been seriously impacted had PCBL not reported higher realisation from sale of captive power. Profit before interest and tax from power sales have increased by 50 per cent to Rs 21 crore during the quarter.

Shares of PCBL closed 1.39 per cent lower at Rs 128.15 at the BSE on Monday.

According to a company press release, the expansion plans at Mundra in Gujarat, Cochin in Kerala and de-bottlenecking at Durgapur in West Bengal are on schedule and will be commissioned in this fiscal. Together, the two projects would increase carbon black production to 472,000 tonnes a year and 78.5 MW captive generation. PCBL reported a turnover of Rs 1,900 crore in 2010-11.

Hindu Businessline (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2627367.ece?ref=wl_opinion)

Kochi Electronic City: Master Plan preperation & land acquisition to start :cheers:

All is not over for E-City!

The 334 acres of land required for the project will be taken up within 1 year. Master Plan for the project will be completed during the period.
Electronics Hardware units, R&D centers and ancillary units will be part of the hub.

Mangalam (http://mangalam.com/index.php?page=detail&nid=505146&lang=malayalam)

I was pretty sure, they will push this..... Atleast now, they will create a hype as it can be used as a major election tool for the most crucial Piravom Bye-election. Once the project gets the hype, automatically it will happen.....

http://i39.tinypic.com/1zmd0k4.jpg

DEEPIKA 15/11/2011

If anybody knows about Thanthonni thuruthu development plans please reply.

Well, need wait bit more, as Collector has proposed a tourism project in the site and submitted to Govt for final approval. After this only, we can know what are the so-called grand plans associated with Thanthonni Island

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/15112011/15112011-md-ek-13/43524562.JPG

Collector ordered for speeding the Rs 300 crore Goshree Island Development Projects spread across 12 islands of Kochi. Apart from improvements of major roads and bridges, the collector also announced setting up of Goshree Complex at a cost of 7 crores Rs for using the terminal as Goshree Ferry Terminus. More boats will be brought and inter-island ferry services will be strengthen.

^^^^^^^^^^

District Collector Shaikh Pareed has said that instructions have been given to various departments for expediting development activities in the Goshree islands.

Elankunnapuzha, Njarakkal, Nayarambalam, Edavanakkad, Kuzhupilly, Pallipuram, Kadamakkudi and Mulavukad panchayaths, along with Fort Vypeen, Gundu, Thanthonnithuruth islands are the areas which come under the Goshree Development Authority (GIDA). Projects worth Rs 300 crore, including drinking water, ferry services and infrastructure housing are being implemented in these places.

A team of officials headed by the Collector had conducted an inspection on Goshree Road the other day. “The Kerala State Construction Corporation has been entrusted with the work and is expected to be completed within two weeks. The work costs around Rs 40 lakhs,” the Collector said. “Tenders have been invited for beautification of Goshree Road and the maintenance of roads attached to it. The agency which won the contract will have to meet the cost of the project. In turn, they will be given advertising rights on the road, which will help it generate the amount spend for road construction,” Pareed said.

He said that construction of the road from Goshree Junction to Chathiath has been almost completed. A Goshree Complex, which will house a boat jetty and a GIDA office, will be constructed on this 20 cents of land at a cost of Rs 7 crore. “Inauguration of the road and foundation stone of the Goshree Complex will be laid soon. The district administration is also planning a project for the beautification of Vypeen, Fort Kochi, Mattnchery and Ernakulam boat jetties,” he added.

CNN IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/development-of-goshree-islands-to-begin-soon/202413-60-122.html)

Kerala CM lays down red carpet for industries

The recently elected Oomen Chandy government in Kerala, which came to power with a wafer-thin majority after the elections held earlier this year, is now opening up the state for private sector investment in key manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Consumer goods manufacturers Videocon and Bajaj Electricals, and also power sector company Reliance Power are in talks with the state government to acquire land for setting up manufacturing facilities and a power plant in the state, respectively, chief minister Oommen Chandy told HT.

The talks between these industrial groups and the state government were held on the on the sidelines of India Economic Summit of World Economic Forum (WEF) in Mumbai.

Chandy, who heads the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance, led by the Congress, defeated the communist led Left Democratic Front (LDF).

Primarily an agrarian economy, the state has largely missed the industrialization bus, and has a nominal presence of the IT and ITES sectors. Its agricultural income has also declined over the past six years, while the share of agriculture in the gross state domestic product (GSDP) has fallen to 11.54% in 2009-10, from 17.48% in 2004-05.

The state government will hold an investor meet 'Emerging Kerala' in September 2012 to showcase investment potential of the state. A top official in the state government said Chandi held talks with 14 industrial groups on the sidelines of WEF.

Hindustan Times (http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/WorldEconomy/Kerala-CM-lays-down-red-carpet-for-industries/Article1-769106.aspx)

Kochi definitely expects something! Fingers crossed :)

Kerala CM lays down red carpet for industries


Kochi definitely expects something! Fingers crossed :)

We have to wait & see. Better if this does not disappear like their (Chandy / Kunhalikkutty team's) previous version called GIM!!! or was it gimmick?

^^

Wateve! Initiatives are better than being at a state of rest!

Single day 4800 Foreign tourist at CIAL

Kochi, Nov 15 (PTI) The Cochin International Airport handled about 4,800 foreign tourists on a single day yesterday.
At least 4,800 tourists landed or departed from the airport here yesterday. Around 1,200 tourists landed by chartered flights and an equal number reached by scheduled flights.
This was in addition to around 2,400 foreign tourists who reached Kochi by German Cruise liner Aida Diva and left for various destinations through the airport yesterday, CIAL sources said.
Six chartered flights carrying foreign tourists, mainly from Germany, were operated by Quick Aviation, Air Berlin, Condor and Tuifly from the airport.
Flights from Munich via Kuwait, Dusseldorf and Frankfurt also arrived here with tourists, airport sources said.
The charter programme is a connecting link enabling air-to-sea/sea-to-air transfer of tourists from the airport.
Elaborate arrangements have been made at immigration counters to expedite the clearance of these tourists.
http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5594961

Corporation plan to protect green cover
The corporation will take the initiative to convert the stretch from BTH to High Court Junction into a model road as suggested by journalist K M Roy. “Initially the road beautification project will be taken up on the stretch between BTH to the Guest House soon after the BM- tarring work is over,” said Mayor Tony Chammany.
A spick and span model road sans ugly posters or banners and flanked by trees sporting dust-free leaves on either side and the medians is being planned.
Laws are needed to make Kochi more environment-friendly, said the Mayor. "Legislation on felling trees should be in place to prevent people from felling trees mindlessly. Environment protection is not about planting trees alone but about keeping the city pollution-free," he said.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/corporation-plan-to-protect-green-cover/202433-60-122.html)

Ernakulam & Thrissur to get Industrial Encouragement

The National Innovation Council (http://www.innovationcouncil.gov.in/) will promote Focus Area Project in Ernakulam & Thrissur districts in Kerala by starting Innovation Clusters as a part of developing new ideas.

Ernakulam has been chosen as Furniture cluster, while Thrissur will be promoted as Ayurveda cluster.

Of the initial 150 clusters planned, 8 Clusters (7 Industry Clusters and 1 University) have been selected as pilots for driving innovation interventions. The pilots will be spread over a period of 6-9 months. The selected pilots include:
Agartala, Tripura – Bamboo Cluster
Ahemadabad, Gujarat – Pharma & Biotech Cluster
Ernakulam, Kerala – Furniture Cluster
Krishnagiri, Tamilnadu – Food Processing Cluster
Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh – Brassware Cluster
Rajkot, Gujarat – Diesel Pumps & Engines Cluster
Thrissur, Kerala – Ayurveda Cluster
New Delhi – Delhi University

Ministry of MSME, CSIR, CII, FICCI, Foundation for MSME Clusters, IL&FS are the current working partners.

Manorama (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=10439157&programId=1073753761&channelId=-1073751706&BV_ID=@@@&tabId=11)
NIC (http://www.innovationcouncil.gov.in/)

Coming:banana::banana::banana: KOREAN KOMET:banana::banana::banana:

Coming KOREAN KOMET

Ohhk, got it! :)

Kochi Metro to use Korean Technology

Kochi Metro Rail Corp. held discussions with Korea's Incheon Metro to use their technology in the construction of Kochi Metro :cheers:

The aim is to use Maglev technology, where the train doesn't have wheels and run on Magnetic Levitation. This will help in reduction of 20% in construction cost and 25% in operation cost. The project is aimed to complete in 2.5 years time.

E Sreedharan expressed his interest in taking up the Chairman post of Kochi Metro Rail Corp. after he completes tenure with DMRC :)

Manorama (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/mmtvContentView.do?BV_ID=@@@&tabId=14&programId=9958837&contentId=10440175)

Kochi Metro to use Korean Technology

If applied, Kochi will be the 1st instance in the country to have Magnetic rail!! :cheers:

If applied, Kochi will be the 1st instance in the country to have Magentic rail!! :cheers:

Although we wont be able to make full use of the speed and capabilities the technology offers, it will be great to see the KOMET running on Maglev. I traveled on the Shanghai Maglev Train early this year and was amazing. Way to go Kochi

There can be no better choice than Sreedharan for Kochi Metro ...
Hope he takes charge of Metro.....

why the approval is getting delayed , its frustrating .......

Ohhk, got it! :)

Kochi Metro to use Korean Technology

Excited if E. Sreedharan takes over - that would be a coup.

Not sure how reliable this Maglev info is.... it is way more expensive than regular lines to build and operate... that's why the one in Shanghai is the only one running.

Ohhk, got it! :)

Kochi Metro to use Korean Technology

:applause: fantastic.

^^
A Maglev train

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/9859/maglevtrain.jpg

^^
A Maglev train

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/9859/maglevtrain.jpg

MAGLEV IN KOMET!!
Awsome yar!!:banana:

Excited if E. Sreedharan takes over - that would be a coup.

Not sure how reliable this Maglev info is.... it is way more expensive than regular lines to build and operate... that's why the one in Shanghai is the only one running.

you're absolutely right..!! there's no way Maglev is gonna be cheaper than the conventional railway....!! it's bloody expensive....!!!!
even the Bavarian govt: scrapped the plan to connect the airport with Munich as the costs were awfully high..!

Well, another happy news seems to be missing here:banana:

Kerala Cabinet clears for Electronics and Hardware Park at Amballur- Piravom in Ernakulam.

The Ernakulam Collector Sheik Pareeth has been instructed to solve the concerns raised against the project and initiate Land Acquisitions at the earliest under Fast Track Single Window Clearance.

The Collector has also been asked to submit report about his action plan on the project site within a week after a personal inspection of the site.

With this, Kochi is going to get another mega project, the E-City.....

http://www.keralacm.gov.in/index.php/component/content/article/34-frontslider/406-one-year-moratorium-for-repayment-of-farm-loans-in-wayanad

^^
A Maglev train

http://img803.imageshack.us/img803/9859/maglevtrain.jpg

I wish the Metro Rail was along the west of Marine Drive seeing this. But.....

Wait dear.... In Malayalam we say

Paizhe thinnal Pannaum thinnam.... (One can eat Palm, if eaten slowly and steady)

Yes... Now we have just Line one.... Tommorrow we can have 3 or 4 lines.....Now our priority is for securing govt nod for the project and seeing this rail running on tracks, be on magnetic levitation or on wheels.....

^^ How come all our Kerala media reports that it's cheaper than ordinary railway line?

The proposed Kochi metro is likely to use Korean technology, said E Sreedharan, managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

He said preliminary discussion with Korean company, Incheon Metro, was complete and this would be finalised after consultation with the Kerala chief minister, soon. The metro would move on magnetic levitation or magnetic suspension system (Maglev system) without wheels. This system is a method by which an object is suspended with no support other than magnetic fields. Incheon Metro now runs 31.2 km of service with 34 trains in Gyeyang district of Korea.

The technology is expected to reduce the construction cost by 20 per cent and operating cost by 25 per cent. The estimated cost of the Kochi project, which is set to be completed in 2016, is Rs 5,200 crore. The Korean technology will also reduce the time for construction and would require less land, he said. The technology is widely used in Japan and is more suitable for busy metros. The maximum speed attained with this system is 500 km/hour.

DMRC is the consultant and the executing agency for Kochi Metro Rail Limited, the special purpose company to implement the project. The first phase of the project will have 27 km length with 23 stations, stretching from Alwaye on the north and Petta (Thripunithura) on the south. It has been proposed to extend the service to Nedumbassery on the northern side, where the Kochi International airport is situated and towards Kakkanad, the IT hub of the state, in the second phase. It is proposed to be implemented on the lines of Chennai Metro with central assistance.

The project has received in-principal approval from the Planning Commission and is now awaiting central clearance.

If applied, Kochi will be the 1st instance in the country to have Magnetic rail!! :cheers:

China suspends new maglev train project due to health concerns

BEIJING (AFX) – China has suspended the planned construction of a
high-speed magnetic levitation train linking the eastern cities of
Shanghai and Hangzhou due to health concerns, the official Xinhua news
agency has reported.

Citing unnamed Shanghai officials, Xinhua said the project has been
suspended following petitions from residents living along the proposed
route worried about possible health problems from the maglev's high
powered magnets.

A question of whether the project can
eventually recover the more than 40 bln yuan invested in it also casts
a shadow over its feasibility, Xinhua said.

It's now 'hard to
say' if the train will be built at all, Xinhua quoted Wang Qingyun, the
official in charge of transportation at the National Development and
Reform Commission, as saying.

The maglev uses powerful magnets to drive the train at speeds of up to 430 km per hour.

The project was expected to be completed in time for Shanghai's hosting of the World Expo in 2010, according to Xinhua.

Shanghai has one magnetic levitation line in operation linking
Shanghai's Pudong airport and an eastern suburb of the city. That was
built by Transrapid International, a consortium of Siemens AG
http://www.sciy.org/2007/05/28/china...alth-concerns/

Kerala Cabinet clears for Electronics and Hardware Park at Amballur- Piravom in Ernakulam.

Bow to UDF, CM & Collector :master:

Kochi will be a different city altogether, if this govt. complete its term!

is thr still land available in Marine drive??

Kerala State Housing Board is planning to construct a commercial cum residential complex in dist. Ernakulam.
November 16, 2011

COMMERCIAL COMPLEX

Status: Planning Stage
Promoter: Kerala State Housing Board
Project: Commercial-cum- Residential complex
Location: Marine Drive, Kochi, dist. Ernakulam, Kerala
Current Status: As of September 2011, contractors are to be appointed. The project to be implemented under DBST schemes.
http://indianewprojects.wordpress.com/

http://indianewprojects.wordpress.com/