Cochin (Kochi) / Ernakulam Projects II [Archive] - Page 27

amalmohan

January 10th, 2012, 07:06 AM

ഡി.എം.ആര്*.സിയെ ഏല്*പിച്ചാല്* സഹകരിക്കും: ശ്രീധരന്*
http://images.mathrubhumi.com/images/2012/Jan/10/00201_362081.jpgന്യൂഡല്ഹി: കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ റെയില്പദ്ധതിയുടെ നിര്മ്മാണം ഡല്ഹി മെട്രോ റെയില് കോര്പറേഷനെ(ഡി.എം.ആര്.സി) ഏല്പിക്കുകയാണെങ്കില്പദ്ധതിയുമായി സഹകരിക്കുമെന്ന് ഇ ശ്രീധരന് വ്യക്തമാക്കി. ഡല്ഹിയില് മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി ഉമ്മന് ചാണ്ടിയുമായുള്ള കൂടിക്കാഴ്ചയിലാണ് അദ്ദേഹം നിലപാട് ആവര്ത്തിച്ചത്. ഡി.എം ആര്.സിയുണ്ടെങ്കില്പദ്ധതിയില് താനുമുണ്ടാകുമെന്ന് കൂടിക്കാഴ്ചയ്ക്ക് ശേഷം ശ്രീധരന് മാധ്യമപ്രവര്*ത്തകരോട് പറഞ്ഞു.

ഇക്കാര്യത്തില് മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിക്ക് വാക്ക് കൊടുത്തിട്ടുണ്ട്. ഇനി മുഖ്യമന്ത്രിയാണ് കാര്യങ്ങള് തീരുമാനിക്കേണ്ടത്. കൊച്ചി മെട്രോയ്ക്ക് തന്റെ എല്ലാവിധ പിന്തുണയുമുണ്ടാകും. ഡി.എം.ആര്.സി പദ്ധതിയിലുണ്ടാകുമെന്നാണ് തന്റെ പ്രതീക്ഷയെന്ന് അദ്ദേഹം അഭിപ്രായപ്പെട്ടു.

ശ്രീധരനുമായുള്ള കൂടിക്കാഴ്ചയ്ക്ക് ശേഷം മുല്ലപ്പെരിയാര് വിഷയത്തില് ജലവിഭവമന്ത്രി പവന്കുമാര് ബന്സലുമായുള്ള ചര്ച്ചയ്ക്കായി മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി പുറപ്പെട്ടു. ഉച്ചയ്ക്ക് ശേഷം ഡല്ഹിയില് നടത്തുന്ന വാര്ത്താ സമ്മേളനത്തില് കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ വിഷയം മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി വിശദീകരിക്കും.

Mathrubhumi

Malayaali

January 10th, 2012, 07:08 AM

^^

Always give a brief description of the news in English.

amalmohan

January 10th, 2012, 07:10 AM

^^

Always give a brief description of the news in English.

for u???

induzcreed

January 10th, 2012, 07:11 AM

Thanx Malayaali for confirming this wonderful and great news for KOCHI, With this post i am concluding the posting of my Cochin tour pictures

Fantastic work...:applause:Thanks Prasanth, for sharing these pics.

e_arunsid

January 10th, 2012, 07:15 AM

for u???

Its an international forum and as per SSC rule it is advised to give a breif translation in english.

amalmohan

January 10th, 2012, 07:16 AM

Its an international forum and as per SSC rule it is advised to give a breif translation in english.

kkk...i will do....thanks for info...:)

Malayaali

January 10th, 2012, 07:20 AM

Electronics Park: Survey began for land acquisition

Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) are the promoters
347 acres of land to be acquired for the 1st of its kind project in the state

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/9985/97630495.jpg
Source: Mathrubhumi

Malayaali

January 10th, 2012, 09:48 AM

Year-end rush to spend major funds (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/year-end-rush-spend-major-funds-390)
The city is seeing a flurry of minor development works by the corporation. It certainly is not out of concerns for development, but a frantic effort to utilise various funds that will lapse in two months from now.

“Construction and repair works of drainages are fast progressing under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project and the Peoples Plan.

We are trying to make maximum utilisation of these funds before they get lapsed in March,” says the corporation works committee chairperson, Mrs Soumini Jain.

Some of the drainage works are spillover ones sanctioned in last year’s plan fund.

The controversial drainage construction at Panampilly Nagar carried out under the KSUDP has invited public wrath.

There is general perception that the drainage digging from MG Road to Perandoor Canal is not feasible and the corporation has undertaken the work just to utilise the KSUDP fund before it gets lapsed.

“The only major works undertaken are the drainage repairing and the works of the proposed Piravom drinking water supply scheme,” said the town planning standing committee chairman, Mr K.J Sohan.

When the seven-year scheme ends on March 31, the corporation will stand to lose 80 per cent of the fund granted under the JNNURM, he adds.

The Union urban development ministry had allotted Rs.684.9 crore for projects in nine basic infrastructure development sectors.

The corporation, till June 30, spent a mere Rs 230.18 crore. When the mission ends, the lapsed fund will have to be returned with a nominal penalty.

Malayaali

January 10th, 2012, 10:00 AM

District leads in the number of new companies during Oct-Dec 2010 (http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/16-public-ltd-companies-registered-in-kerala-during-0ctdec/948136.html)

248 out of 691 companies registered in the state are in Ernakulam district!
16 Public Ltd companies with a total authorised capital of Rs 19.30 crore and 675 private companies with a total authorised capital of Rs 118.76 crore were registered in Kerala during October-December last year. Out of this, 55 were big size companies with a total authorised capital of Rs 50 lakh and above, Registrar of Companies, Ernakulam said in a press release here. About Rs 2500 was imposed as fine by courts against the Companies and Directors. During the period, 103 companies were struck off and 43 companies changed their names. Three companies were transferred from Kerala to other states and three companies were transferred to the state from elsewhere. Two companies converted from private to public. The highest number of companies 103, were registered for computer and related activities. 71 Companies were for manufacturing and 61 were for chit, while 58 were for construction business and 40 for whosesale trade. Forty companies were registered for retail trade. Six companies were registered for business in stock, shares and securities. While the maximum number of 248 companies were registered in Ernakulam district, the least was in only waynad where only 2 companies were registered, the release said.

Prasanth_KCV

January 10th, 2012, 10:50 AM

Fantastic work...:applause:Thanks Prasanth, for sharing these pics.

THANX INDUZCREED. But I could take pictures of only 60% area of Kochi due to time constrains and could not take pictures of strechs like Vyttila to Panagad, Edapally to Aluva, Infopark and some of Kakkandu area, KP Vallon Road, Thevara, Willington island, Fort kochi, Thripoonithura,etc......:ohno: Any ways doing something is better than doing nothing:lol:

dinakar

January 10th, 2012, 03:58 PM

KMC

January 10th, 2012, 07:09 PM

[_kcv[/URL] at 2012-01-09

OMG , this plot is huge .... site for one of the best convention centre in India

Hope it will become a landmark for kochi....

KMC

January 10th, 2012, 07:13 PM

Malayaali

January 10th, 2012, 08:12 PM

Kochi to host first Open Coffee for Women in Kerala (http://keralaitnews.com/state-scan/kochi/4135-kochi-to-host-first-open-coffee-for-women-in-kerala)
http://keralaitnews.com/images/stories/kitng/ockerala.jpg

Open Coffee for Women (http://kerala.opencoffee.in/detail/?id=1), a first of its kind initiative in Kerala that aims to initiate networking and knowledge sharing among women entrepreneurs in the State will be held on January 13, 2012 at Kochi. Open Coffee for Women is being jointly organised by Bridge India and VoW, the Views of Women. The programme is open to enterprising women, aspiring women entrepreneurs and students who would like to come together, interact and share their experiences and curiosities on entrepreneurship.

Bridge (http://bridge-india.in/) is a global IT staffing company with offices in Holland, Sweden, Germany, Ukraine, Moldova and India. Bridge India has been successfully organising the Open Coffee Kerala events in Kochi since 2010. VoW (http://www.viewsofwomen.com/) showcases the contributions of business personnel, celebrities, writers, professionals and home makers who have marked their footprints in the respective fields.

Parveen Hafeez, Managing Director of Sunrise Hospitals, will be the chief guest for the inaugural event and she will share her story of being an entrepreneur and the challenges she faced on the way. This would be followed by an open interaction with her.

According to the organisers, women in Kerala step back from business with the fear of family, society and a whole lot of other reasons. But, those who have ventured out as entrepreneurs have proved their worth in this arena and have conquered heights. Open Coffee for Women will open up a whole new platform for women entrepreneurs, students and aspiring entrepreneurs in Kerala to come together, interact and ultimately choose a different path of being real entrepreneurs. We request the co-operation of men to share this event with the women in your network.

Check out the Open Coffee for Women homepage for details and free registration.

Malayaali

January 10th, 2012, 08:37 PM

Where can we get a district wise breakup of this info say for the lost one year ?
is it available ? Thanks in advane...

Couldn't find data with my limited search

Here is the list till Aug 31, 2005. The current scenario won't be much different from this i believe, each district will have the rise in numbers accordingly.

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9206/17424981.jpg (http://rockerala.nic.in/about1.htm)

In 2011 Q1 (http://keralaitnews.com/state-scan/kochi/2861-79-new-it-companies-registered-in-kerala-during-q1-2011-12), 679 new firms were registered
Ekm - 229. Tsr - 122, Tvpm - 97

Malayaali

January 10th, 2012, 09:10 PM

Request for filling land for Metro yard

KMRL has sent a request letter to the choornikkara panchayat for leveling 44 acres of marshy land for constructing yard for metro rail. The survey for this have been completed.

കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ റെയില് കോര്പ്പറേഷന്യാര്ഡ് നിര്മാണത്തിനായുള്ള സ്ഥലം മണ്ണടിച്ചു നിരത്താന് അനുമതി തേടി (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/1385913-local_news-ernakulam-%E0%B4%86%E0%B4%B2%E0%B5%81%E0%B4%B5.html)
കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ റെയിലിന്റെ യാര്ഡ് നിര്മിക്കുന്നതിനായി ചൂര്ണിക്കര പഞ്ചായത്തില് കണ്ടെത്തിയിട്ടുള്ള സ്ഥലം മണ്ണടിച്ചു നിരത്താന് അനുമതി തേടി മെട്രോ റെയില് കോര്പ്പറേഷന് പഞ്ചായത്തിന് കത്ത് നല്കി. 500 ഏക്കര് വരുന്ന ചവറ്പാടത്തില് ചൂര്ണിക്കരയിലെ 36 ഏക്കറും കളമശ്ശേരിയിലെ എട്ടേക്കറും മണ്ണടിച്ചു നികത്താനുള്ള അനുമതിക്കായാണ് കോര്പ്പറേഷന് കത്ത് നല്കിയത്. ഈ 44 ഏക്കറിന്റെ സര്വേ നടപടികള് പൂര്ത്തിയായിരിക്കുകയാണ്.

എന്നാല് ഈ സ്ഥലം നീര്ത്തട സംരക്ഷണ പദ്ധതിയുടെ ഡാറ്റാബാങ്കില് ഉള്പ്പെട്ടിട്ടുള്ളതാണ്. കോര്പ്പറേഷന്റെ അപേക്ഷ പഞ്ചായത്തിലെ നീര്ത്തട സംരക്ഷണ സമിതിക്ക് സമര്പ്പിച്ചു. പഞ്ചായത്ത് കമ്മിറ്റിയില് ചര്ച്ച ചെയ്ത ശേഷം ഉണ്ടാകുന്ന അന്തിമ നിലപാട് കളക്ടര്ക്ക് സമര്പ്പിക്കുമെന്ന് പഞ്ചായത്ത് പ്രസിഡന്റ് ശാന്ത ഉണ്ണികൃഷ്ണന് പറഞ്ഞു.

എന്നാല് മെട്രോ റെയില് യാര്ഡിനായി പാടം നികത്താന് അനുമതി നല്കിയാല് അതിന്റെ മറവില് വിശാലമായ ചവറ്പാടം ഭൂമാഫിയകള് നികത്താനിടവരുമെന്ന് ഭരണസമിതിയില് തന്നെ ഒരു വിഭാഗം ആരോപണവുമായി രംഗത്തെത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്.

DileepKS

January 11th, 2012, 02:11 AM

do we need to emphasize this ... its obvious , except for deaf and dump...
It had been like that forever. What is the big deal? Everyone knows that this is the industrial and commercial powerhouse of the state. No need to brag about it every year.

Prasanth_KCV

January 11th, 2012, 05:26 AM

It had been like that forever. What is the big deal? Everyone knows that this is the industrial and commercial powerhouse of the state. No need to brag about it every year.

Exactly Dileepji. Everybody knows this fact. All malayalam news papers, Nationaly daily and TV chanels repeats this fact every now and then.

Malayaali

January 11th, 2012, 06:46 AM

Heritage Paravur Court complex and Maidan to get a new look

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/2585/49053355.jpg
Source: Mathrubhumi

mohammedirshad06

January 11th, 2012, 07:10 AM

Heritage Paravur Court complex and Maidan to get a new look

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/2585/49053355.jpg
Source: Mathrubhumi

Paravur Court is an example of classic Victorian court style and is fabulous..... :cheers:The Huzur Cutchery (Anjikaimal) Bldg where Ernakulam District Court now functions also requires a similar development, as its too a heritage complex.... The bldg is despite of no maintenance, still remaining in grandeur is a testimony of superior Old architectural works....

A multi-storied new district court is coming behind GIDA Office near Shiva Temple. Hope, once it comes, the old bldg will get a similar facelift as Paravur court got!!!!

vjkrishn

January 11th, 2012, 09:20 AM

Mulavukad to have a waste disposal system (http://http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/mulavukad-to-have-a-waste-disposal-system/352113.html)

The Mulavukad Island is all set to have a waste disposal system. The Goshree Island Development Authority (GIDA) is planning to construct a model solid waste treatment plant in Mulavukad. If found to be effective, similar plants will be set up in other islands under the jurisdiction of the GIDA. Public sector consultancy organisation KITCO is the consultant of the project. “Unlike the Brahmapuram solid waste treatment plant, it will not be a waste treatment facility out of the city for waste generated in the city. The plant is proposed as a model project and is for the Mulavukad Island alone. On successful implementation and functioning, such plants can be set up in other islands too,” said the GIDA authorities.

The proposed plant will have a capacity for treating six tonnes of waste per day.

The estimated quantity of waste generated in Mulavukad Island is around 6.25 tonnes per day,” said the officials concerned.

As per the proposal submitted by KITCO, the plant will also have a facility to generate power out of waste. “There is an option for energy generation. The viability of this proposal will be discussed in the GIDA general council meeting to be held on January 19,” said the GIDA officials. According to the proposal, the plant, which will be constructed at a cost of `5.5 crore, will be designed, constructed, operated and maintained by an agency for a certain period, probably 4 to 5 years. “The plant will also provide employment to at least 40 persons” they said.

District collector P I Sheik Pareeth, who is also the chairman of the
GIDA, said that final decision in this regard will be taken at the general council meeting to be held on January 19.

Malayaali

January 11th, 2012, 10:40 AM

Kochi sustains the growth in the job market (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/info-tech/article2792600.ece)
Global slowdown and the crisis in Europe seem to have cast its shadow on recruitment in IT-enabled services (ITES), business process outsourcing, media and entertainment.

This segment recorded its first negative year-on-year growth.

Monster Employment Index (a monthly barometer on hiring trends in India in various sectors) has captured a decline of 7 per cent in December compared to hiring in the same month of 2010.

The monthly index culls out job opportunities from a large representative selection of online job sites, including Monsterindia.com.

The index for this segment fell to 111 from 119 during the comparable period.

Media and entertainment industry too registered a decline of 13 per cent as the index dipped to 104 from 119.

The other sectors that witnessed a slide included printing and packaging (-14 per cent), Government sector (-15 per cent), logistics and transportation (-18 per cent).

Growth sectors

It, however, doesn’t mean that there is slump in hiring activity. Mr Sanjay Modi Sanjay Modi, Managing Director of Monster.com (India, Middle East, South East Asia), said that hiring in agri and allied sector, realestate and FMCG reported double digit growth rate in the month.

City-wise break-up

Geographically, Hyderabad and Vadodara witnessed decline of 3 and 4 per cent respectively as the index fell to 110 (113) and 109 (114) year-on-year.

Coimbatore topped growth in hiring with 13 per cent, followed by Kochi with 11 per cent and Bangalore 10 per cent.

mohammedirshad06

January 11th, 2012, 10:44 AM

Asian Motors, Kerala sole distributors for Truck major AMW opened its first mega showroom and state-of-the-art workshop at Kalamassery

qxRtGqYbRKE

Malayaali

January 11th, 2012, 07:26 PM

Kochi among potential cities for Investment banks (http://www.livemint.com/2012/01/11231843/Ibanks-look-to-smaller-cities.html?h=B)
Investment banks, or i-banks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_investment_banks), are seeing greater revenues from cities other than Mumbai, the country’s financial capital, as a result of growing mid-market business in other large and small cities.

Around three-fourths of the deals investment bankers are sewing up are from north and south India, said investment bankers. Mumbai lies along the west coast.

“The Mumbai market has matured and Delhi-based promoters are now more willing to open up and share financial data, something unthinkable even two years back,” said Sujay Kotak, assistant vice-president, Singhi Advisors Ltd, a boutique investment bank.

The non-Mumbai market accounts for over 70% of Singhi’s revenue, while only three years ago this figure was 20%. The company is in talks with promoters from Ludhiana, Coimbatore, Kochi, Baroda and Kanpur, among other cities, for funding and stake sale opportunities. “There is tremendous potential for a deal size of around Rs. 100-500 crore,” said Mahesh Singhi, managing director.
Among the transactions Singhi closed last year were the sale of Delhi-based Shalaks Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd’s dermatology and babycare brands to Singapore-based Invida Holdings Pvt. Ltd, and a majority stake sale in Maharaja Whiteline, a Delhi consumer appliances firm, to France’s SEB Group.

Rothschild (India) Pvt. Ltd, the Indian unit of the European investment bank NM Rothschild, says Delhi now accounts for over 15% of its overall revenue and Mumbai for about 10%. “Even two years ago when we opened a Delhi office, there were hardly any significant operations of investment bankers,” said managing director Chandresh Ruparel.

Several large corporate houses headquartered in Mumbai, such as the Tata, Birla and Mahindra groups, have built in-house teams to handle mergers and acquisitions, forcing i-banks to turn to mid-size companies for business, say experts.

“Even when it comes to fees, the large corporates follow the concept of a fixed fee while mid-size companies follow a percentage model, which is usually higher,” said Jacob Mathew, managing director, MAPE Advisory Group Pvt. Ltd, a mid-market i-bank.

“It is also a function of which industries are getting traction,” said Deepesh Garg, managing director, o3 Capital Advisors Pvt Ltd. “Previously, it was the infrastructure space which saw markets like Hyderabad and other southern areas getting a lot of investments.”

The focus is on the consumer segment, which includes apparel, food and personal care products, and most companies in this space are based in north India, Garg added.

o3 Capital gets around 80% of its revenue from deals struck outside Mumbai. One-third of these are from cities in north India. Balaji Srinivas, managing director of Aureos India Advisors Pvt. Ltd, said about 15% of the private equity firm’s investments will go into deals originating in states like Bihar and Orissa.

“In the last two years, there has been a conscious strategy to focus on such markets as Mumbai emerges as an over-banked market. The focus is on mid-market companies,” said a Mumbai-based consultant who did not want to be identified. “Typically, the mid-size i-banks try to vie for sell-side mandates.”

Small and medium enterprises around Delhi are “particularly vibrant”, said Vinod Wadhwani, director at Ambit Corporate Finance Pte Ltd. “The bigger corporate houses headquartered outside Mumbai, including Hero, Bharti, Torrent, Adani, Wipro, GMR and GVR, too are constantly expanding and restructuring their businesses.”

A number of Mumbai-based i-banks, including Avendus Capital Pvt. Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Capital Co. Ltd and Edelweiss Capital stepped up their practice in south India from 2007-08, said a Chennai-based investment banker who did not want to be named. “The south provides an attractive destination for mid-market players as it offers a diverse set of industries,” he said.

Malayaali

January 12th, 2012, 06:00 AM

ES still with Maglev Technology for Kochi Metro (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/small-trains-will-be-beautiful-in-kochi/220038-60-122.html)
The Kochi Metro train will be smaller compared to the ones running in other metros. The team led by former managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) E Sreedharan has proposed smaller trains with two compartments, which would be 2.8 metre wide. In other metros, trains are 3 to 3.2 metre wide. Sreedharan said small trains would be good for a city like Kochi and added that the project would begin within two months and would be completed in three years.
If the project is entrusted with the DMRC, it plans to operate trains which run on Maglev technology. “Maglev technology is ideal for a city like Kochi as the size of the trains will be smaller. The Maglev technology is currently used in two countries - Japan and South Korea. Trains using this technology run faster and smoother, “ he said. However, the expense and other things would be considered before adopting the technology. The cost factor will be decided by considering the capital, operational and maintenance cost.
“We hope that the cost will be lesser as trains using Maglev technology do not have wheels and are operated using magnetic energy,” Sreedharan said.
Moreover, the metro trains will consume only less energy which is beneficial to the city.
“The Metro rail will only consume three percentage of the total electricity consumption of Kochi,’’ he added.
Noting that the roads in the city are narrow and congested, Sreedharan said that Metro rail was the only system that could be advantageous to the city.
“ It takes about one and a half hours to reach the city from Tripunithura, which could be reached in no time if Metro comes,” he said.

Malayaali

January 12th, 2012, 06:42 AM

Flower show blooms in all its splendour (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/flower-show-blooms-in-all-its-splendour/219869-60-122.html)
Mayor Tony Chammany inaugurated the 30th Cochin Flower Show Exhibition which kick-started here at the Ernakulathappan Ground on Tuesday.
One of the biggest in South India, the show is putting up a wide display of flowers. International companies such as Jiffy Plugged, Anthura B V, Bangalore-based company Indo American High Breeds, Krishnendra and Varsha have also put up various flower breeds and plants at the exhibition. The flowers of 25 nurseries across the state are also on display. Seeds and plants are available at a discount.
‘Indian Chuvar Chitrangalum Pookalum’ (Indian wall paintings and Flowers) by eminent artists across India, spread across 10,000 square feet is another attraction. Also, pookkalam competitions for adults and children will be held from January 12 to 14.
Flower Prince and Princess competitions, organised in association with Lookmans, a model management company, will be held on January 15. There is an entry fee of `15 for children and `30 for adults. The show which is being organised by the District Agri-horticulture society will flaunt at least 15,000 flowering plants. Kerala Books and Publications (KPBS) Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, Department of Agriculture, Navy, KERAFED and SHM Kerala also participate in the event.
Horticulture Society Vice President S Chandrasenan presided over the function. MLA Hibi Eden, Deputy Mayor B Badhra and Horticulture Society Director K Prathapan were present at the inauguration.

Malayaali

January 12th, 2012, 12:51 PM

Kochi Metro gets Sreedharan on board (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kochi-metro-gets-sreedharan-on-board/220237-62-134.html)

To be Chairman of KMRL (http://www.kochimetro.org/)
Former Delhi Metro chief E Sreedharan on Thursday confirmed that he will be part of the proposed Rs 5,000 crore Kochi Metro, and said he would be able to finish the project in three years. Sreedharan said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy wants him to finish the project in three years.
"When I said I can do it in three-and-half years, he wanted it to be done in three years, and I have committed that I will be able to finish it in three years' time. The work would be done by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)," said Sreedharan.
The Kochi Metro Rail project has been in the pipeline for six years and has been planned on a 26-km stretch between Tripunithura and Aluva, which would ease the traffic in Kochi city. The track is to come up above the ground, supported by pillars.

http://static.ibnlive.in.com/ibnlive/pix/sitepix/06_2011/sreedaran_dmrc.jpg

For the past week, there was apprehension in the media that Sreedharan might back out of the project.
"There is no difference of opinion with Sreedharan on the project. He has fully agreed to partner us not only in this but on all infrastructure projects being planned by us," said Chief Minister Chandy after a full board meeting of the State Planning Board here, of which Sreedharan is a full-time member.
Chandy said the state government will have the choice to appoint the managing director of the proposed Kochi Metro Rail Limited, while the central government would nominate the chairman. "We will now request the centre to nominate Sreedharan as chairman of this project," said Chandy.
The minister in charge of this mega project, Aryadan Mohammed, said: "The funds for this project are not at all going to be an issue and even the Japan International Cooperation Agency has agreed to do the needful if Sreedharan is part of the project."
Sreedharan, 79, came to be called the Metro Man after the Delhi Metro took shape under him. He retired in 2011 after 16 years in the extremely successful project.

induzcreed

January 13th, 2012, 06:52 AM

mohammedirshad06

January 13th, 2012, 08:48 AM

DMRC likely to take over all Preparatory Projects

Hinting that DMRC will review its previous decision to withdraw 3 out of 5 preparatory projects of Kochi Metro, P.Sriram said, since DMRC is returning back as turnkey projects, its more likely they review their previous decision.

The preparatory works include reconstruction of North ROB, Development of Salim Rajan Flyover, Development of 4 lane road from Jos Junction to South Railway Station, Widening works of MG Road and Banerjee Road from Madhava Pharmacy to North ROB.

Out of this, DMRC is working on first two projects and remaining 3 projects were returned back to KMRL due to the tussle. Since the issues have been sorted out, the other 3 projects would be done by DMRC itself.

P.Sriram said, the 2 projects will be completed before the schedule itself and DMRC has capabilities to complete the 3 pending projects ontime without affecting other 2.

http://www.deepika.com/

zuperman

January 13th, 2012, 09:08 AM

mohammedirshad06

January 13th, 2012, 11:02 AM

I really wonder how are they going to widen the much congested north ROB-Madhava Pharmacy Jn stretch.Many buildings will have to be demolished which will lead to greater chaos.It is one of the narrowest stretches in Kochi.
Including MG Road in the list of roads to be widened,did they take into consideration the 100s of buildings alongside the road?
The median in Kochi roads (Aluva-Petta Metro stretch) is so narrow tht it is not even a metre wide.These medians have to replaced by Metro pillars.The roads in Kochi arent even half wide as the roads in Delhi or Blore.
Its not that I 'm being too skeptic , but logic says it will be utter congested during the 3-4 yr construction period.
Good God!!! Chaos awaits Kochi!!!

MG Road widening is not a big serious issue, as its a matter of 3 to 4 meters and now they are making a record in LA, by even offering more than 30 Lakh Per Cent to the evictees, that too prior transaction.... In addition, few may get TDRs, which too they can sell at premium in open market. Moreover no Bldgs need a full demolition... Some frontage....

But its a serious concern from Kacheripady to Town Hall stretch of Banerjee Road. The road is too narrow and the govt would require entire bldgs and in some cases, even those behind..... Moreover one school is lose its land completely....

Thats a serious issue to be addressed.... I don't think, rest anywhere, the road is too Narrow for a major issue.... Ofcourse its narrow as per International standards, but okay to Kerala standards.....

DMRC and KMRL proved that, with a good traffic plan, no much congestions is possible as in case of North ROB. I am not expecting any major standstill as of now.

Mohamed Kabeer

January 13th, 2012, 03:46 PM

MG Road widening is not a big serious issue, as its a matter of 3 to 4 meters and now they are making a record in LA, by even offering more than 30 Lakh Per Cent to the evictees, that too prior transaction.... In addition, few may get TDRs, which too they can sell at premium in open market. Moreover no Bldgs need a full demolition... Some frontage....

But its a serious concern from Kacheripady to Town Hall stretch of Banerjee Road. The road is too narrow and the govt would require entire bldgs and in some cases, even those behind..... Moreover one school is lose its land completely....

Thats a serious issue to be addressed.... I don't think, rest anywhere, the road is too Narrow for a major issue.... Ofcourse its narrow as per International standards, but okay to Kerala standards.....

DMRC and KMRL proved that, with a good traffic plan, no much congestions is possible as in case of North ROB. I am not expecting any major standstill as of now.Mr M I admitted that it's Only KERALA standard . again , HE IS an optimist while coming to the real execution .
what a PARADOX................................!

DileepKS

January 13th, 2012, 04:59 PM

വരുന്നിടത്തുവെച്ചുകാണാം എന്നേ ഇപ്പോൾ പറയാൻ പറ്റൂ

Of course, there will be traffic problem. Terrible in fact, but that is a necessary evil to get Metro.

The system just needs 9.5M wide clear space for the elevated tracks. I read somewhere that you can in fact build it on a 14M ROW road.

Prasanth_KCV

January 14th, 2012, 05:38 AM

MG Road widening is not a big serious issue, as its a matter of 3 to 4 meters and now they are making a record in LA, by even offering more than 30 Lakh Per Cent to the evictees, that too prior transaction.... In addition, few may get TDRs, which too they can sell at premium in open market. Moreover no Bldgs need a full demolition... Some frontage....

But its a serious concern from Kacheripady to Town Hall stretch of Banerjee Road. The road is too narrow and the govt would require entire bldgs and in some cases, even those behind..... Moreover one school is lose its land completely....

Thats a serious issue to be addressed.... I don't think, rest anywhere, the road is too Narrow for a major issue.... Ofcourse its narrow as per International standards, but okay to Kerala standards.....

DMRC and KMRL proved that, with a good traffic plan, no much congestions is possible as in case of North ROB. I am not expecting any major standstill as of now.

One building on the left side of Banerji Road after Kacheripady is already vacated completly by tenants. Means people are aware of the fact that they have to vacate from this area and they are doing so. Let's hope for the best.

vu3nnn

January 14th, 2012, 06:05 AM

mohammedirshad06

January 14th, 2012, 06:40 AM

The main opposition would come from the merchants unions and shopkeepers rather than land owners.

New buildings anyway have enough frontage, and would be unaffected by metro acquisitions. Old building owners would actually find this a welcome opportunity to get rid of old tenants who pay low rentals. With the money and FAR relaxations they get for surrendering the frontage they can renovate their buildings and get higher rentals.

Still, Banerjee Road (North ROB - Kacheripady) would present as major challenge, as would South Railway Station Road, and in both cases it would require acquisition of multi-storied buildings in full. I am especially pessimistic about South Railway Station Road (South Jn - Railway Station), where it is just not possible to widen the road without demolishing each and every building on both sides. A far better option would be to divert the metro via Pallimukku Jn.

Ironically, from the KMRC website, more commercial establishments would have to make way in SA Road - Pettah stretch rather than the CBD.

I believe, the KMRC website is not showing South Junction areas, because it might not be surveyed till now.... Infact it was only last Month Collector ordered for survey of the region....

Yes, its true, lot of bldgs needs to be demolished in this stretch... If my assesment is right these might be following bldgs that go in full

1. Survey and Registration Office
2. Ernakulam Public Gym
3. Front Block of Ananda Bazaar
4. Raj Bldgs
5. Shaziya Hotel
6. Small single storied bldgs-3 which are extensions of some other bldgs behind
7. Mandoli Bldgs

Bldgs that lose a part of it or frontage

1. Bimbis- Complete front parking and probably a small portion of its bakery
2. Vettukattil- Frontage Parking
3. Frontage land of next two bldgs, including Santhigiri hospital/Pizza Hut
4. Frontage portion of half constructed Varkey's Bldg....
5. Half side of a house behind Survey office...

Considering the number of full losing bldgs, I don't feel it might go into serious opposition as number of Bldgs is less and most are too old, except Mandoli which they might go in seriously as they have constructed it only a year back.

-----

I too feel, the best should have been via Pallimukku, but Metro might require interchange passengers from South as ridership and might be because of this, they choose this option... Pallimukku, being a hotspot of MG Road, will surely pull some more crowd.....

Malayaali

January 15th, 2012, 06:34 AM

DMRC awaits Central nod to start works :cheers:
With the State government deciding to entrust the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with the implementation of the Kochi metro rail project, the agency is preparing to call tenders for the civil works within a day of the Centre giving its nod for the project. Sources in the DMRC said that they are awaiting Central sanction for the system of mass rapid transport to begin the preliminary works. “The first of the works include earth filling of the coach-repair yard at Muttom near Aluva and work on the pile foundation for the pillars that would support the elevated rails. All these aspects have already been planned to their minor details.” Work has been going on as scheduled to widen the North overbridge into four-lane in 18 months and to commission the Salim Rajan overbridge in 15 months. The widening of the Ernakulam Town Hall-MG Road stretch into four lane would begin as soon as land is handed over. The DMRC had awarded the works to a contractor in August, 2011. The agency would execute the two other works entrusted to it — the widening of MG Road and also the four-laning of the Jos Junction-South Railway Station Road, along with the construction of the metro rail pillars. This is because the agency does not want traffic to be affected when the works are on, the sources said.

Kochi City Police (http://www.kochicitypolice.org/Flash_Display.asp?id=525)

Malayaali

January 15th, 2012, 05:59 PM

Cityscapes

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/7397/66583870896bf8cd6b64b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/846/66583870896bf8cd6b64b.jpg/)

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/5213/66738485013d38f5aa7cb.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/804/66738485013d38f5aa7cb.jpg/)

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/199/6658318819654b651500b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/696/6658318819654b651500b.jpg/)

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/376/665698872326856da9abb.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/665698872326856da9abb.jpg/)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/672/66345871757f1eedc1ffb.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/502/66345871757f1eedc1ffb.jpg/)

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/917/6600875545b2ae04a72db.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/440/6600875545b2ae04a72db.jpg/)

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/5235/605218731908f19b4ba8b.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/209/605218731908f19b4ba8b.jpg/)

Copyrights : ElonTLT (http://www.flickr.com/photos/73975805@N06/) Kris Kumar (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kris_kumar/), MovingSoul (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58071752@N06/), niche` (http://www.flickr.com/photos/43297102@N04/), Mr.Kay ~ The Shutterbug (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nostalgicmoments/), Xwell (http://www.flickr.com/photos/xwell/), sreejithmsivadasan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sreejithmsivadasan/) flickr galleries.

rkpai13

January 15th, 2012, 06:18 PM

Beautiful snaps....

Prasanth_KCV

January 16th, 2012, 05:31 AM

Gorgious Pics Malayaali:cheers:

Malayaali

January 16th, 2012, 05:54 AM

Cochin Port Trust HQ and Vivanta by Taj Malabar at Willingdon Island

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/400555_219704348114411_202412496510263_477018_440247962_n.jpg

Malayaali

January 16th, 2012, 07:42 AM

Fort Kochi Tourism: Rs 10 Crore Project sanctioned

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3078/54868244.jpg
Source: Manorama

vjkrishn

January 17th, 2012, 02:43 AM

Master plan for tourism project ready (http://http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Master-plan-for-tourism-project-ready/articleshow/11519197.cms)

http://i42.tinypic.com/a479sx.jpg

The district administration has finalised a master plan for the developing tourism in Kadambrayar. District collector PI Sheik Pareeth said that the project would be implemented in four stages at a cost of Rs. 10.91 crore and the district administration would seek state government's approval and financial aid.Pareeth said that Rs 1.82 crore has been allocated for the first phase of the project that would cover an area from Chitrapuzha bridge to Infopark.

In the first phase walkways on both sides of the backwaters and a boat jetty will be completed. In the second phase, for which the authorities have allocated Rs. 4.04 crore, a 7.75 km walkway and four boat jetties will be constructed. In the third and fourth phase of the project, 1400 trees will be planted.

Malayaali

January 17th, 2012, 07:32 AM

Muziris Heritage Cruise: Construction of 25 world class boat jetties started

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7074/1copycopy.jpg

Source: Manorama

Malayaali

January 17th, 2012, 08:16 AM

Kerala Travel Mart, 2012 (http://www.keralatravelmart.org/) to be held in Sep at Kochi

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/4061/1copycopyt.jpg

Source: Manorama

Malayaali

January 17th, 2012, 08:48 PM

Kochi Metro: Whole stretch to be divided and constructed together

DMRC officials stated that, the 25km metro rail stretch will be equally divided into 2 or 3 and will be tendered to different contractors simultaneously so as to avoid any delay in the construction.

The MG, Banerjee, Station roads development will take place along metro construction. The whole project will be completed in 3 years time.

കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ റെയില് ഭാഗങ്ങളായി തിരിച്ച് ഒന്നിച്ച് നിര്മിക്കും (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/online/malayalam/news/story/1398586/2012-01-18/kerala)
രണ്ടോ മൂന്നോ തുല്യഭാഗങ്ങളായി തിരിച്ച് ഒന്നിച്ചായിരിക്കും മെട്രോ റെയില് നിര്മിക്കുകയെന്ന് ഡിഎംആര്സി.

ആലുവമുതല് പേട്ടവരെ 25 കിലോമീറ്ററിലാണ് മെട്രോ റെയില് വരുന്നത്. കേന്ദ്രത്തിന്റെ നിര്മാണാനുമതി ലഭിച്ചാലുടന് ടെന്ഡര് വിളിക്കും. ഓരോ ഭാഗത്തിന്റെ നിര്മാണവും വ്യത്യസ്ത കോണ്ട്രാക്ടര്മാര്ക്കായിരിക്കും. സ്ഥലം ഏറ്റെടുക്കേണ്ടാത്ത ഇടങ്ങളിലായിരിക്കും നിര്*മാണം ആദ്യം ആരംഭിക്കുക. വ്യത്യസ്ത കരാറുകാരെ നിര്മാണം ഏല്പിക്കുകയും ഒരേസമയം വിവിധ സ്ഥലങ്ങളില് നിര്മാണം നടത്തുകയും വഴി മെട്രോപദ്ധതി വേഗത്തിലാക്കാനാണ് ലക്ഷ്യമിടുന്നതെന്ന് ഡിഎംആര്സി അധികൃതര് വ്യക്തമാക്കി.

കേന്ദ്രാനുമതി ലഭിച്ച് രണ്ടുമാസത്തിനകം ടെന്ഡര് നല്കാനാണ് ഡിഎംആര്സിയുടെ ഉദ്ദേശ്യം. നിലവില് നിര്മാണം പുരോഗമിക്കുന്ന നോര്ത്ത് മേല്പാലത്തിന്റെ പണി 18 മാസംകൊണ്ടും കെഎസ്ആര്ടിസി ഫൈ്ളഓവറിന്റെ നിര്മാണം 15 മാസംകൊണ്ടും പൂര്ത്തിയാകും.

നിര്മാണം വേഗത്തില് നടത്തുന്നുണ്ടെന്ന് പ്രോജക്ട് ഡയറക്ടര് പി. ശ്രീറാം പറഞ്ഞു. അടിസ്ഥാനസൗകര്യ വികസനത്തിന്റെ ഭാഗമായി എംജി റോഡ്, ബാനര്ജി റോഡ്, സ്റ്റേഷന് അപ്രോച്ച് റോഡ് എന്നിവയുടെ വികസനം മെട്രോപദ്ധതിയുടെ നിര്മാണത്തിന് ഒപ്പമായിരിക്കും നടപ്പാക്കുക. രണ്ടു പണികള്ക്കുമായി ഒറ്റത്തവണ ഗതാഗത ക്രമീകരണം ഏര്പ്പെടുത്തിയാല്മതിയാകും. ഇതു മുഖേന ജനങ്ങളുടെ ബുദ്ധിമുട്ട് കുറയ്ക്കാനാകുമെന്നാണ് പ്രതീക്ഷയെന്ന് ശ്രീറാം പറഞ്ഞു. കൊച്ചി മെട്രോപദ്ധതി മൂന്നുവര്ഷംകൊണ്ട് പൂര്ത്തിയാക്കാനാണ് ലക്ഷ്യമിടുന്നത്. എന്നാല്, നിര്മാണം പുരോഗമിക്കുമ്പോള് സ്ഥലലഭ്യത ഉറപ്പാക്കണം. കേബിളുകള് ഇടുമ്പോള് വിവിധ വകുപ്പുകളില് നിന്നുള്ള സഹകരണം ലഭിക്കണം. നിശ്ചിത സമയത്തുതന്നെ കേബിള് സ്ഥാപിക്കുകയും വേണം. പദ്ധതിക്ക് അനുമതി ലഭിച്ചാല് കൂടുതല് ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥരും സ്ഥലത്തെത്തും.

പദ്ധതിക്കായി 32 ഹെക്ടര് സ്ഥലമാണ് ഏറ്റെടുക്കേണ്ടത്. 24 സ്റ്റേഷനുകള്ക്കുള്ള സ്ഥലവും യാര്ഡിനായുള്ള സ്ഥലവും ഇതില് ഉള്പ്പെടും. സ്ഥലം ഏറ്റെടുത്ത് നല്കേണ്ടത് സര്ക്കാരിന്റെ ചുമതലയാണ്.

ഇടപ്പള്ളി, വൈറ്റില ജംഗ്ഷനുകളില് ദേശീയപാതാ ഫൈ്ളഓവര് അലൈന്മെന്റ് സംബന്ധിച്ച ആശയക്കുഴപ്പം അകറ്റാനുണ്ട്. ദേശീയപാത അധികൃതര് ഫൈ്ളഓവറിനുള്ള പുതിയ അലൈന്മെന്റ് തയ്യാറാക്കിവരുന്നു. മെട്രോപദ്ധതിക്കായി സംസ്ഥാനസര്ക്കാര് 30 കോടി രൂപയാണ് ഡിഎംആര്സിക്ക് കൈമാറിയിരിക്കുന്നത്. മെട്രോപദ്ധതി വിലയിരുത്താനായി ആസൂത്രണ കമ്മീഷന് വൈസ് ചെയര്മാന് അടുത്ത ആഴ്ച കൊച്ചിയിലെത്തുന്നുണ്ട്.

നിര്മാണ അനുമതി ലഭിച്ചശേഷം ഏത് സാങ്കേതികവിദ്യ വേണമെന്ന് തീരുമാനിക്കും. ഇതു സംസ്ഥാന സര്ക്കാരും ഡിഎംആര്സിയും ചേര്ന്ന് തീരുമാനിക്കേണ്ടതാണെന്ന് അധികൃതര് പറഞ്ഞു. ജപ്പാന് ഇന്റര്നാഷണല് കോ-ഓപ്പറേഷന് ഏജന്സി വായ്പനല്കാന് സന്നദ്ധത അറിയിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടെങ്കിലും അനുമതി ലഭിച്ചശേഷം മാത്രമായിരിക്കും വായ്പക്കരാര് ഒപ്പുവയ്ക്കുക.

psanthosh

January 18th, 2012, 02:43 AM

Telecom Hub in Kochi Kinfra Park - will start operation by April

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/business/news_articles/story-245207.html

Malayaali

January 18th, 2012, 05:12 AM

^^

India's 1st Telecom Innovation Hub in Kochi

Jointly promoted by Kochi Kinfra Park (http://www.kinfra.org/pro3a.htm) and Mobme wireless (http://www.mobme.in/)

പൊതു-സ്വകാര്യ പങ്കാളിത്തത്തോടെ ടെലികോം മേഖലയില് മാത്രമായുള്ള രാജ്യത്തെ ആദ്യ കേന്ദ്രം കൊച്ചിയിലെ കിന്ഫ്ര പാര്ക്കില് സ്ഥാപിക്കുന്നതിനുള്ള കരാറില് കിന്ഫ്ര മാനേജിങ് ഡയറക്ടര് എസ്. രാമനാഥനും പാര്ക്കിന്റെ നടത്തിപ്പുകാരായ മോബ്മി വയര്ലെസ് സൊലൂഷന്റെ സിഇഒ സഞ്ജയ് വിജയകുമാറും ഒപ്പുവെച്ചു.

ആദ്യഘട്ടമായി 15,000 ചതുരശ്ര അടിയില് അടിസ്ഥാന സൗകര്യങ്ങള് വികസിപ്പിക്കും. കേന്ദ്രസര്ക്കാരിന്റെ സാങ്കേതിക സംരംഭക വികസന ബോര്ഡും ശാസ്ത്രസാങ്കേതിക വകുപ്പും തിരുവനന്തപുരം ടെക്നോപാര്ക്കും മോബ്മി വയര്ലെസ് സൊലൂഷനും ചേര്ന്നാണ് പൊതു-സ്വകാര്യ പങ്കാളിത്തത്തോടെ പദ്ധതി നടപ്പാക്കുന്നത്. സ്റ്റാര്ട്ട് അപ് വില്ലേജ് ഇന്ത്യന് ടെലികോം ഇന്നവേഷന് ഹബ്ബ് എന്നാണ് പദ്ധതിയുടെ പേര്.

ടെലികോം മേഖലയില് വളര്ന്നുവരുന്ന വ്യവസായ സാധ്യതകള് മുതലെടുത്ത് ഇന്ത്യയെ ലോകത്തിന്റെ തന്നെ ടെലികോം കേന്ദ്രമായി മാറ്റുകയാണ് ലക്ഷ്യമെന്ന് കിന്ഫ്ര പാര്ക്കുകളുടെ മാനേജിങ് ഡയറക്ടര് രാമനാഥന് പറഞ്ഞു. ഏപ്രിലില് പദ്ധതി പ്രവര്ത്തനം ആരംഭിക്കും.

യുവ ടെലികോം സംരംഭകരെ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിച്ച് ഈ മേഖലയില് വ്യവസായ സംരംഭകത്വം നടപ്പാക്കുകയാണ് ഇന്ത്യന് ടെലികോം ഇന്കുബേഷന് ഹബ്ബിന്റെ ലക്ഷ്യം. പൊതു-സ്വകാര്യ സഹകരണത്തോടെ നടപ്പാക്കുന്ന ഇന്ത്യയിലെ ആദ്യ ബിസിനസ് ഇന്കുബേറ്ററായിരിക്കും പുതിയ കേന്ദ്രം.

ഇന്ഫോസിസ് മേധാവിയായ ക്രിസ് ഗോപാലകൃഷ്ണനാണ് ടെലികോം തുടക്ക കമ്പനികളുടെ കേന്ദ്രത്തിന്റെ മുഖ്യ ഉപദേഷ്ടാവ്. ആഗോള ടെലികമ്യൂണിക്കേഷന് രംഗത്ത് പുത്തന് തലമുറയുടെ ഗവേഷണങ്ങള് പ്രതീക്ഷകള് നല്കുന്നതാണെന്ന് ഐടി വ്യവസായ മന്ത്രി പി.കെ. കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടി പറഞ്ഞു.

ടെലികോം മേഖലയില് ഏറ്റവും മികച്ച രീതിയില് വളര്ന്നുവരുന്ന മോബ്മിയുടെ പുതിയ സംരംഭത്തിന് എല്ലാ സഹായവും വാഗ്ദാനം ചെയ്യുന്നതായി കേന്ദ്ര ശാസ്ത്ര സാങ്കേതിക സംരംഭക വികസന ബോര്ഡിന്റെ ഉപദേശകന് എച്ച്.കെ. മിത്തല് പറഞ്ഞു. വേഗത്തില് വളര്ന്നുവരുന്ന ഇന്ത്യയിലെ 50 കമ്പനികളുടെ പട്ടികയില് സോഫ്റ്റ്വെയര് കമ്പനികളുടെ ദേശീയ സംഘടനയായ നാസ്കോം മോബ്മിയെ തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്തിരിക്കുന്നു. കോളേജ് കാമ്പസുകളില് ഉണ്ടാകുന്ന ടെലികോം മേഖലയിലെ ടെക്നോളജി ആശയങ്ങള് പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിച്ച് സംരംഭകത്വത്തിലെത്തിക്കാന് പുതിയ പദ്ധതി ലക്ഷ്യമിടുന്നു. 10 വര്ഷത്തിനുള്ളില് 1000 കമ്പനികള് സൃഷ്ടിക്കാനാവും ശ്രമമെന്നും മോബ്മി വയര്ലെസ് സിഇഒ സന്ജയ് വിജയകുമാര് പറഞ്ഞു. അന്താരാഷ്ട്ര നിലവാരത്തിലാണ് പുതിയ കേന്ദ്രം നിര്മിക്കുന്നത്. പാര്ക്കിനുള്ളില് 4 ജി സംവിധാനം ലഭ്യമാക്കും.

Malayaali

January 18th, 2012, 12:18 PM

India's 1st Telecom Innovation Hub in Kochi

India's first public-private partnership telecom incubator to come up in KINFRA Park (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/telecom/indias-first-public-private-partnership-telecom-incubator-to-come-up-in-kinfra-park/articleshow/11537684.cms)
India's first public-private partnership (PPP) telecom business incubator, 'Startup Village', is being set up on a 15,000-square feet space at the KINFRA Park in nearby Kalamassery and the first phase of the project will be inaugurated in February this year.

An agreement in this regard was signed between MobME CEO Sanjay Vijayakumar and Kerala Infrastructure Development Authority (KINFRA) Managing Director S Ramanath.

Startup Village will focus primarily on student start-ups from college campuses and would be modelled on the technology incubators in Silicon Valley. It aims to incubate 1,000 product start-ups over 10 years and start the search for a billion-dollar company from a college campus by the turn of the decade.

The National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Technopark and MobME Wireless have joined hands to set up the country's first telecom business incubator, Startup Village, an Indian telecom innovation hub, KINFRA said in a press release here.

Malayaali

January 19th, 2012, 05:10 AM

Ernakulam Rajendra Maidan in 1950

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/395670_284845534904847_124187674303968_816388_1193019199_n.jpg

Courtesy: Krishnan Nair Studios

Malayaali

January 19th, 2012, 05:26 AM

Puthuype - Near Petronet LNG Terminal

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8946/1copycopytcopy.jpg

Source: Manorama

Malayaali

January 19th, 2012, 06:35 AM

Projects worth Rs 325 crore to be taken up for up-gradation, strengthening and underground cabling by KSEB

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/8946/1copycopytcopy.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

Malayaali

January 19th, 2012, 01:41 PM

X-posting from Cochin Airport Thread

Township for CISF staff to come up near airport (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2813836.ece)
The Cochin International Airport Limited is constructing a dedicated residential township for the CISF personnel guarding the establishment, as a sideline to its plans for a massive upgradation of airport infrastructure.

According to a senior company official, CIAL has earmarked about 5 acres of land on its property for the project, which is slated to be completed within two years.

“The move is aimed at enhancing the accessibility of the force in case of any emergency, similar to many other aerodromes in the country,” he said.

As per the proposal, the first phase of construction will include barrack accommodation, Unit Quarter guard, Commandant Bungalow and other ancillary buildings, while the second phase will cover an administrative block and facilities for family accommodation.

The total cost of construction is estimated to be around Rs.52 crore.

The airport security in CIAL has been entrusted with a 500-strong CISF contingent as part of the government's country-wide policy for airports.

Presently, the CISF personnel deployed in Cochin airport are accommodated in a rented complex just outside the airport concourse.

PROPOSALS TO BE STUDIED

Apart from the residential complex project, CIAL has been embarking on a massive plan to develop its property with a number of service sector initiatives by attracting corporate investments.

Official sources said that the company had formed a team to evaluate the earlier proposals and identify the options to restore it, in addition to working out the cost estimates.

According to them, the company is now working on the terms for inviting business proposals for developing a multi-specialty hospital and an International Logistics Centre.

Another major project being taken up by it on a priority basis is the construction of a covered alighting area in front of its international terminal that will help ease the crowd outside the building, especially during peak hours.

The company also calculates on converting the area into commercial space by establishing consumer retail shops under the canopy.

CIAL has been working on a massive expansion proposal and recently unveiled an ambitious plan worth Rs.600 crore that will help it match up to the new generation aerodromes elsewhere in the country.

As part of it, the airport company proposes to expand the security hold area of the domestic terminal by erecting a canopy towards the air-side. The plan also comprises the establishment of a new international terminal having a higher passenger capacity that will cater to its prospected growth in passenger traffic, at least for the next 15 years.

Malayaali

January 19th, 2012, 02:01 PM

Somany Ceramics eyeing US, UK, markets (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2813970.ece?ref=wl_opinion)
Somany Ceramics Ltd (http://www.somanyceramics.com/default.aspx) is eyeing the US, UK and European markets for exports, a top company official said here on Thursday.

The company, which already exports its products to East and West African countries and the Middle East, is looking at new markets overseas, Chairman and Managing Director Mr Shreekant Somany told reporters here.

“We are looking at international markets as we have products in a varying range for them. Exports presently account for 7 per cent of the company’s total sales turnover,” he said.

Somany Ceramics will also be participating in two major fairs in Spain and Italy this year, which will give the company impetus in the export market, the CMD said.

He inaugurated an exclusive Somany showroom here today, the third in Kochi. The store will display tiles with interesting colors, design schemes and textures. Kerala presently has six exclusive Somany showrooms. Two more will come up at Thiruvananthapuram this year.

Somany has approximately 30 exclusive showrooms all over India. “Our effort is to open at least 10-15 showrooms every year,” Mr Somany said.

Targeting a sales turnover of Rs 1,000 crore in the fiscal ending March this year, he said Somany was aiming at 20-25 per cent growth this year despite the slowdown. The company’s year-on-year growth has been over 25 per cent during the past five years.

In Kerala, the company has a 16 per cent market share in the floor tiles segment and 18 per cent in the wall tiles space in the organised sector, Somany Ceramics Ltd President Mr Anil K Beejawat said.

Somany Ceramics Ltd, the flagship company of the H L Somany group, is one of the leading players in the tiles and sanitaryware industry.

moncy

January 20th, 2012, 05:30 AM

http://i44.tinypic.com/11913bo.jpg

GIDA approved Rs 142 Crore project

Source : Mangalam

mohammedirshad06

January 20th, 2012, 05:53 AM

The state government on Thursday decided to do away with the land freezing undertaken in eight villages to facilitate the coastal highway project which is yet to get a nod from the Centre.

The high-level meet of Goshree Island Development Authority (GIDA) chaired by chief minister Mr Oommen Chandy also approved the Rs 5.50 crore pilot project for producing electricity from solid waste.

“There were many complaints from villagers against the land freezing. As the project is yet to get a Central nod, we decided to cancel the land freezing decision, a long-pending demand of the affected people,” Mr Oommen Chandy said at the end of GIDA General Council meet. However, he clarified that once the go-ahead was received, the lands would be frozen.

The waste treatment plant, to come up on a one-acre plot in Mulavukadu Island in six months, would be using advanced technology under which the waste needn’t be segregated.

The plant can dispose six tonnes daily and if found successful, similar plants would be set up in other parts.

Other major decisions included maintenance and beautification of the High Court—Goshree Bridge Road for which the contractor has already been fixed after floating tenders.

“The work will be completed in three months. The contractor has to deposit Rs 5 lakh and in turn he will be given ad spaces at both sides of the bridge,” he said.

The development of Pullekadu, Thantonituruthu and Korukotta Islands was approved for which KITCO will prepare the project plan.

An advanced “Inland water transport” terminal will also be set up at the end of the Goshree-Chathyath Road and a double-decker boat will be deployed to facilitate easy commuting of islanders.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/coastal-highway-land-freezing-be-called-135

mohammedirshad06

January 21st, 2012, 07:16 AM

The Kerala State Construction Corporation has invited tenders for the preliminary work on the Kochi Metro Rail project.

Expected to cost Rs 4.86 crore to carry out, the work includes reconstruction and repairing of roads which will be be used to divert traffic while the Metro Rail work gets under way.

While the Canal West Side Road connecting Pulleppady Road and Kottecanal Road, the Lissie Hospital —Pullepady Road and the Stadium Link Road from Church Road to Samskara Junction will be reconstructed, the Doraiswami Iyer Road, Salim Rajan Road, the stretch from Kathrikadavu bridge to Kumaranasan Road and the eastern approach road to the railway overbridge will be repaired.

The three-km stretch from Chathyath Church junction to Pachalam will also be developed. District collector, P.I. Sheikh Pareeth, said the tender process would be completed before January 24 and the construction would begin soon afterwards. A one-and-a-half month deadline has been set for the completion of all preliminary work.

Meanwhile, a Rs 37-lakh project has been drawn up for conserving the heritage building of the Maharajas College, according to Mr Pareeth, who also heads the college development council.

The project will involve taking measures to protect the heritage building, and its outside walls, besides cleaning the campus. The funds for the scheme will be raised from the public works and higher education departments.

It had also been decided to establish a fire and rescue system in all government hospitals with inpatient facilities in the district, the collector revealed.

The first phase will see a fire unit worth Rs 10 lakh being set up at the district general hospital.

“We have asked the fire and rescue officials to submit a report after doing a fire safety audit in taluk and community hospitals.

A working committee meeting of the District Health and Family Welfare Society held on Friday reviewed the steps taken,” he said, adding that funds from the National Health Mission would be used for the project.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/metro-tenders-worth-rs-486-crore-412

Prasanth_KCV

January 21st, 2012, 11:23 AM

Land acquesition for double lining the railway track from Ernakulam to Kayamkulam is over

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/online/malayalam/news/story/1405063/2012-01-21/kerala

Prasanth_KCV

January 21st, 2012, 11:32 AM

Central Govenment decided to introduce on arrival visa for tourists at 4 airports in India including Kochi, other airports are Goa, Hyderabad and Banglore, within one year

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/online/malayalam/news/story/1405512/2012-01-21/kerala

Malayaali

January 22nd, 2012, 06:33 AM

First phase of ATS in February (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/First-phase-of-ATS-in-February/articleshow/11585862.cms)
The district administration is set to make Kochi the first city in the country to implement the automated transport system ( ATS). District collector P I Sheik Pareeth said the first phase of implementation will begin in the first week of February.

Tourists and foreigners coming to the city will be able to access route maps and calculate distance with the help of this system.

There are plans to introduce a subscription fees for vehicle owners to avail the service on an annual or permanent basis. The details of the project will be finalized after discussion with the officials of Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), which will be held on Friday.

A total of Rs 20 lakh has been earmarked for the project. "The system will be initially installed at 10 locations in Kochi and if successful it will be extended to other parts as well," said Pareeth. Each unit to be fitted in a vehicle will cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 12,000. Several firms have come up forward for implementing it.

KMC

January 22nd, 2012, 08:16 AM

New project from Kent

http://www.kenthomes.in/upcoming/projects/timthumb.php?src=config/data/picon/40newlaunch.jpg&w=388&h=312&zc=0

Malayaali

January 22nd, 2012, 08:46 AM

8 heritage buildings to be renovated by PWD (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/8-heritage-buildings-to-be-renovated-by-pwd/223189-60-122.html)
After its move to draft the Green Building policy, the Public Works Department is now eying heritage buildings. As many as seven heritage buildings in the state and one in Tamil Nadu belonging to the state would be renovated. Kerala Palace in Kuttalam in Tamil Nadu, Government Arts College,Thrissur, Town Hall, Thrissur, Assembly hall of Cochin State, which is situated on the compound of Govt Law College, Ernakulam, Court Complex in North Paravoor, Rest House in Fort Kochi, Court Complex in Koyilandy and Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Kozhikode are the buildings selected for the first phase under the Heritage Building Conservation Project.
According to a senior PWD official, the programme is in its initial phase. “Kerala Palace in Kuttalam, Rest House in Fort Kochi and Town Hall in Thrissur would be renovated by the Architectural Department of the state PWD.The plan would be considered after presenting a detailed report to the government.
All other buildings will be renovated by some other concessionaires,” the official said.

mohammedirshad06

January 22nd, 2012, 08:56 AM

8 heritage buildings to be renovated by PWD (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/8-heritage-buildings-to-be-renovated-by-pwd/223189-60-122.html)

The Cochin Assembly Bldg, which is now Maharaja's Law College should be moved out of the premises.... Its a real insult to the heritage bldg, with all SFI/ABVP/KSU graffiti donning over the it....

The best place would be the Ram Mohan Palace, where Office of Advocate General functions... But its possible for them to move to Law Tower or High Court campus itself. The Ram Mohan Palace, after a good renovation is fit for a large campus like Law College. It will benefit from the legal environment that HC offers....

While the Assembly Bldg, after a renovation and addition of half constructed bldg to be designed in heritage manner, can be converted into Kochi State Public Library..... There is no need to start a new library itself, rather existing Ernakulam Public Library, the country's 2nd oldest library and one of the largest in South India, itself can be asked to move into more larger and fitting facilities....

Or else, it can be renovated into a Performance arts center or Museum. But its not good see an educational campus operating in such a heritage bldg....

mohammedirshad06

January 22nd, 2012, 12:25 PM

The Rs. 4.5 crore Thanneerchal tourism project at Tripunithura would be completed soon, as five tenders for the project have been awarded simultaneously. Addressing a press meet here on Friday, R. Venugopal, the chairman of Tripunithura municipal council, said that the projects worth Rs. 75 lakh would be expedited by March and would be partly opened for the public by Vishu this year.

The inauguration of the works will be held on Sunday at the site in Chitrapuzha, Irimpanam, on Sunday at 9 a.m. So far, only the initial work of building the granite wall on the sides of the earmarked area of the lake formed by Chitrapuzha river has been done, for which the Kochi Refinery-BPCL had provided Rs.1 crore.

TWO MORE PHASES

Further works of the project would cost Rs 3.5 crore and the whole project would be completed by 2013 March in two further phases. The landscaping and other works have been designed by architect S. Gopakumar of the Kumar Group.

The landscaping of the area which would be set in more than 12 acres of land would have a walkway of about 2.5 km. A town square with children's park, open air stage, indoor play area for children, and pedal boat facility in the lake are the initial targets.

In further phases, the Thanneerchal would be connected to the Hill Palace, which is at a distance of 500 metres. This would open up more avenues of tourism.

This is among the 29 projects in various stages of development, said Mr. Venugopal. A Koothambalam at the Layam Ground will be built for which K. Babu, Minister for Excise, has provided Rs. 35 lakh from the MLA fund. The foundation stone was laid on Saturday.

Some of the other projects of the Municipality include ‘Santhwanam', a project to accommodate the elderly. The five-storey building would provide home for a hundred people. Yet another Rs.2 crore project at Pampadythazham, Eroor, would also include housing for the poor.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2822937.ece

mohammedirshad06

January 23rd, 2012, 06:18 AM

The tourism department has taken charge to renovate the neglected and depleted Parade Ground in Fort Kochi.

The Parade Gound, which was earlier known as the ‘Baracka Maithan’ (which means Barrack Square in Portuguese), is where the Portuguese armies had once housed their arsenals. Also, this ground had been a witness to the fall of the British empire.

“The Union Jack of the British was hoisted proudly at the ground for more than 70 years and was brought down on August 14, 1947,” said K J Sohan, Town Planning Committee chairman.

According to MLA Dominic Presentation, the renovation of the Parade Ground will also develop the historical importance of Fort Kochi. “The Parade Ground is of huge historical significance as the flags of three empires- the Portugese, Dutch and the British have stood tall here. Post-independence the ground was maintained for quite a few years. But gradually, the area around the ground was taken over by the local shopowners leaving the place unkempt and dirty,” said Dominic Presentation.

Under renovation, the plan is to give the ground its lost glory as well as looks. The renovation will be based on the pictures of the ground from the British era. Also, walkways will be included for tourists to walk around the ground.

In the past few years, the ground which has been marked as a no-development zone by the Archeological Survey of India, has created a drift between the Corporation authorities and the locals. “The Corporation had set up walls around its boundaries. But the people were dead against it as they questioned the need of the wall which marred the beauty of what the ground stood for in the past,” a local said.

As part of the renovation, the walls will be removed and the ground will be cleared of weed. Also, there are plans to solve the problems of water logging which at present is the biggest threat faced by the ground.

“The area is being used as a play field at present. Once renovated, it can be developed into a major sightseeing destination for the tourists,” Dominic added.

The renovation of the Parade Ground will be done as part of the `12-crore beautification project of the Fort Kochi town. This is an initiative by the State government.

CNN IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/plans-to-bring-back-parade-grounds-lost-glory/223336-60-122.html)

Malayaali

January 23rd, 2012, 06:51 AM

Drinking water project requires govt approval (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Drinking-water-project-requires-govt-approval/articleshow/11597304.cms)
West Kochi's drinking water project will be completed by December 2012 if government gives its approval soon. Though the Rs 201 crore project was launched under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission ( JNNURM) in 2008, nothing much has happened till date. Kerala water Authority (KWA) is unable to complete the project because locals are against the very idea of digging up of PWD roads for laying water pipes.

The project envisaged a pipeline from Muvattupuzha River in Piravom that was to be channeled into a water treatment plant. Thus a twenty four kilometre-long pipeline connecting the pump house at Piravom and the treatment plant at Kundannoor was planned. But before KWA could lay pipes along the Mulanthuruthy-Piravom stretch, locals protested. "People here suggested that the pipeline should go through alternate roads. Then a committee comprising PWD officials and police was set up to explore this possibility,'' said Mathew Joseph, KWA superintending engineer for the project.

The committee has submitted its report to the state government and suggested that an alternative route is not viable. So the pipeline should be carried out as per original plan. But the government is yet to issue any orders. KWA officials say the project can be completed by December 2012 if government gives permission immediately.

"The pipe work in other areas as well as the construction of pump house at Piravom and treatment plant at Kundannoor is progressing fast. We can wrap it up within three months once work starts,'' said Mathew Joseph.

The project is expected to provide 100 million litre of water to Kochi every day. The current water supply level is just 110 million litre a day.

Malayaali

January 23rd, 2012, 07:54 AM

New Factamfos plant likely to be set up (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=87817231&postcount=24)

Malayaali

January 23rd, 2012, 08:02 AM

Housing Board on revival path, plans slew of projects (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-propertyplus/article2818821.ece)
The Kerala State Housing Board looks set on course for a revival of its fortunes, with the State government intervening to close its liabilities with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. (HUDCO) in three years.

Arakkal Balakrishna Pillai, Chairman of the board, told The Hindu on Thursday that there were reasons to be optimistic about the future of the board.

He said the board was hopeful of taking up projects estimated at Rs.15,000 crore during the financial year 2012-13, the money being spent on building working women's hostels, revenue towers, and so on and on an ambitious programme to establish green building housing complexes.

He said the Haritha Bhavan programme, expected to be taken up next year, would utilise Japanese technology to build houses that would not take a heavy toll on the environment. The programme was being taken up in keeping with the need to address issues related to global warming.

Among the programmes is the Innovative Housing Scheme, aimed at providing rental homes to financially weaker sections of employees in urban areas. In all, the board is hopeful of building 1,000 such homes during the year.

With Finance Minister K.M. Mani, in charge of the Housing Board's affairs, taking interest in its fortunes, the board is drawing up new schemes. The coming financial year is expected to provide a new direction to its functioning.

Mr. Pillai said the board would use the nearly 100 acres of land under its ownership in different parts of the State for the new projects being drawn up, which included plans for setting up the working women's hostels in Kochi and Kozhikode.

Mr. Pillai pointed out that the board had 10 acres of land near the Government Medical College in Kozhikode, which could be utilised for the new programmes, including the working women's hostel project. It expected Central assistance for the project.

More towers

The board also plans to set up three more revenue towers — at Haripad, Kattappana, and Kodungalloor. These projects will be taken up during 2012-13.

The board currently has revenue towers in Ernakulam, Kothamangalam, Changanassery, and Adoor.

Two special projects are being planned at Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram and on Marine Drive in Kochi, where the board has 18 acres of prime property.

The board will engage a consultant to draw up plans for these key pieces of real estate.

The board is expected to decide soon on which agency will make a feasibility study on these projects.

The board has also set aside Rs.15 crore during the current financial year for building 353 dwelling units at Bangladesh Colony in Kozhikode. The total expenditure towards the project is Rs.38 crore, Mr. Pillai said.

While these new projects are being taken up, there will be no slowing down of the projects already on, he said as he pointed out that work on renovation of the houses built under the M.N. Govindan Nair housing project would continue uninterrupted.

With these ventures, the board is expected to be prime mover of the Kerala State Housing Policy, 2011, which lays emphasis on housing as a right-based facility for the citizens of the State.

The housing policy, the draft of which was published late last year, focussed on intensification of efforts to meet the housing needs of the marginalised.

Malayaali

January 23rd, 2012, 08:12 AM

Multi-user liquid terminal project to be delayed (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2816409.ece)
An LPG import and storage facility proposed by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on Puthuvype Island is not likely to come up soon as the Cochin Port Trust's efforts to establish a multi-user liquid terminal (MULT) appears to have been hit by procedural delays.

The terminal was conceived as a solution to the problems posed by transport of LPG by road in the State, moving, as an Industries Department note on August 3, 2011 said, around 30,000 tonnes of the gas in bullet tankers from Mangalore daily.

Industry sources said the entire quantity was not required in the State, and the dangers posed by road transport of the inflammable gas could be avoided by taking the water route.

A severe shortage of cooking gas, which loomed large over South India in the wake of a strike by bulk transport owners, has brought the focus back on the project, which had its beginnings in 2009.

The Cochin Port Trust allotted 37 acres of land on the island to the Indian Oil Corporation for setting up a tank farm after the project was approved. Then estimated to cost around Rs.270 crore, the project was to be commissioned in two-and-a-half years once the statutory clearances were obtained. All Union and State government approvals, including from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, were received in July 2010.

The absence of a jetty to receive LPG carriers is the immediate reason being cited for the delay. The State government has asked the IOC if it can temporarily use the Cochin Oil Terminal (COT), belonging to the Cochin Port Trust, until MULT is ready.

Pending

The port trust's proposal for setting up MULT has been pending approval with the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure. The work will take 18-22 months. Once the project, involving a long-term lease of port land, is approved, orders can be placed for building the terminal, sources said. Indian Oil Corporation is expected to begin work on the storage tanks in tandem with the work on MULT.

In August 2011, the State government asked the Kerala State Industries Development Corporation to help reach a memorandum of understanding between the port trust and the IOC on using COT for handling LPG imports. However, the oil firm is learnt to have conveyed the message that it will not be feasible for it to use COT, which has been lying idle after the BPCL-Kochi Refinery shifted its crude-receiving facility to the single-point mooring facility off the coast of Puthuvype.

The government order on LPG transport sounded an alarm when it noted: “It is further informed that the project is now in an abandoned stage.”

Sources here said the IOC had completed land development work on the project site and built a compound wall. Work at the site began in May 2009.

vjkrishn

January 23rd, 2012, 05:34 PM

Plans to bring back Parade Ground’s lost glory (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/Plans-to-bring-back-Parade-Ground’s-lost-glory/355949.html)

The tourism department has taken charge to renovate the neglected and depleted Parade Ground in Fort Kochi.

The Parade Gound, which was earlier known as the ‘Baracka Maithan’ (which means Barrack Square in Portuguese), is where the Portuguese armies had once housed their arsenals. Also, this ground had been a witness to the fall of the British empire.

“The Union Jack of the British was hoisted proudly at the ground for more than 70 years and was brought down on August 14, 1947,” said K J Sohan, Town Planning Committee chairman.

According to MLA Dominic Presentation, the renovation of the Parade Ground will also develop the historical importance of Fort Kochi. “The Parade Ground is of huge historical significance as the flags of three empires- the Portugese, Dutch and the British have stood tall here. Post-independence the ground was maintained for quite a few years. But gradually, the area around the ground was taken over by the local shopowners leaving the place unkempt and dirty,” said Dominic Presentation.

Under renovation, the plan is to give the ground its lost glory as well as looks. The renovation will be based on the pictures of the ground from the British era. Also, walkways will be included for tourists to walk around the ground.

In the past few years, the ground which has been marked as a no-development zone by the Archeological Survey of India, has created a drift between the Corporation authorities and the locals. “The Corporation had set up walls around its boundaries. But the people were dead against it as they questioned the need of the wall which marred the beauty of what the ground stood for in the past,” a local said.

As part of the renovation, the walls will be removed and the ground will be cleared of weed. Also, there are plans to solve the problems of water logging which at present is the biggest threat faced by the ground.

“The area is being used as a play field at present. Once renovated, it can be developed into a major sightseeing destination for the tourists,” Dominic added.

The renovation of the Parade Ground will be done as part of the `12-crore beautification project of the Fort Kochi town. This is an initiative by the State government.

vjkrishn

January 24th, 2012, 03:33 AM

GCDA to start new ferry, tourist boat terminal in city (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/GCDA-to-start-new-ferry-tourist-boat-terminal-in-city/articleshow/11610246.cms)

Greater Cochin Development Authority (GIDA) is all set to construct a state-of-the-art terminal for tourist and ferry boats in Kochi. The general council of GIDA, which will be presided over by chief minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday, is likely to sanction this proposal.

The general council has already approved the proposal to start boat services for tourists and residents of Goshree islands. The terminal will be constructed on GIDA's land on Chathyath-Goshree Road. A draft of the Rs 6.6 crore project has been prepared, officials said. Procedures for purchasing a double-decker boat have been completed, officials said.

As per the plan, lower deck will be for local passengers, while upper deck is reserved for tourists. There will be 10 to 15 seats in the upper deck which can be availed by locals for a higher rate, sources said.

The state government has already allotted Rs 2 crore for purchasing the boat. The terminal can be used by the private boat operators as well and will house act as ferry service office, GIDA office and a tourist facilitation centre. There is also a proposal to generate electricity out of the waste and garbage from Mulavukadu Island. The Rs 5.50 crore project aims to use a total of six tonne garbage per day to generate power.

The project would be implemented in association with Kerala Suchitwa Mission. GIDA will enlist KITCO to prepare the framework and estimate for the project, official said. GCDA's general council will take a decision on various projects worth Rs 70 crore. Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K V Thomas, excise and ports minister K Babu, PWD minister V K Ebrahim Kunju will attend the meeting.

Malayaali

January 24th, 2012, 11:06 AM

500 tonne capacity mega waste treatment plant to come up in Kochi (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/Capital-to-try-out-foreign-waste-processing-models/articleshow/11609403.cms)
The state government is planning to set up new waste processing units in the city modeled after some successful waste processing mechanisms from foreign countries.

The models have been proposed by the technical committee constituted by the Shuchitwa mission to study waste processing mechanisms in foreign countries.

The models include an integrated processing plant,modern bio-methanation unit and pyrolysis or gasification unit.

The official explained that the government is now trying to identify ideal locations for installing these new plants. The plants will be set up on public-private partnership basis. Each plant will have a capacity to process 25-30 tonnes of waste per day

The technical committee has also proposed for the setting up of a leakage-free waste plant in Kochi. "The idea is to promote source level waste treatment along with high capacity projects.

Two-three mega plants will be set up at key locations in the city. Besides the government will provide subsidy for every household interested in decentralised waste management," he said.

He revealed that a 500 tonne capacity mega waste treatment plant will soon come up in Kochi. The project report for the initial phase has already been completed.

The seminar was jointly organised by Local self government and district panchayat. Mayor K.Chandrika who spoke on the occasion called the closure of Vilappilsala plant a violation of democracy.

Representatives of 64 residents associations and owners of flats, hotels and auditoriums participated in the seminar.

Malayaali

January 24th, 2012, 12:06 PM

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/5925/39486030384280029701331.jpg (http://www.ndtv.com/article/kerala/central-nod-on-kochi-metro-in-few-weeks-montek-singh-170057)

mohammedirshad06

January 25th, 2012, 07:48 AM

Kochi Metro on right track- Aluwalia... Formal works to start by May

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/3695/15456828.jpg

Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia has denied all charges about the non-feasibility of the Kochi Metro Rail project.

He was speaking after visiting Salim Rajan Road RoB, the North RoB and Manapattiparambu, where the preparatory works of the Metro Rail are in progress, on Tuesday. He termed the works as ‘impressive’, but declined to comment further.

“The Planning Commission never had any doubts about the feasibility of the Kochi Metro Rail project. There were some contrary newspaper reports. There are different ways to implement a project. The Planning Commission expressed its views but, never did it raise any objections,” he said.

Ahluwalia added that the final word on the implementation would rest with the state government. “The government is looking at promoting transportation infrastructure like the Metro Rail in smaller cities. But, more important is the interlinking of all other transportation facilities with the Metro Rail,” he said and added that the scope for such infrastructure facilities was high in the state.
On public-private-partnership (PPP) model for the project, he said the decision to choose the required model rested with the state government.

“Kerala has a lot of experience in terms of PPP. The Cochin International Airport was executed in the PPP model. We strongly encourage the PPP model. But, ultimately, it is for the state government to decide whether to involve private parties or not,” Ahluwalia said. Ahluwalia dismissed reports about the non-feasibility of PPP models for Metro Rail Project in various parts of the country.

In the initial stages, all projects are prone to running into problems, he said. Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K V Thomas, MLA Hibi Eden, Mayor Tony Chammany, District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth and Delhi Metro Rail Project director P Sreeram accompanied Montek Singh Ahluwalia.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kochi-metro-rail-is-unstoppable-now/224060-60-122.html

vjkrishn

January 26th, 2012, 03:50 AM

Indira boat race to be revived (http://deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/indira-boat-race-be-revived-992)

http://i40.tinypic.com/2dv8rr5.jpg

Indira Gandhi boat race ,which was second only to Nehru Trophy boat race of Alappuzha in popularity, is being revived after a gap of eight years.

The decision was taken at a meeting convened by local MP and minister of state for agriculture, food & public distribution, Prof. K.V. Thomas.

District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has been assigned the task of organising the water sport-cum-festival in October-November next. The race will be held on the 1,250-metre-long water track from Subhash Park to Goshree bridge in the backwaters off Marine Drive.

The DTPC secretary, Mr T.N. Jayashankar, told Deccan Chronicle that apart from nine snake boats, other country craft like churulan, veppu and irutti would also take part in the festival. A power boat race would also be held along with it. "It will be a three-day tourism event from now on and is estimated to cost Rs 1 crore. The amount will be collected through sponsorship," he said.

The boat race started in early 1970s and was later renamed after the late prime minister Indira Gandhi, was last held in Kochi in 2004 when K.R. Rajan was the district collector. The event is still marked in international tourism calendar.

Malayaali

January 26th, 2012, 05:23 AM

^^

Happy to hear the news :cheers:

Malayaali

January 26th, 2012, 08:16 AM

Broad changes for Broadway soon (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/broad-changes-for-broadway-soon/224385-60-122.html) :cheers:

Kochi will see a sea change in 2011-2016!
The much-awaited Broadway renovation project has finally taken off with the Kochi Corporation inviting tenders for the work. The major components in the tender include renovation of Ernakulam market and laying of tiles on the pavements and underground electric cables and erecting a roof for the Broadway.
The `21.5-crore worth Broadway and Ernakulam Market Heritage Urban Renewal Project, under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), got the Centre’s nod in February 2010.
But, after the initial buzz, the project came to a standstill. However, now with the first phase of the JNNURM projects ending in March 2012, the civic body has decided to invite tenders soon and allot the work. The last date for submitting the tender is January 31. As per the project prepared by the Centre for Heritage Environment and Development (C-HED), the Broadway and Ernakulam market, two busy shopping hubs in the city, will be revamped with modern facilities without damaging the scale and essential character of the architectural ensemble.
Heritage conservation, waste management, traffic management as well as vendor and street hawkers management are the key components of the plan. Creating an integrated pedestrian zone is another major objective.
The walkways along the Broadway will be renovated so that pedestrians will be able to walk along the road easily. Wayside vendors at the market will be reorganised to provide more space for customers.
“Apart from the above components, a separate tender will be floated for the rectification of the bio-gas plant near the market pond,” said a top Corporation official.
The installation of heritage road furniture, public amenities like telephone booths, drinking water points and improved street lighting are also part of the project.
As per the project, there will not be any additional constructions in Broadway. Instead, the dilapidated structures will be rebuilt according to the original design.
Uniformity in architecture, including the facade, will be ensured and a common colour code will be fixed for the buildings in the area so as to highlight the grandeur of the heritage zone.
The project also includes electrification of Broadway, uninterrupted water supply, proper drains, electrification of market, construction of a biogas plant and conservation and beautification of the market pond without any deviation from its existing structure.

shafi

January 26th, 2012, 07:57 PM

Proposed Indian Maritime Campus at Wellington Island.

http://i44.tinypic.com/308lboi.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2ita9t.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/20uvn78.jpg

Malayaali

January 26th, 2012, 10:47 PM

^^

Looks great. Thanks Shafi for posting.

mohammedirshad06

January 27th, 2012, 05:42 AM

^^^^^^

Thanks Shafi..... The Campus looks amazing.... But a doubt? Is this scheduled to come up as IMU in Kumbalam Island or still remaining a campus facility back in W Island? Any ideas?

Anyways thanks Shafi for your updates..... Looking forward more from you dear

bijuarr

January 27th, 2012, 01:57 PM

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/real-estate/realty-trends/not-only-one-investors-look-to-own-second-home/articleshow/11644191.cms

Investment in real estate has seen a change in investors' mindset. Apart from owning a house, people are increasingly looking to buy a second property to earn some investment income out of the property. And, when it comes to buying a house purely from an investment point, choosing the right city or location becomes most important.

"The focus should be on properties that have potential for assured rental yields and capital appreciation. This includes residential projects close to workplaces and industrial hubs," says Om Ahuja, CEO - Residential Services, Jones Lang LaSalle India.

METROS

MUMBAI: Mumbai seems like a promising city even though it showed subdued demand for housing in 2011. "Despite slowdown, no correction was seen in capital values across most micro markets. In fact, some micro markets registered moderate appreciation of 4-11% during the year," says Shveta Jain, director, residential services, Cushman & Wakefield India.

NCR: Markets such as South Central and Gurgaon have registered substantial price appreciation in the range of 17-26 per cent. Prices across suburban locations are likely to remain stable in the short term, owing to moderate sales activity and cautiousness in market. Several premium locations in Delhi are expected to rise marginally in the short term.

BANGALORE: The residential sector in city was not characterised by any set trend in particular. The sales market witnessed increased demand levels, both from end-users as well as the investor community. Prices are likely to firm up as there is a critical size of IT Companies, which could spark some buying and investment activity

CHENNAI: Chennai's residential markets continued to register steady growth during 2011. "Launches during the year remained vibrant, catering to primarily to high and mid-end. The overall appreciation ranges between 2-31% depending upon the location," says Jain. The capital values across most locations are likely to remain stable.

PUNE: In 2011, Pune witnessed stable demand for residential units. It also witnessed several prominent launches during the year. In order to maintain a continuous momentum in transaction activities, most developers refrained from pushing the prices upwards across most micro markets.

NON-METRO OPTIONS

AHMEDABAD, SURAT, VADODARA: Gujarat is among the fastest growing state economies of India, and it has achieved remarkable progress in terms of industries, finance and infrastructure. It also has the highest per-capita income among the Indian states.

THE SOUTHERN BELT: Kochi and Coimbatore are good cities for property investment in South India. Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala, a major tourist destination and a major growth nexus for medical tourism. Coimbatore is the largest industrial centre in Tamil Nadu after Chennai, and has transformed into a preferred destination for IT/ITeS as a result of lucrative incentives given to IT companies by the Tamil Nadu government.

THE NORTHERN BELT: Towards the North, Jaipur and Jodhpur are good property investment destinations. These two cities form a part of the golden triangle on the tourism circuit, and are major tourist destinations. Strategically located on the Golden Quadrilateral, Jaipur has excellent connectivity to Delhi NCR. Jaipur, along with Ahmedabad and Nagpur, has been identified as a very promising emerging city for the IT/ITeS. Construction on the Jaipur Metro project has already begun, and this will boost the growth.

shafi

January 27th, 2012, 07:18 PM

Proposed Campus for Centre For Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE) at cochin

http://i40.tinypic.com/34rwpkp.jpg

http://www.cmlre.gov.in/welcome.html

Prasanth_KCV

January 28th, 2012, 05:50 AM

Rendering looks great Thanx for posting Shafi

mohammedirshad06

January 28th, 2012, 09:01 AM

The much-awaited Kochi liquefied natural gas (LNG)terminal will be operational by October 2012, according to G C Chaturvedi, chairman of Petronet LNG Limited (PLL).:banana::banana:

Speaking at a press meet here on Friday, Chatruvedi, who is also the petroleum secretary, said that the construction works at the Kochi terminal was progressing as per the schedule and was expected to be commissioned by the second quarter of next fiscal.

“The pre-commission and commission works of the terminal are expected to be completed within three to four months,” P Kheterpal, vice-president , Kochi Terminal (Finance) told ‘Express’.

Pipe laying and electrical works are underway and are expected to be completed in a couple of months, he said. Once operational, the LNG terminal at Puthuvype would be a big leap in the infrastructure base of the state.

It will be a boon for Kochiites as GAIL Gas Limited, a subsidiary of GAIL (India) Limited, and Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) have started a joint venture - Kerala GAIL Gas Ltd, for distributing LNG, which can be used as cooking gas that would be cheaper than LPG to city households through pipelines. Kerala GAIL Gas Limited will not only cover Kochi city but also the entire state in a phased manner.

“The estimated cost of the terminal is Rs 3,750 crore, but it may vary according to cargo transshipment expenses,” said Chaturvedi.

The project envisaged for laying pipelines for distributing LNG to households would be a great relief for consumers who are expecting a capping on the number of subsidised LPG cylinders in a year.

The seamless supply of LNG is expected to redefine the automobile sector also as the fuel-efficient, eco-friendly LNG vehicles would be possible once the terminal is commissioned.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lng-terminal-to-be-ready-by-october/225002-60-122.html

Malayaali

January 28th, 2012, 11:33 AM

City inching closer to pipeline dream (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/City-inching-closer-to-pipeline-dream/articleshow/11658035.cms)
If the Rs 3,100-crore project of laying a natural gas pipeline from Kochi LNG terminal takes shape, Kozhikode will enter the big league of cities with a direct-to-home piped gas distribution network.

The 720-km-long Kochi-Koottanad-Bangalore-Mangalore pipeline (KKBMPL) project is being implemented by Kerala Gail Gas Limited, a joint venture project between Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and Gail Gas Limited. Currently the firm is in the process of obtaining a right of way from landowners along the 720km stretch. In Kerala, the pipeline would pass through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod. The work on this is likely to be completed by March 2013. Meanwhile, the work on the 44-km-long first phase of the pipeline from Kochi to Kalamassery is nearing completion.

According to KSIDC officials, the company will also bid for setting up a city gas distribution network in Kochi in the first phase when the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) issues notification. The proposed network for Kozhikode would provide households with a direct supply of piped natural gas. Further it will free up city-based gas cylinders, which could be used for gas distribution in the rural areas.

An earlier notification issued by PNGRB for Ernakulam geographical area got cancelled in November 2011 and a re-notification is expected soon. The gas pipeline will use 2.5 MMTP of natural gas that will be made available after the LNG terminal in Kochi is commissioned for industrial and infrastructure development across the state.

A top KSIDC official said the gas network will provide a reliable supply of clean and cheap source of energy. Industrial clusters will also get an opportunity to set up captive gas-based power generation units using the gas feed. "This is going to be an attractive option for Kozhikode as it has several power intensive industrial units," he said.

The 720-km-long Kochi-Koottanad-Bangalore-Mangalore pipeline would pass through Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod

Malayaali

January 29th, 2012, 06:40 AM

Setting up E-Toilets in 35 district schools to be completed in 2 weeks

സ്കൂളുകളില് ഇ-ടോയ്ലെറ്റ് പദ്ധതി രണ്ടാഴ്ചക്കുള്ളില് പൂര്ത്തിയാക്കും (http://www.madhyamam.com/news/148625/120129)

കൊച്ചി: ജില്ലയിലെ 35 സ്കൂളുകളില് ഇലക്ട്രോണിക് ടോയ്ലെറ്റ് സ്ഥാപിക്കാനുള്ള പദ്ധതി രണ്ടാഴ്ചക്കുള്ളില് പൂര്ത്തിയാകും. പദ്ധതിയുടെ കമീഷനിങ് ഫെബ്രുവരി അവസാനവാരം നടക്കും. പി. രാജീവ് എം.പിയുടെ പ്രാദേശിക വികസന ഫണ്ട് ഉപയോഗിച്ചാണ് ശുചി@സ്കൂള് എന്ന പേരില് ഒന്നരക്കോടിയുടെ പദ്ധതി നടപ്പാക്കുന്നത്. കൊച്ചി റിഫൈനറിയും പദ്ധതിയുമായി സഹകരിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്.
ജില്ലാ പ്ളാനിങ് ഓഫിസര് ആര്. ഗിരിജയുടെ അധ്യക്ഷതയില് കലക്ടറേറ്റ് കോണ്ഫറന്സ് ഹാളില് ചേര്ന്ന പദ്ധതി അവലോകന യോഗത്തില് പി. രാജീവ് എം.പി, വിദ്യാഭ്യാസ ഡെപ്യൂട്ടി ഡയറക്ടര് എം.ഡി. മുരളി, നിര്വഹണ ഏജന്സിയായ ഇറാം ടെക്നോളജീസിന്റ മാനേജിങ് ഡയറക്ടര് മനോഹര് വര്ഗീസ് എന്നിവര് പങ്കെടുത്തു. ഇ-ടോയ്ലെറ്റ് സ്ഥാപിക്കുന്ന സ്കൂളുകളിലെ പ്രധാനാധ്യാപകര്, പി.ടി.എ പ്രസിഡന്റുമാര്, സ്കൂള് ലീഡര്മാര് എന്നിവരും യോഗത്തിനെത്തിയിരുന്നു.
എറണാകുളം ഗവ. ഗേള്സ് ഹയര് സെക്കന്ഡറി സ്കൂളിലാണ് ഇ-ടോയ്ലെറ്റ് പൈലറ്റ് പ്രോജക്ട് നടപ്പാക്കിയത്. 18 സ്കൂളുകളില്ക്കൂടി ടോയ്ലെറ്റുകള് സ്ഥാപിച്ചു കഴിഞ്ഞു. 16 സ്കൂളുകളില് നിര്മാണജോലി പുരോഗമിക്കുന്നു. 35 സ്കൂളുകളിലായി നൂറിലേറെ ഇ - ടോയ്ലെറ്റ് യൂനിറ്റുകളാണ് സ്ഥാപിക്കുന്നത്. ഒരു യൂനിറ്റ് സ്ഥാപിക്കാന് 1.25 ലക്ഷം രൂപയാണ് ചെലവ്. പി. രാജീവിന്റ എം.പി ഫണ്ടില് നിന്നുള്ള ഒരു കോടിയും കൊച്ചി റിഫൈനറിയുടെ ധനസഹായമായി 40 ലക്ഷം രൂപയുമാണ് പദ്ധതിക്ക് ലഭ്യമായിരിക്കുന്നത്.
ഇ -ടോയ്ലെറ്റ് പരിപാലനത്തിലടക്കം മികച്ച ശുചിത്വ നിലവാരം പുലര്ത്തുന്ന സ്കൂളിന് 50,000 രൂപയും ഫലകവും സമ്മാനമായി നല്കുമെന്ന് പി. രാജീവ് എം.പി അറിയിച്ചു.

sree_ec

January 29th, 2012, 08:17 AM

City inching closer to pipeline dream (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/City-inching-closer-to-pipeline-dream/articleshow/11658035.cms)

Is this news (http://www.manoramanews.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/mmtvContentView.do?BV_ID=@@@&tabId=14&programId=9958837&contentId=10920776)related to the one you have mentioned above:ohno:

Malayaali

January 29th, 2012, 08:26 AM

Is this news (http://www.manoramanews.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/mmtvContentView.do?BV_ID=@@@&tabId=14&programId=9958837&contentId=10920776)related to the one you have mentioned above:ohno:

The work on the 44-km-long first phase of the pipeline from Kochi to Kalamassery is nearing completion.

Malayaali

January 29th, 2012, 11:24 AM

X-posting from Kochi's Art & Literature (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=88019865&postcount=58)

India’s first art biennale in Kochi on 12/12/12 (http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=10921455&tabId=1&channelId=-1073865030&programId=1080132912)
The Indian art scene has taken yet another global leap with the Kochi-Muziris Biennale - the country's first official art biennale - to begin Dec 12 this year.

The prophetic date (12.12.12), throwing doomsday predictions to the wind, was announced by the Kochi Biennale Foundation - a private non-profit organisation - here late Saturday. The art gala will continue for three months.

"The biennale is likely to host 80 artists with nearly 50 percent foreign artists, site-specific works and a sustained education programme in the three months," said Michelangelo Bendandi, director of the communications of the biennale.

"It will be spread across Fort Kochi and Kochi town," he added.

The biennale, styled on the Venice biennale, will reclaim several old Jewish, pre-colonial, colonial and native warehouses in the old Fort Kochi area lying in disuse to turn them into modern gallery spaces for display.

It will combine regeneration of old heritage for sustainbale use with art, the organisers said.

The warehouse was used by ancient Jewish traders and native merchants in Kochi and the historical port city of Muziris (modern day Kodangallur) as spice warehouses.

"The Kochi Biennale Foundation has renovated the 150-year-old Kochi Durbar Hall to a state-of-the art climate controlled international-level gallery with sophisticated lighting," said Shwetal A. Patel, executive officer of the Kochi Biennale.

"In April, the Durbar Hall will host German modern artist Eberhard Havekost's exhibition 'Sightseeing Trip' in collaboration with Dresden State Art Collections. The exhibition will be a test for the gallery space," she added.

The biennale is in talks with international and Indian artists including Subodh Gupta, Kiran Subbaiah, Ranbir Kalekar, Shreyas Kale, Rohini Devasher, Surendran Nair, Pakistan's Bani Abidi, Indonesia's Fiona Tan, Mexican artist Gabriel Orozco, African artist Wangechi Mutu and Brazil's Ernesto Neto, said its co-curator and co-founder Bose Krishnamachari.

Patel said pioneering performance art researcher Roselee Goldberg is expected to anchor a module on performance art.

The challenge for the organisers of the biennale will be to transport fragile art works to Kochi, Patel said. Kochi is not connected to the rest of the world by air barring a handful of flights to the Middle East, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

"The Biennale Foundation is working with international transport companies to sort the bottlenecks in transporation," Bendandi said.

rkpai13

January 29th, 2012, 12:59 PM

City inching closer to pipeline dream (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/City-inching-closer-to-pipeline-dream/articleshow/11658035.cms)

Kochi Bangalore gas pipeline sanction denied by Environment ministry

http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=10921395&tabId=1&channelId=-1073865030&programId=1080132912

Malayaali

January 29th, 2012, 01:27 PM

Hungarian team visits Cochin Chamber (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/economy/article2842582.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home)
A delegation from Hungary led by Mr Janos Hovari, Deputy State Secretary for Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, visited the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (http://cochinchamber.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1). He was accompanied by the Hungarian Ambassador to India, Dr Janos Terenyi.

Other members included Mr Balazs Hidveghi, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of National Economy; Mr Szabolcs Takacs, Director-General of the Asia-Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hungary; Mr Zsolt Pakozdy, Economic and Commercial Counsellor; and Ms Julia Bago Horvathne, Desk Officer – Ministry of National Economy, Hungary.

The purpose of the visit was to identify the potential areas of investment and also to discuss the bilateral issues between Hungary and India.

Malayaali

January 30th, 2012, 07:51 AM

Kochi-Bengaluru GAIL Pipeline: Central approval once cases resolved

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/5925/39486030384280029701331.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

Malayaali

January 30th, 2012, 09:28 AM

Indira boat race to be revived (http://deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/indira-boat-race-be-revived-992)
Indira Gandhi Boat Race to return
The Indira Gandhi Snake Boat Race is all set to make a come back, and, if the officials are to be believed, the now-defunct boat race, which had generated equal amount of enthusiasm as that of the Nehru Trophy Boat, could be held in October.
A meeting between government officials and representatives of various cultural organisation, held here on Saturday, took the decision to reintroduce the event, which was discontinued after the Kochi Lake became unnavigable.
The meeting, which was presided over by Minister of State for Agriculture K V Thomas, conducted detailed discussions on various phases of the event.
“The government’s priority is to identify developmental projects and this initiative is one among them,” he said. District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth, who is also the chairman of the District Tourism Promotion Council, said that steps would be taken to provide support for such a venture.
The officials expect that once it gets started, the race can regain its popularity. Efforts will be made to clean the lake with a dredge, they said.
The authorities said that if they could arrange a better track they would also be able conduct competitions in Chundan, Iruttukuthi ( A and B grades) and Veppu, Nadan and Odi categories. A preparatory meeting will be held in February, the officials said.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/indira-gandhi-boat-race-to-return/225466-60-122.html)

amalmohan

January 30th, 2012, 03:01 PM

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/traffic1.jpg.crop_display.jpg
To ensure smooth traffic, the police, in association with KELTRON, are gearing up to implement synchronized signals in the city.

Once the project is completed, a vehicle which runs at 40 kilometres per hour on the National Highway 47 will not have to stop at any junctions after passing the first signal on the route. “The advanced traffic control system will control the signal timings based on the volume of traffic on a particular road,” said Mr T.J. Thomas, the Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer (RTO).

The system is expected to be a relief for people who come from Thrissur and Cochin International Airport.

The synchronisation will be implemented between Athani junction near Nedumbassery and Kundannoor junction. Between Athani and Kundannoor, the traffic signals at Paravoor Road junction, Thottakkattukara, Aluva Town Road junction, Pulinchodu junction, Kalamassery Container Road junction, Apollo junction, Toyota junction, Cochin University junction, Edappally, Palarivattom and Vyttila will also be synchronised, according to the project.

The synchronisation, which was successfully implemented in Bengaluru and Chennai, is expected to smoothen the traffic flow on the highway. However, the authorities will have to ensure how successful the system isduring the peak hours. In Bengaluru and Chennai, the system works better during the lean hours than the peak.

“We’ll see how the highway project turns up. If it becomes a success, other stretches including the MG Road and the Kakkanad-Palarivattom Road will also be synchronised. The problem we face is the irregular traffic at different signals. Once, it is analysed and the time taken to cover each stretch is calculated, the synchronization works will start,” Mr Thomas said.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/kochi-synchronise-traffic-lights-soon-115

amalmohan

January 30th, 2012, 03:02 PM

Bunker (the process of supplying a ship with fuel) sales out of Kochi are expected to touch a lakh tonnes during the next financial year, thanks to favourable circumstances including reduction in sales tax on bunker supplies by the State government and the Cochin Port Trust's concessions to vessels coming on bunkers-only calls.

A recent review of the bunkering prospects for Kochi said that the bonded fuel oil price in Kochi Port is hugely competitive and it is lower by around $ 30 to 40 per tonne in comparison to the immediate rival Colombo Port.

The review said that the bulk carriers calling at Goa and Mangalore, and in some cases, even some of those regulars at Colombo, are now turning to Kochi for quality bunker supplies.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation are engaged in bunker sales out of Kochi, with the former emerging as a major player with its refinery having a capacity to process 1,90,000 barrels per day. The BPCL offers fuel oils compliant with the latest international standards, with sulphur content less than 3.5 per cent, which even the established bunkering hubs are yet to catch up, the review said.

COMPETITIVE PRICES

The BPCL has also been offering highly competitive spot prices linked to Singapore quotes and now supplies deliveries on a 24-hour basis.

However, the review said that the bunkering service out of Kochi was constrained by the limited bunker barge fleet operating in the Kochi port. Existing bunker suppliers are finding it difficult to cope up with the robust demand from vessels, especially those on the outer routes.

The review also pointed out that the large bulk carriers calling at Mangalore and Goa ports have started giving orders to the tune of 1,500 to 2,000 tonnes in a single stem at Kochi. Due to the non-availability of grade fuels at these ports and the acute shortage of supply barges, bunker suppliers are unable to meet the full requirement due to the acute shortage of supply barges.

The growth opportunity in Kochi is likely to attract more bunker suppliers in the near future while others are looking at both barging and trading.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2844527.ece

Prasanth_KCV

January 30th, 2012, 07:25 PM

55 shows in Ernakulam, Record number of shows in a day in any city in Kerala
http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/8823/42073833314193671952161.jpg
By prasanth_kcv (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/prasanth_kcv) at 2012-01-30

Malayaali

January 31st, 2012, 05:10 AM

Finally some movement! :)

Railways to opt for PPP mode to upgrade South station (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Railways-to-opt-for-PPP-mode-to-upgrade-South-station/articleshow/11693829.cms)
The scheme to upgrade Ernakulam Junction as a world class station is set to gather pace with the Southern Railway (SR) forming three committees for expediting the process.

Sources revealed that the committees had started working on a draft inception report, which is the preliminary step before the initiation process.

"The development of the station requires substantial planning.

"After a preliminary study we found that earmarking funds through ordinary means would not be practical as huge funds would be required. And we cannot expect much funds from the Railway Ministry as it's facing severe financial crunch. So we are considering the public-private-partnership (PPP) option to meet the requirements. Once the funding channel is decided, the up-gradation process will start," said a senior official at SR Ernakulam Area office.

Ernakulam Jn was included in the scheme in the 2010-11 Railway budget, but there have been no follow-up activity for over two years. At the moment, the station, which falls under A- class category, has only bare minimum facilities.

There are no AC waiting rooms, clean drinking water, hygienic toilets or economic food outlets. In fact, Thiruvananthapuram Central station has far more facilities though Kochi is the business capital of the state. P Krishnakumar, general secretary, Thrissur Railway Passengers Association, says there are frequent snarls at the touch screen kiosks where one can get information on trains - status of running trains, details on PNR status, seat availability etc as the Railways has not renewed its annual contract with the hardware vendor.

mohammedirshad06

January 31st, 2012, 05:49 PM

Finally some movement! :)

Railways to opt for PPP mode to upgrade South station (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Railways-to-opt-for-PPP-mode-to-upgrade-South-station/articleshow/11693829.cms)

I think, its definitely a positive move.... South Railway Station has huge surplus of railways owned land in prime land of city center..... The entire station land can be developed in multiple ways, a shopping center, office towers, series of apartments, out of which a few apartments can be given to railways officials inreturn of land utilization, a dedicated bus bay area, multi-level parking station, hotels and state of the art Rail terminal.

The real estate valuation of this land area is tremendous and surely make a long term positive impact for the city....

But equally worrying, it could result in a major corruption scandal if not handled carefully.... Since always there is a controversies happening in our city, I fear for this area too

mohammedirshad06

January 31st, 2012, 06:29 PM

The Controversial Skycity is back, Govt approved....:bash::bash::bash:

http://www.yasoramskycity.com/assets/skcty_flyover.jpg

The Industries department has approved the long pending proposal of Skycity of Yasoram Builders. The previous LDF govt denied the permission, after then-the CM Achuthandan opposed it. The Govt has approved the project, on few additional clauses

1. 26% of the stake in the project must be given to the govt, out of which 11% must be free of cost. The remaining stake can be purchased by GCDA, CIAL, GIDA, INKEL etc.

2. 23% of stake must be given to public subscription.

3. The company must obtain environmental clearances from CRZMA.

4. The entire project area is on lease for 99 years

5. The Company must also obtain High Court and other statutory authorites clearance.

6. No tolls or any charge must be imposed over the flyover in Skycity.

Now the HC's approval is important, as the case in court....

The proposed project intends to develop a 42 m flyover over Chilavanoor lake connecting Kundanoor with SA Road and Subash Chandra Bose road. The entire project will come over lake. There will be series of commercial bldgs in center of the flyover, while a 15 m 4 laned road will connect two ends. In addition, it intends to create a cable car connectivity as well as parking towers.

The project is under stiff public and environmental opposition, as its happened over one of Kochi's largest lakes- Chilavanoor and violates CRZ law.

http://www.manoramanews.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/mmtvContentView.do?contentId=10935515&programId=9958863&tabId=14&BV_ID=@@@

Malayaali

February 1st, 2012, 05:02 AM

^^

I don't believe this project will be cleared by the MoE and CRZ. Seems some congress members did get a big pocket this time ;)

Malayaali

February 1st, 2012, 05:13 AM

X-posting from Kochi LNG power plant thread

Govt gives land for 1000 MW thermal plant (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=88113035&postcount=34) :cheers:

Malayaali

February 1st, 2012, 05:27 AM

15,000 houses targeted for terrace farming (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/15000-houses-targeted-for-terrace-farming/226060-60-122.html)
To increase the city’s self-sufficiency in agriculture, around 15,000 houses- both villas and flats- have been targeted for terrace farming this year. The scheme, which is being implemented by the State Horticulture Mission and the District Agri-farm Society, will incorporate various residents welfare associations and apex councils.
As a part of the first phase of the project, 2,500 seeds will be distributed from next month. The scheme aims to keep the pace of development of agriculture in the city on an equal footing with IT and tourism, said District Collector Sheik Pareeth.
With the rising prices, agriculture in urban areas has gained popularity among the public. All sorts of vegetables will be grown as part of the project. Quality seeds, along with organic pots and soil, will be distributed to households. Those who prefer farming in places other than terraces will also be encouraged.

Prasanth_KCV

February 1st, 2012, 05:33 AM

X-posting from Kochi LNG power plant thread

Govt gives land for 1000 MW thermal plant (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=88113035&postcount=34) :cheers:

Best solution for avoiding power cuts in future and better than hydel power projects 3600 crore worth another mega project for us............great :banana::banana::banana:

mohammedirshad06

February 1st, 2012, 07:10 AM

^^

I don't believe this project will be cleared by the MoE and CRZ. Seems some congress members did get a big pocket this time ;)

I also believe, the other rival real estate lobbies which even includies biggies like DLF etc will oppose all possible ways... Putting a 45m bridge in center of picturesque lake, will spoil the big real estate attraction on its banks.... Moreover it will put an end the lake itself. What a stupid idea to think about?

Malayaali

February 1st, 2012, 12:38 PM

GAIL pipeline project on course (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2849498.ece)
Laying of pipelines for carrying regassified LNG (liquefied natural gas) from Puthuvype to Kochi and beyond is on schedule and no hitch is expected, according to GAIL (India) Limited officials here.

There have been some enquiries from the Forest Department about certain patches of land in Palakkad where the pipeline is to pass through. These are normal queries and are being replied to, a senior official of GAIL told The Hindu on Tuesday.

GAIL has already laid a 30-inch pipeline from Puthuvype to Udyogamandal in Kochi, from where pipes of lesser diameter will be extended to Ambalamugal. The pipeline will have to pass through the land of SmartCity and the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL). The nod for laying the pipeline through the stretch occupied by the NPOL, pending before the Defence Ministry, is expected soon. Permission for the work on the stretch owned by SmartCity is being sought from the respective authorities.

The work on the Kochi-Bangalore line is scheduled to commence in February. The Bangalore-based authorities of the Forest Department had raised queries on the ownership of land spread over a 5-km stretch in areas under the control of the department in Palakkad.

The official said GAIL is laying the pipeline under the ‘right of use' clause pertaining to land ownership and the question of land acquisition does not arise. The project has a national perspective and no private interests are involved. As such, the pipeline project is not expected to face serious hurdles, he said. The clearance of the Ministry of Environment and Forests is required to be sought in case the work is carried out in polluted areas. The Palakkad stretch does not fall under such a category and any existing litigation on land ownership is not likely to affect the project, he said.

In Kerala, the pipeline being laid by GAIL will pass through the districts of Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Alappuzha, and Kasaragod.

A joint venture company with the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation, Kerala Gail Gas Limited, has been formed to participate in the bidding of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board for distribution of city gas in Kerala.

GAIL is developing the natural gas infrastructure in Kerala in view of the expected commissioning of the Petronet LNG project for supplying regassified LNG (liquefied natural gas) this year. The proposed Kochi-Koottanad-Bangalore-Mangalore pipeline will pass through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, apart from Kerala. GAIL is scheduled to complete the first phase of pipeline, extending 50 km, by August. In the second phase, laying of 720 km of pipeline will be completed by March 2013.

A 120-km subsea pipeline is also being laid from Puthuvype to Kayamkulam to provide gas to an NTPC unit there. There is also a plan to take the gas to Thiruvananthapuram by laying pipelines to the capital city.

DileepKS

February 2nd, 2012, 03:50 AM

CIAL: Flying high (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article2852013.ece)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/archive/00910/31KIKOCHI_AIRPORT_G_910654a.jpg

Over 820 flights per week, four million passengers and a turnover of around Rs. 250 crore… Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), India's first greenfield venture in the aviation sector, is indeed riding a boom.

Incorporated as a public limited company in 1994, CIAL has come a long way.

The growth story of CIAL is unique. It broke even within four years of operation and has since been maintaining a Combined Average Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 20 per cent. And the frenzy over its success — from being a project located in a remote village to becoming the fourth busiest in terms of international airport — has been such that the project is often identified with the changing face of Kochi as an investment ‘hot spot.' More recently, it unveiled an ambitious plan that will help it match up to the new generation aerodromes elsewhere. The proposal, worth Rs.600 crore, envisages a comprehensive expansion of its operational revenue base, while exploring the corresponding avenues associated with it.

New terminal

Among the proposals to augment aeronautical income, the establishment of a swank new workstation for international travel tops the list. The facility, having a passenger handling capacity of about 2,000 passengers per hour, is designed to follow a three-way entry and exit so as to ease congestion in front of the terminals during peak hours. Says A.C.K. Nair, the airport director, “We have planned an elevated route from the airport approach road through which the departing passengers will go up while the arrivals will be carried out on the ground floor.” The new terminal would cater to the expected growth in passenger traffic at least for the next 15 years, he adds. On completion,

The building will have a total one million square feet area and will also feature 15 aerobridges with five for wide body aircraft and 16 parking bays. The stipulated time period of completing the construction is 3 years while the total project cost is estimated to be around Rs.400 crore.

Following its launch, the existing international terminal will be converted into a domestic terminal while the present domestic terminal will be allotted for private executive jets and airport retailing activities. Going by the industrial projections, passenger traffic through CIAL is set to touch the 7 million mark by the end of this decade. And to cash in on this ever expanding market, it has launched efforts to reach out to major international commercial carriers, especially in the West. The company is now in advanced stages of discussions with the Frankfurt based Lufthansa and a number of other Far-Eastern airline companies.

Cargo expansion

Despite the recent directional imbalances in its cargo movement with imports outweighing airfreight compatible exports, it also proposes to upgrade its cargo handling facilities and offer more space for the associate agencies.“We have just expanded the operational area available under the international cargo terminal and separate areas have been earmarked for each type of cargo consignment,” the Airport director elaborates, also pointing to the potential increase in volumes.

With the Airports Authority of India soon expected to install a Surface Movement Radar and an additional Instrumental Landing System, CIAL is now looking forward to a faster throughput of aircraft movements and building upon this expected growth. Being the country's only body that designed, built and managed an airport on its own, CIAL has also been credited with the introduction of a proposal to develop an Aerotropolis or an airport city on its property. The concept, which also forms an integral part of the company's revenue planning process, is primarily aimed at increasing its income from non-aeronautical avenues.

Non-aeronautical avenues

In this regard, CIAL has drawn up a land use plan that envisages a combination of integrated townships, logistic parks and centralised wide area development with airport as the focal point. The Centre for Sporting Excellence, a major project taken up as part of the second phase expansion of its 18-hole all–weather golf course, is envisaged to be an indoor games area with facilities for basketball, snooker and badminton. According to Mr. Nair, the project will help the company to ensure maximum use of its commercial land while the world-class facilities inside will help draw international attention.

“The objective is to convert the area into an international sporting destination,” he says.

The establishment of an airframe and components Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO), a Rs. 100 crore project on its property, is perceived as an attempt to diversify following the recent slump in aviation business across the globe.

In the first phase of the project, scheduled to be operational this fiscal, the plant will host two narrow body hangars while a capacity addition will be made in the next phase in the form of two wide body and two additional narrow body hangars.

Presently, the company has been in consultations with a number of airline companies having expertise in aircraft repair technology and business development to operate the facility on a partnership basis.

In addition, it also looks at striking technical collaborations and long-term business contracts with industries for the supply of raw materials, related components and spare parts.

U. Hiran

Malayaali

February 2nd, 2012, 05:18 AM

:cheers:
CIAL: Flying high (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article2852013.ece)

The establishment of a swank new workstation for international travel having a passenger handling capacity of about 2,000 passengers per hour, is designed to follow a three-way entry and exit so as to ease congestion in front of the terminals during peak hours.

passenger traffic through CIAL is set to touch the 7 million mark by the end of this decade.

The company is now in advanced stages of discussions with the Frankfurt based Lufthansa and a number of other Far-Eastern airline companies.

The Centre for Sporting Excellence, a major project taken up as part of the second phase expansion of its 18-hole all–weather golf course, and facilities for basketball, snooker and badminton. “The objective is to convert the area into an international sporting destination,”

The establishment of an airframe and components Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO), a Rs. 100 crore project. The first phase of the project is scheduled to be operational this fiscal

Malayaali

February 2nd, 2012, 05:49 AM

The Controversial Skycity is back, Govt approved....:bash::bash::bash:
Even CM isn't unaware of the govt. clearance. So some joker inside is playing the cards! :nuts:

Chandy in the dark on Sky City project (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2852652.ece)
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here on Wednesday that he was not aware of the clearance granted by the government for the Sky City project in Kochi.

“Where is it?” Mr. Chandy asked when reporters drew his attention to the controversies surrounding the project. (The previous government had denied clearance for the project.) He asked reporters whether orders had been issued by the government granting clearance.

mohammedirshad06

February 2nd, 2012, 05:56 AM

CIAL: Flying high (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article2852013.ece)

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/archive/00910/31KIKOCHI_AIRPORT_G_910654a.jpg

The Masterplan is bit outdated.... This is the one prepared in 2004 by E&Y, which aims for an IT Park, an Amusement center, a Gokart etc.... Now completely changed. No Amusement park and Gokart circuit...Rather the entire portion will be utlized for New terminal and its tarmac, which is missing in the map, as it was not planned that time. I think, many components in the plan have changed and hence may not be applicable.

The original plan was to extend Domestic terminal with another terminal block, something similar to International Arrivals Block and we can see a space in the pic. But now changed..... Equally the food-court space is now made into a garden and soon part of an amphitheater.

Amusement park will not get clearance from Bureau of Civil Aviation as its too close to the terminal and poses a strong security threat..... Same in case of Go-kart.

The space mentioned for Multiplex is where now CIAL Expo Center coming up. Its almost completed. So no need of stand alone multiplex there....

The Convention center is dropped from its place, where International Logistics and Air Transhipment Terminal is planned now. Convention center is now planned in the space proposed as IT park. IT park is dropped forever.

Specialty Hospital and Medical center is no more near Golf Course. Rather its now planned near to the main road in land marked for Convention center.

The space marked as 10 and 11- Entertainment Center and Cultural Village is now part of CISF Command and Control Center.

------

But anyways, its nice to hear that CIAL is making a major strives.:cheers:

vjkrishn

February 2nd, 2012, 07:00 AM

Rs 12.50 crore plan for Vyttila Skywalk project (http://http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Rs-12-50-crore-plan-for-Vyttila-Skywalk-project/articleshow/11722620.cms)

The district administration has submitted a Rs 12.50 crore plan before the road safety authority for the Vyttila Skywalk project.

The project was announced by the district administration last year to contain traffic congestion at Vyttila Junction.

The project that was delayed following Kochi Metro's rail alignment works and it will start again after authorities take a final call soon.

Once initiated, the authorities plan to complete the 300-metre-long skywalk connecting the four roads at Vyttila Junction within a three month timeframe.

The six-metre tall skywalk will bisect the flyovers that will be erected in Edappally, Pipeline, Vyttila and Kundannoor junctions. Since the skywalk will bisect the flyovers, the district administration will consult Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and National Highway Authority of India NHAI to implement the project. District Collector PI Sheik Pareeth said that a meeting has been convened to discuss about the flyovers that will come up in the city and the project proposal is expected to be approved soon after this.

"Considering the fact that the skywalk will bisect flyovers, we have revised the plan," said the district collector.

Earlier in September, the road safety authority chaired by chief secretary P Prabhakaran had given an in-principle approval for the project. The project will feature shopping malls, ATM counters, public toilets and security box.

Vyttila Mobility Hub MD M Beena said that once the project is implemented it will benefit pedestrians. "At present there are no facilities for pedestrians to cross the highways in the state. Once this project materializes, they can safely cross the roads at the busy junction," she said.

KMC

February 2nd, 2012, 12:03 PM

Prestige is having a 1.4 Mn Kakkanad mix use development
Residential - 800,000
Commercial - 200,000
Retail - 400,000

:banana:

http://www.prestigeconstructions.com/investors/downloads.html

RajeshVR

February 2nd, 2012, 12:11 PM

Even CM isn't unaware of the govt. clearance. So some joker inside is playing the cards! :nuts:

Chandy in the dark on Sky City project (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2852652.ece)

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/mmonline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=10949376&programId=1073753760&tabId=11&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@ :ohno:

Malayaali

February 2nd, 2012, 12:21 PM

Prestige is having a 1.4 Mn Kakkanad mix use development
Residential - 800,000
Commercial - 200,000
Retail - 400,000
:banana:

http://www.prestigeconstructions.com/investors/downloads.html

Fantastic find KMC, 1.4 MSF development in Kakkanad and 1.6 MSF in Forum! :banana::banana::banana:

e_arunsid

February 2nd, 2012, 12:36 PM

^^ Kakkanad is turning out to be one hell of a place...I dont think any place in south india has such kind of real estate..:banana:

mohammedirshad06

February 2nd, 2012, 12:40 PM

Fantastic find KMC, 1.4 MSF development in Kakkanad and 1.6 MSF in Forum! :banana::banana::banana:

Wowww!!! So prestige is expanding massively and its a best find.... I think, Kakkanad property might be a recent purchase by the company.... Hope they plan a mega office-Mall-Residential project there.... I hope, they might consider a hotel too, as this area will soon booming out with 4 and 5 star hotels......

agnath.

February 2nd, 2012, 02:44 PM

Prestige is having a 1.4 Mn Kakkanad mix use development
Residential - 800,000
Commercial - 200,000
Retail - 400,000

:banana:

http://www.prestigeconstructions.com/investors/downloads.html

Thats an amazing find KMC, hope prestige gets in to IT space construction as well in Kochi ...

Arunz

February 2nd, 2012, 04:52 PM

Plan to stat Cochin Tea Trading Center @ Wellington Island similar to Dubai Tea Trading Center. Master plan to be completed in a week's time. Tea auction, packaging, ware houses, offices & facilities, exports. If it materializes, tea export will increase multiple folds and will also benefit ICTT.

Source : Mathrubhumi (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/agriculture/story-249066.html)

DileepKS

February 3rd, 2012, 05:13 AM

OMG!! 4 Lakh retail That is as good as a standalone mall!! Not one of these 'bottom two floors retail' types!!

You need to look at the line of cars that turn right at the Palarivattom signal, and to the Anchumana road in the evenings to know why!!

Malayaali

February 4th, 2012, 01:01 AM

3 major projects by CIAL to be inaugurated on Feb 25th

All projects part of CIAL Aerotropolis
CIAL MRO
CIAL Exhibition cum Trade fair centre
CIAL Musuem

Construction of New 1 million sq ft international terminal and CIAL Golf club phase II to start soon. (More detailed report in Kochi airport thread)

മൂന്നു പുതിയ വമ്പന് പദ്ധതികള് കൂടി
കൊച്ചി രാജ്യാന്തര വിമാനത്താവള കമ്പനിയുടെ വികസന കുതിപ്പിന് കരുത്തു പകര്ന്ന് മൂന്നു പദ്ധതികള് കൂടി യാഥാര്ത്ഥ്യമാവുകയാണ്. സിയാല് ലക്ഷ്യമിടുന്ന 'എയര്പോര്ട്ട് സിറ്റി' യാഥാര്ത്ഥ്യമാക്കുന്നതിനു വേണ്ടിയാണ് വ്യത്യസ്തവും ആകര്ഷകവുമായ പദ്ധതികള് പ്രാവര്ത്തികമാക്കികൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്നത്. വിമാന അറ്റകുറ്റപ്പണി കേന്ദ്രം, എക്സിബിഷന് കം ട്രേഡ് ഫെയര് സെന്റര്, എയര്പോര്ട്ട് മ്യൂസിയം എന്നീ പദ്ധതികള്ക്കാണ് പുതുതായി തുടക്കമിടുന്നത്.

ഫിബ്രവരി 25 ന് മൂന്നു പദ്ധതികളുടെയും ഉദ്ഘാടനം നടത്താനാണ് ഉദ്ദേശ്യം. എക്സിബിഷന് കം ട്രേഡ് ഫെയര് സെന്ററിലായിരിക്കും പദ്ധതികളുടെ ഉദ്ഘാടന ചടങ്ങ് നടക്കുക എന്നതും ശ്രദ്ധേയമാണ്. മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി ഉമ്മന്ചാണ്ടിയാണ് വിമാന അറ്റകുറ്റപ്പണി കേന്ദ്രത്തിന്റെയും മറ്റും ഉദ്ഘാടനം നിര്വഹിക്കുക. മൂന്നു പദ്ധതികളും സിയാലിന്റെ വരുമാനം കൂട്ടും.

'എയര്പോര്ട്ട് സിറ്റി' എന്നത് സിയാല് മാനേജിങ് ഡയറക്ടര് വി.ജെ. കുര്യന്റെ സ്വപ്നപദ്ധതിയാണ്. വര്ഷങ്ങള്ക്ക് മുമ്പേ തന്നെ വി.ജെ. കുര്യന് 'എയര്പോര്ട്ട് സിറ്റി' ലക്ഷ്യമിട്ട് പദ്ധതികള് വിഭാവനം ചെയ്തിരുന്നു. ഇതില് ഗോള്ഫ് കോഴ്സ് അടക്കം പല പദ്ധതികളും നടപ്പായിക്കഴിഞ്ഞു. സ്റ്റേഡിയം, കണ്വെന്ഷന് സെന്റര്, സ്റ്റാര് ഹോട്ടലുകള് തുടങ്ങിയവയെല്ലാം പടിപടിയായി യാഥാര്ഥ്യമാകും. എയര്പോര്ട്ട് റോഡ് വികസനം, 300 കോടി ചെലവില് പുതിയ രാജ്യാന്തര ടെര്മിനല് നിര്മാണം എന്നീ പദ്ധതികളും ഉടന് ആരംഭിക്കും.

രാജ്യാന്തര യാത്രക്കാരുടെ എണ്ണത്തില് ഇന്ത്യയില് നാലാം സ്ഥാനത്തുള്ള കൊച്ചി വിമാനത്താവളം വ്യോമയാനേതര പദ്ധതികള് കൂടി നടപ്പാക്കി വരുമാനം വര്ദ്ധിപ്പിക്കാനുള്ള പ്രയാണത്തിലാണ്. പൊതു-സ്വകാര്യ പങ്കാളിത്തത്തോടെ കുറഞ്ഞ ചെലവില് ആധുനിക സൗകര്യങ്ങളോടെ രാജ്യാന്തര വിമാനത്താവളം നിര്മ്മിച്ച് രാജ്യത്തിനാകെ മാതൃകയായ സിയാല് വിവിധ പദ്ധതികള് നടപ്പാക്കി കൂടുതല് ശ്രദ്ധേയമായി കൊണ്ടിരിക്കുകയാണ്.

മാതൃഭൂമി (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/1429608-local_news-ernakulam.html)

mohammedirshad06

February 4th, 2012, 06:57 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/422012/422012-md-ek-1/23457751.JPG

Tom Jose allays fears caused due to delay in PIB Meeting

The MD of Kochi Metro, said that there is no need for any fear. The delay is not indication of project slipping down, rather part of the procedures. The primary reason for the delay is revision of DPR from 3 car system to 6 car system. This has brought changes in stations concept and few other areas. DMRC has already revised it and will forward to Urban Ministry.

The MD have met officials of Urban Ministry and the Ministry is keen of getting done by this week. Notes will be send to all concerned ministry by Monday or Tuesday and the PIB meeting will be held this week itself.

The effort is to get Kochi Metro's Central allocation in this year's budget itself.

mohammedirshad06

February 4th, 2012, 07:09 AM

Works for LA of E-City fastens (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Amballoor-electronic-park/articleshow/11750772.cms)

The revenue department has taken steps to speed up the land acquisition process for the Amballoor electronic park near Piravom. District collector P I Sheik Pareeth said special orders have been issued to panchayats asking them to mark the boundaries of the land to be acquired.

Revenue officials had earlier demarcated 334 acres of land for acquisition and new land acquisition policy is being followed. "According to the new policy, land demarcation will be based on possession certificate and boundaries will be marked in the presence of the land owner," said the collector.

"After detailed demarcation, the documents will be submitted before the land revenue commissioner for approval following which a detailed value statement will be generated. Once the statement is finalized, the revenue department will hold talks with affected people and try to fix a fair value for their land," said Pareeth.

Land acquisition for the electronic park will be completed within three months. Surveyors and draughtsmen are sketching a plan for the proposed park after a survey.

Meanwhile, the land acquisition units functioning in the collectorate are facing a staff crunch that could adversely affect current plans. Tahsildar for land acquisition K Manoharan Pillai said there were no new appointments after an officer was transferred.

At present, the office of the survey deputy director employs 15 surveyors while the required workforce should be over 21. The collector assured that this will not affect any on-going projects.

mohammedirshad06

February 5th, 2012, 06:39 AM

The State government intends to issue bonds to compensate people who surrender land for road, bridge, and other development projects, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said.

This is because most such development projects in the State suffer delays, which in turn increase the project cost. There is also a delay in disbursing the compensation amount fixed many years ago. By the time the project kick-starts, the value of land would have increased much more than the rate at which the compensation was given. In this context, those who do not want compensation in cash can opt for bonds with transferable rights that can be encashed in keeping with the then-prevailing market rate of the land, he said, after inaugurating the Edapally over-bridge on NH 17 here on Saturday.

Mr. Chandy reiterated that the government is duty bound to protect the interests of people who surrender land for development projects. This is because problems associated with land acquisition are a major hurdle to infrastructure development. Issuing bonds is one of the practical solutions to solve the problem.

Flyovers

Referring to the four flyovers (of which the one at Kundanoor may be a cloverleaf-shaped) proposed along the Edapally-Aroor stretch of the NH 47 bypass, the Chief Minister said the government would give all support and share the cost of building them. “Kochi is experiencing unprecedented development and it needs a metro rail. There is no doubt about its feasibility either,” he said.:cheers:

Reacting to the demand from a few hundred families of the locality to retain the railway level crossing at Edapally even after the bridge is opened to traffic, Mr. Chandy said the Railways had a negative attitude on this issue. “But we would take up the issue with the agency. A similar issue arose after the inauguration of the Kuttipuram flyover. But the Railways sealed the level crossing there.”

In his address, Union Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs K.V. Thomas said land acquisition could be speeded up if the evictees were given fair compensation. He said the Centre was expected to pool in Rs.700 crore to build the flyovers on the NH bypass, since levying a higher toll on motorists was not feasible.

Minister for Public Works V.K. Ebrahim Kunju said that the inordinate delay of over 10 years in opening the 611-m-long Edapally over-bridge was a matter of concern. “Henceforth, no such work must suffer delays because of red-tape. Despite the delay, work has begun to widen both NH 47 and NH 17,” he said.

He hoped that the over-bridge proposed to link Edapally with Amrita Hospital would soon be a reality.:cheers:

The over-bridge suffered delays and cost overrun after the contractor who took up the work for Rs.18 crore gave up the work. It was retendered and the total project cost more than doubled to Rs.37 crore.

The Minister for Excise K. Babu said the NH 17 must be elevated to the quality standards set for national highways.

Edapally chaos

Benny Behanan, MLA, expressed concern at the worsening chaos at Edapally bypass junction, since more vehicles would begin using NH 17. The NHAI must hasten work on the four flyovers along the bypass, he said.

Public Works Secretary Manoj Joshi was among those present at the function.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2862311.ece

Prasanth_KCV

February 6th, 2012, 06:14 AM

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=10969720

INKEL LTD. Planning to Tie-up with MAERSK LINE to construct new Container freight station at Vallarpadom at a cost of 75 crores, They are planning to open it in the next financial year :banana: :banana:

INKEL is Planning to construct Cluster of buildings for small scale industries and logistic Park at Angamally

mohammedirshad06

February 6th, 2012, 05:27 PM

Another MEGA TOURISM PROJECT FOR KOCHI on rolls

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00915/PRP113_915461f.jpg
Michael Gore of U.S.-based integrated resort management company giving a presentation on his project to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.

Seagull Frontier Management, an integrated resort management company with its headquarters in the United States, has offered to set up an integrated tourism project in Kerala.

Chief Executive Officer of the company Michael Gore met Chief Minister Oommen Chandy here on Monday with the proposal. He told Mr. Chandy that more than 10000 job opportunities could be generated through the project. It would also be possible to attract lakhs of tourists to the State.

The company is seeking about 50 acres of land in Kochi or its suburbs for the project. If the clearances from the government are received, the first phase of the project could be completed by October 2013, Mr. Gore said.:banana::banana::cheers:

In reply to a question from the Chief Minister, Mr. Gore said that the project would not cause any environmental problem. The company had successfully set up integrated tourism resorts in Singapore, Malaysia, Las Vegas and Macau.

http://www.thehindu.com/template/1-0-1/gfx/logo-footer.gif (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2866110.ece)

vjkrishn

February 7th, 2012, 01:59 AM

Another MEGA TOURISM PROJECT FOR KOCHI on rolls

http://www.thehindu.com/template/1-0-1/gfx/logo-footer.gif (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2866110.ece)

woow that's a great news :banana::banana:. Are they planning to construct a casino. I think Michael Gore is a gaming consultant for MBS Singapore.

Prasanth_KCV

February 7th, 2012, 05:29 AM

mohammedirshad06

February 7th, 2012, 05:39 AM

woow that's a great news :banana::banana:. Are they planning to construct a casino. I think Michael Gore is a gaming consultant for MBS Singapore.

I don't think so, as Gambling is illegal anywhere in India, except in Goa and Sikkim (historic reasons)..... Even in Chennai, where he is based as of now, donot allow any kind of Casinos ..... What more, even Mumbai donot have any legally operating gambling centers, though the city have more than $10 billion worth illegal dens operating.....

Kerala, ofcourse as usual will show its Hippocracy and fake morality here.... While we have several Malayalees, including many high profile ones, regularly visiting Macau, Las Vegas and gambling openly, reported by medias in every big way, the same personalities will make big hush if such casino opens in Kerala, just like in prostitution case.......

I don't expect a casino in anways...... May be an integrated resort, some sort of Kingdom of Dreams in Delhi etc..... Hopefully, it doesn't run into controversy......

DileepKS

February 7th, 2012, 07:25 AM

Infopark software exports likely to touch Rs. 900 crore (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2867625.ece)
A far from favourable global economic scenario notwithstanding Infopark Kochi has registered more than 50 per cent growth with software exports likely to touch Rs. 900 crore by the end of this financial year.

At the end of the third quarter of the ongoing 2011-12 fiscal, income from software exports stood at Rs. 607.25 crore. Third quarter between October and December accounted for Rs. 234.67 crore, a jump of Rs. 42.67 crore from the previous quarter between July and September. In the first quarter, Infopark did software exports worth Rs. 180 crore.

“It is safe to assume that returns for the last quarter ending March 31 will log at least Rs. 234 crore, the same as the previous quarter, though it is likely to exceed that considering the quarter-wise pattern of growth during the fiscal,” Infopark Chief Executive Officer Gigo Joseph told The Hindu .

For SEZ alone

Accepting those figures, the growth rate of Infopark for the fiscal will be at least 58 per cent.

The figures, however, were for the Special Economic Zone- designated area of Infopark alone. With the export returns under STPI (Software Technology Parks of India) thrown in, the total income will touch the Rs. 1,000 crore mark in all likelihood.

During the 2010-11 financial year, returns from software exports stood at Rs. 619.78 crore, of which Rs. 533.82 crore was from the SEZ-designated space.

Of the total built-up space of 33 lakh sq.ft in Infopark, about 28 lakh sq.ft is SEZ accounting for 10,500 of the total 15,000 employees.

The rest of the five lakh sq.ft and 4,000-odd employees is outside the SEZ net.

Mr. Joseph said that there will be a quantum jump in software exports in the forthcoming financial year considering the fact that the 4.5 lakh sq.ft being allocated in the new building Athulya will be fully occupied and turned operational during the period.

The majority of exports being from SEZ is a bane for Infopark (and Kochi too) in terms of bragging rights. The state govt agencies always consider the STPI exports alone and make erroneous conclusions. This year is going to be no different I guess.

agnath.

February 7th, 2012, 04:32 PM

Infopark software exports likely to touch Rs. 900 crore (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2867625.ece)

The majority of exports being from SEZ is a bane for Infopark (and Kochi too) in terms of bragging rights. The state govt agencies always consider the STPI exports alone and make erroneous conclusions. This year is going to be no different I guess.

I feel majority of exports being from SEZ will be a boon for Kochi in longterm, I agree this leads to erroneous calculation as of now by govt agencies. This is because as of now if you consider overall Kerala, STPI export numbers are bigger than SEZ export numbers and they seem to ignore SEZ numbers. This is bound to change in next 2-3 years in all IT centers of Kerala, as all the new facilities are SEZs. SEZ numbers publishing by GoI provides greater transparency compared to STPI numbers. Dept of Commerce publishes numbers for each SEZ on yearly basis. So I feel it should be fine in another 2-3 years time.

DileepKS

February 8th, 2012, 02:04 AM

Agnath, it is for bragging rights only..

Whoever reports what wherever, the Govt reports will still parrot the old 80% story!!

Malayaali

February 8th, 2012, 05:43 AM

All eyes on metro rail (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article2870328.ece)
The Greater Kochi area is all set to get a facelift, with the metro-rail expected to usher in world-class commuting by 2016.

The system of mass rapid transport was mooted about a decade ago because Kochi was running out of options to decongest its extremely narrow roads of the burgeoning traffic. The advantages of metro rail are many. Commuters travel in air-conditioned comfort without encountering traffic snarls, while paying fares that would be lesser than that of KSRTC's Volvo city buses. The metro also decreases pollution as it runs on electricity. It would also lessen the number of accidents since a good number of commuters travelling in two-wheelers and cars are expected to shift to the metro.

The inordinate delay in obtaining Central sanction resulted in the project cost increasing to Rs. 5,146 crore in 2011, from Rs. 1,186 crore in 2005. The Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia reiterated here on January 24 that the Union Cabinet was expected to give its nod for the project in a couple of weeks.

Growing towards suburbs

The metro would result in the city expanding towards Aluva and the suburbs.

Beginning from Aluva, the metro would pass through MG Road and end at Pettah near Tripunithura, covering 25 km. There would be 23 stations en route, all with parking lots. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the consultants and implementing agency for the project, is awaiting the Central nod to kick-start the civil works. The Centre's equity participation is necessary for obtaining loans from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at an interest rate of 1.40 per cent.

At the helm of the project as Principal Advisor to the DMRC would be E. Sreedharan, the agency's former MD. The DMRC has already begun work to construct the Salim Rajan Road-MG Road overbridge and to widen the Ernakulam North overbridge into four lanes. It would also widen MG Road, Jos Junction-South Railway Station Road and the Town Hall-M G Road stretch.

A few months ago, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) was floated as a special purpose vehicle for implementing the project. “Kochi urgently needs metro rail as a mode of mass rapid transport since it (the greater-Kochi area) is home to 2.50 million people. It also has a floating population of three to five lakh people who commute through very narrow roads,” KMRL managing director Tom Jose said recently.

Support for suburban rail

Detractors of the project state that a suburban-rail system can decongest Kochi's roads, at a lesser cost than the metro rail. But the metro's proponents say that it is tailor-made for intra-district travel in a big city.

Kochi needs a public transport system that makes efficient use of road space and reduces air and noise pollution, said T. Elangovan, former director of National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC). “There is a limit to public transport by road, especially in a fast-growing city like Kochi.” The Principal Advisor to the DMRC, E. Sreedharan, said that Kochi would have a light metro-rail, with three coaches in each train to begin with. They would be 2.70 m wide, unlike coaches that are up to 3.20 m wide in bigger metros. This would in turn reduce the width of the metro-rail pillars and the deck that supports the rails.

On the magnetic levitation (Maglev) technology proposed for the Kochi metro, he said that a decision is awaited on whether to adopt the technology which is being used in Japan and South Korea. “In the system, the coaches would not have wheels. They would float over the magnetic rails.”

The ticket rates for the metro have been tentatively fixed at Rs.10 to Rs.30. Once the metro gets the Central nod, a feasibility study is expected to be held for extending it to Menaka, Kakkanad, Tripunithura and the International Airport.

moncy

February 8th, 2012, 08:21 AM

Another MEGA TOURISM PROJECT FOR KOCHI on rolls

http://www.thehindu.com/template/1-0-1/gfx/logo-footer.gif (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2866110.ece)

The company is seeking about 50 acres of land in Kochi or its suburbs for the project. If the clearances from the government are received, the first phase of the project could be completed by October 2013, Mr. Gore said.

Well , land is available within 2 Km from high court jetty.. app 20 acres.. pm me

mohammedirshad06

February 8th, 2012, 08:42 AM

The company is seeking about 50 acres of land in Kochi or its suburbs for the project. If the clearances from the government are received, the first phase of the project could be completed by October 2013, Mr. Gore said.

Well , land is available within 2 Km from high court jetty.. app 20 acres.. pm me

You can send email to CM@KERALA.GOV.IN or mike.gore@seagullgroup.co.in

I hope you might be referring to Goshree Islands..... Valla CRZ Oneil varunna stalam anno... Then pls don't send mails as Kochi afford to get one more project into standstill

ttand3t

February 8th, 2012, 11:30 AM

You can send email to CM@KERALA.GOV.IN or mike.gore@seagullgroup.co.in

I hope you might be referring to Goshree Islands..... Valla CRZ Oneil varunna stalam anno... Then pls don't send mails as Kochi afford to get one more project into standstill

Thanthonni island could b considered

Prasanth_KCV

February 8th, 2012, 02:54 PM

All eyes on metro rail (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-editorialfeatures/article2870328.ece)

EE PULI ENNU VARUMO AAVO :ohno: :ohno:

Prasanth_KCV

February 8th, 2012, 03:52 PM

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/8074/38655634794707189956629.jpg
By prasanth_kcv (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/prasanth_kcv) at 2012-02-08

PIC Courtesy : Facebook

mohammedirshad06

February 9th, 2012, 03:47 AM

Another SME Industrial Project for Kochi, getting ready for opening (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2874057.ece):cheers::banana:

Kerala's first multi-storey industrial complex is nearing completion at the Edayar Industrial Estate near here. It is scheduled for inauguration in March.

Industry sources said that this was the first of a series of such facilities, which would be plug-and-play complexes, catering to the needs of non-polluting industries.

It is learnt that multi-storey industrial complexes will soon be built in Palakkad and Thrissur. Provisions for these projects are likely to be made in the next Budget.

The three-storey complex at Edayar, being built at a cost of Rs. 5.5 crore, will house light engineering units, electronics and electrical units and garment makers. This is the first time that the Department of Industries is going in for this model of industrial space development.

The new initiative for multi-storey industrial complexes is in resonance with the draft Industrial Policy 2011, which promises quality infrastructure, both through State agencies and on public-private partnership model.

The policy also promises to upgrade the present industrial infrastructure in industrial development areas and industrial estates to global standards. The Industrial Policy promise is that multi-storey industrial complexes will be set up in all districts and that micro and small enterprise will get priority in allotment in such facilities.

Space in most of the traditional industrial estates, including at the oldest one in the State at Edayar, has been exhausted. Multi-storey industrial complexes are common in North India, including in places like Noida, which have seen rapid industrialisation and exhaustion of space for horizontal development.

Entrepreneurs coming to the new industrial complex will be able choose from units ranging in size from 500 sq.ft. to 1,500 sq.ft. The entire complex will have a total built up area of 40,000 sq.ft. Each of the units comes with three-phase electricity connection, generation set backup and water supply.

The Industries Department has utilised an acre from the 450 acres available to it at the Edayar Industrial Estate, where there are over 300 industrial units in operation now. The Kerala Police Housing Construction Corporation is building the new complex.

Hope, more such units do make a reflective change in Kerala's industrial face!!!!!:banana:

mohammedirshad06

February 9th, 2012, 04:08 AM

Clearances Accorded to Kochi-Bangalore Gasline (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Green-nod-for-LNG-pipeline/articleshow/11816749.cms)

Ministry of Forest and Environment (MoEF) on Wednesday gave clearance for the Kochi-Bengaluru pipeline being laid by the GAIL to carry gas from the Petronet LNG terminal coming up at Kochi.

"The MoEF has just given us the green signal after we submitted the letter from the Kerala government strongly recommending clearance for the pipeline,'' deputy general manager of the GAIL, K P Ramesh told TOI here over telephone from Bengaluru.

The MoEF had recently written to the Kerala Government suggesting that the work on the pipeline be put on hold till the settlement of the litigations over 4.33 hectares of forest land enroute the pipeline in the Palakkad region.

Kerala Forest secretary Sajan Peter then wrote to the MoEF officials recalling that that the litigations had nothing do with the environmental impact of the project, but was related only to the ownership of the land.

The GAIL had not demanded ownership of the land but has applied only "right of use'' of the land to lay the pipeline. The GAIL officials had also promised that they were ready to pay the compensation for the land was as per the rules, whoever has been selected as the owner after the litigations are settled.

"Now we will be able to complete the Rs3,250 crore pipe-laying project by May 2013 as originally scheduled. There are five stretches of the pipeline passing through Kerala and contracts for four stretches have already been awarded and the remaining one also will be awarded soon. However, the first phase of the pipeline from LNG terminal to Amabalamukal and Udyogamandal will be completed before this October when the terminal will start commercial operation,'' Ramesh said.

Malayaali

February 9th, 2012, 05:11 AM

Clearances Accorded to Kochi-Bangalore Gasline (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Green-nod-for-LNG-pipeline/articleshow/11816749.cms)

Great that the projects are cleared on fast track :cheers:

Malayaali

February 9th, 2012, 07:26 AM

New Projects on HMT land (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2871884.ece)
The Standing Council of Trade Unions, Ernakulam, has welcomed plans to set up a container freight station on 271 acres leased to HMT and another to establish a Central Polymer Science Institute on 150 acres of land on lease to Hindustan Insecticides Limited.

A statement issued here on Tuesday by the Standing Committee, however, expressed its anxiety over reports that the State government planned to put these chunks of land to other uses and called for measures like new government ventures to protect and sustain the public sector undertakings concerned.

General convener of the Standing Council K. N. Gopinath appealed to the government to renew the land lease to HIL and sought government help to save Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL). A meeting of the Standing Council in Kalamassery on Monday also noted that the move to hike electricity charges would affect industries in the State badly.

Malayaali

February 9th, 2012, 07:38 AM

Electronics Park: 1st phase survey completed

Survey for almost half of the total 347 acres of land for the project has been completed

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/5925/39486030384280029701331.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

Malayaali

February 9th, 2012, 10:18 AM

Mega Projects from FACT!

FACT to call bids from private cos for Rs 6,000-cr projects (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/article2874902.ece)
Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) will invite private companies for its proposed Rs 6,000-crore joint venture by month-end, as none of the PSUs has shown interest in the venture, a senior official said today.

The investment this time would be in the same range as the previous EoI, he added. The Kerala-based PSU had last year invited expressions of interest (EoIs) seeking partnerships with other PSUs to establish five plants with an annual capacity of more than 38 lakh tonnes per annum.

The company intends to set up a new sulphuric acid plant, urea plant, NP complex fertiliser plant, SSP plant and ammonia-urea complex.

The proposed ammonia-urea complex at Kochi division will consist of an ammonia plant of capacity 2,000 tonnes per day (TPD) and a urea plant of 3,500 TPD.

FACT also plans to set up a new sulphuric acid plant with a capacity of 2,000 TPD.

The company aims to increase its annual complex fertiliser output to 10 lakh tonnes per annum by installing an additional 1,000 TPD NP plant at Cochin using outsourced ammonia, phosphoric acid and sulphuric acid.

The company also plans to set up a 500 TPD SSP (Single Super Phosphate) plant at Udyogamandal.

FACT manufactures urea and complex fertilisers and is one of the largest fertilisers and chemical producers in Kerala.

It also produces petrochemicals and provides engineering solutions for establishing petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, refining plants.
FACT to invite pvt cos for proposed Rs 6,000 cr expansion (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/indl-goods-/-svs/chem-/-fertilisers/fact-to-invite-pvt-cos-for-proposed-rs-6000-cr-expansion/articleshow/11821522.cms)

DileepKS

February 11th, 2012, 04:03 AM

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2012/02/11/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2012_02_11_F_MT_025/36_412_1958_1736.jpg

mohammedirshad06

February 11th, 2012, 05:32 AM

^^^^^^^^
The route lines, I guess are purely imagination of Manorama... Some lines makes to laugh to the core....

The Navy has been objecting errection of small electric poles for the railway line passing near Naval Airport, citing Airport Funnel, how can Manorama think an Elevated Metro running near the rail line? W.Island is a reclaimed island, hence it won't be easy to consider an underground system here. Moreover the Mattacherry Channel and Venduthurthy Channel are crucial for Naval Ships for navigation, its not possible to believe under-water tunnels for metro.

Secondly, when its prefectly possible to reach anywhere to Mattancherry/Fort Island via more faster and easier by Boats, why should money be spend unnessecaryily for the islands...... Its true, there is a huge Tourist traffic to Fort Kochi. This can be addressed by considering a Light Mono-rail from Aroor to Fort Kochi, via West Kochi islands, over SH 66.....

Rather the priority and importance for future, lies in Aroor-Paravur Route of NH 66. Aroor-Edappally is emerging as the shopping corridor of the city and its importance enlarges once MG Road closes for traffic during Metro construction. Its more viable than unessecary Over the water routes to Mattancherry.

I believe, the next priority routes must be

1. Edappally-Infopark-Smartcity-SPAP road- SN Junction-Petta
2. Aroor-Paravur Line, out of which the first part Aroor-Edapally is a priority line
3. Extension of Aluva line to Angamally.

With this, around three fourth of City Limits are covered by Metro....

In future, from Aroor, a mono-rail line can be considered to Fort Kochi as well as from High court Junction to Cherai Beach, which completes the entire city as of today.

Kannan46

February 11th, 2012, 06:34 AM

Good to see that the metro project is making good progress.
From the drawing it seems that the metro is passing thru NH in most parts.
Are they planning to widen the NH for example in Kaloor , Palarivattom etc to accommodate the metro rail ? If so what will be the new width of the road and when will they start widening it?

Thnks for the answers.

Cheers!!!

DileepKS

February 11th, 2012, 11:35 AM

The road from Edpally Jn to Aroor via the city is no longer NH. The bypass is NH.

The road from Edapally Jn to Lissie Jn will not be widened. It has 22M Right of Way. It is already re-paved, and the work on medians and side rails is being done.

The road from North ROB to Madhava Pharmacy Jn is being widened to 22M. The price and extent of acquisition is announced. No visible opposition is seen.

MG Road already have the right of way. Only need to vacate the encroachments.

Road from Jose Jn to South Railway Station will be widened to 18M Right of way. Price is announced, and no visible opposition seen.

SA Road from South ROB to Vyttila is already 4 laned for most of the parts. It is wide enough.

Vyttila-Pettah road is still a question. People agreed for 26M width, but KMRL/Tom Jose insisted 30M. Solution awaited.

Hope it answers your questions.

zuperman

February 11th, 2012, 11:54 AM

Does anyone know what would be the width of Metro Rail Pillars?
Just curious how much space would they take up once built.

DileepKS

February 11th, 2012, 12:18 PM

We see different numbers for the pillar width.

The standard pillar is 2.65M diametre, resulting in a 3M wide median. I have also seen (can't find it now) an oblong pillar with 1.25M width.

Mohamed Kabeer

February 11th, 2012, 01:12 PM

mohammedirshad06

February 11th, 2012, 04:14 PM

has full road stretch from Edappilly - Lisie Jn 22 meter width? wat ab't Palarivattom and some parts of Kaloor ?

I too doubt it.... From Stadium to Kaloor Junction, it cannot a 22 Meter wide road. In my assesment, it should be some what around 18m.

Well, I don't think the govt may consider acquistion in this stretch, as of now. Unlike Banerjee road or to some extend in South, most of the bldgs in the stretch are new and commercial towers. It would be too difficult to fix a LA rates favourable to them.

So I guess, the govt may not consider LA here. At 18M, still its possible for Metro related works....

What I feel, better is to develop Pipeline road atleast from Civil Lines to T-P Road, so that half of the traffic bound to use Stadium-Kaloor stretch can be diverted effectively. The TP is all set for 4 laning and improvements under CRIP, hence can accommodate half of the traffic of Kaloor Junction.

Mohamed Kabeer

February 11th, 2012, 05:46 PM

I too doubt it.... From Stadium to Kaloor Junction, it cannot a 22 Meter wide road. In my assesment, it should be some what around 18m.

Well, I don't think the govt may consider acquistion in this stretch, as of now. Unlike Banerjee road or to some extend in South, most of the bldgs in the stretch are new and commercial towers. It would be too difficult to fix a LA rates favourable to them.

So I guess, the govt may not consider LA here. At 18M, still its possible for Metro related works....

What I feel, better is to develop Pipeline road atleast from Civil Lines to T-P Road, so that half of the traffic bound to use Stadium-Kaloor stretch can be diverted effectively. The TP is all set for 4 laning and improvements under CRIP, hence can accommodate half of the traffic of Kaloor Junction.

What you feel is another thing ............., nobody is going to divert , coz this is the most affluent locality compared to civil line , T - P road . FOUR LANING of a far flung area won't contribute the development of a city road .
Even in Jos Jn to South station , a number of new buildings not older than TWO YEARS is going to be acquired; not considering their 'YOUNGER NESS'.
Because of being a new building , NO AUTHORITY/GOVERNMENT would fix it as NON ACQUIRABLE .Nobody thinks it would be difficult to fix a rate for the beginner builders.
Everybody in this discussion will agree that COCHIN ROADS HAVE TO WIDENED
to the maximum possible WIDTH , as choking and congestion are MAIN AND MAJOR CURSE of the city .
Mr: MI , can you imagine a road with 18 meters in a METRO alignment , of course, with a minimum 1.5 meters pillars and a descent foot path on both sides ?
you may say A BIG YES , NO PROBLEM . [not at all to me].
may GOD save you ...............................................
thanking you , this is the END of discussion with you ''with regard to road width''.

KMC

February 11th, 2012, 05:53 PM

Guys pls move this discussion on road width to general thread or metro thread ... Thanks.

DileepKS

February 12th, 2012, 05:35 AM

MEasurement from Google earth shows that upto the Kaloor church, you have 22M. From there to Kaloor Jn, it is only 18M.

According to Sreedharan, the bare minimum width for Metro is 14M.

mohammedirshad06

February 12th, 2012, 07:16 AM

Finally, nearly after 4 centuries, Kochi became Kochi.

The Government of India, approved the state Government's decision to change the name of City of Cochin into Kochi and other suburbs of the city back to its Malayalam names.

Around 17 cities of Kerala have been renamed formally as per Government of India records, from its Colonial names to its native name.

This includes Alwaye into Aluva, Parur into Paravur, Cranagnore into Kodungallor.

There are many other cities in the state, officially renamed.

Though the state have removed its Colonial and switched to Malayalam names since 1997, many of them still remained as Colonial names as per Government of India records. With revised Gazatteed notification of Home Ministry, the colonial names are part of a bygone era.

However the City Corporation name still remains as Cochin of Corporation and a lawsuit is still pending at High Court of Kerala. I now wonder, whether Govt of India will rename other projects like Cochin Shipyard into Kochi Shipyard or CIAL into KIAL etc......

So far, only Cochin Refineries Limited have changed their name into Kochi Refineries.

http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/government-approves-new-names-of-25-towns-175540

Malayaali

February 12th, 2012, 08:22 AM

An industrial park for enterprising women (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/An-industrial-park-for-enterprising-women/articleshow/11854837.cms)
If you are an enterprising woman looking to set up a small industrial unit of your own, then the Thrikkakara Municipality is ready to help you. The local body has come up with an innovative idea to promote women entrepreneurs by setting up a women's industrial park.

The project, a first-of-its-kind in the state, will start functioning by the year end. The park that is spread across an acre in Thengod, near Kakkanad, will bring women entrepreneurs under one roof.

"There are many small-scale business units run by women. Our aim is to bring them under one roof and make it a collective effort," said P A Muhammad Ali, Thrikkakara municipal chairman. In the industrial building with an area of 3,600 sq ft, 10 small scale units can get going in the first phase. The park will have all facilities required for a start-up. The municipal authorities said the beneficiaries can also set up small units for pickle-making and candle manufacturing.

Women can start industrial units individually or collectively. The residents of Thrikkakara Municipality will be given priority while allocating space, which will be rented out at minimal cost. The rent will be hiked once the project moves into the secondary stage.

To help women market their products, the authorities will seek the help of Kudumbashree. "They find it difficult to market their products, hence the idea of a marketing platform," said Ali. Thrikkakara Municipality has invested Rs 50 lakh for the first phase of the project.

Mohamed Kabeer

February 12th, 2012, 05:56 PM

keralite

February 12th, 2012, 07:13 PM

It is better to retain its original name . Kochi too is not a malayalam name . It is said that 'KOCHI' somehow had got Chinese accent .
Cochin is more nostalgic and royal .
There is also another state and city in south Japan resembling the name of 'KOCHI'. That would create problems in future, especially as our Cochin is fast emerging a global city.Corporation of Cochin should intervene now and recommend to GOK and GOI to retain its original version .
Truely. Cochin sounds better and imo, rightful name for this City is Ernakulam(however bad it sounds).

vu3nnn

February 12th, 2012, 09:04 PM

Truely. Cochin sounds better and imo, rightful name for this City is Ernakulam(however bad it sounds).

The old "Ernakulam" town is more or less what constitutes the CBD today. Important parts of the city such as Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Palluruthy, Edapally, Kakkanad etc has nothing to do with the name "Ernakulam" and were never part of any Ernakulam kingdom or under the erstwhile Ernakulam municipality. The "anch kaimals" who controlled Ernakulam, were in contrast vassals of the king of Cochin. The district got the name "Ernakulam" simply because the Collectorate was situated at what was then Ernakulam town.

The origin of the name "Ernakulam" is tied to the Shiva temple located just adjacent to the Old Collectorate. According to legends, Devalan, a man who turned as a serpant under the curse of his guru Kulu Muni attaiend moksha by worshipping Siva Linga. The tank in which he attained salvation was called RISHINGAKULAM, and Ernakulam is a corrupted version of Rishingakulam.
(Source: C sankara Menon: The History and origin of the SivaTemple at Ernakulam)

man from gandhara

February 12th, 2012, 09:09 PM

burmese language is spoken in kochi?

thanseem

February 13th, 2012, 02:01 AM

It is better to retain its original name . Kochi too is not a malayalam name . It is said that 'KOCHI' somehow had got Chinese accent .
Cochin is more nostalgic and royal .
There is also another state and city in south Japan resembling the name of 'KOCHI'. That would create problems in future, especially as our Cochin is fast emerging a global city.Corporation of Cochin should intervene now and recommend to GOK and GOI to retain its original version .

its not resembling..exactly the same..KOCHI..(its also a prefecture name) even pronunciation is no different..

But i dont think it cause any problems in the future..as the japanese kochi is fast shrinking with its declining and aging population..the furure belongs to our own KOCHI..

mohammedirshad06

February 13th, 2012, 04:13 AM

The old "Ernakulam" town is more or less what constitutes the CBD today. Important parts of the city such as Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Palluruthy, Edapally, Kakkanad etc has nothing to do with the name "Ernakulam" and were never part of any Ernakulam kingdom or under the erstwhile Ernakulam municipality. The "anch kaimals" who controlled Ernakulam, were in contrast vassals of the king of Cochin. The district got the name "Ernakulam" simply because the Collectorate was situated at what was then Ernakulam town.

The origin of the name "Ernakulam" is tied to the Shiva temple located just adjacent to the Old Collectorate. According to legends, Devalan, a man who turned as a serpant under the curse of his guru Kulu Muni attaiend moksha by worshipping Siva Linga. The tank in which he attained salvation was called RISHINGAKULAM, and Ernakulam is a corrupted version of Rishingakulam.
(Source: C sankara Menon: The History and origin of the SivaTemple at Ernakulam)

Well, there was nothing called Ernakulam Kingdom. The official name of Kingdom of Kochi was Perumpadappu Swaroopam, which too has no direct relevance to our city as Perumpadappu is in Malappuram, the original native house of Kochi Rulers.

But for more than 500 years, the city and kingdom itself was better known as Kochi Rajyam. The Portuguese were comfortable with Kochi as with their accent, while Dutch used to say as Cochim and it was English who used to say COCHIN, a typical stress normally seen in English accent.

It was just for less than 200 years, the word Cochin is more popularly used both by Britishers and natives, though in Malayalam it was still good old Kochi itself.....

Kochi is a Chinese pronunciation of the city, which was then known as Kochuazhi or small harbour in comparison to mega port of then-the Muziris.

In my view, Kochi is better than Cochin itself, as its something we can identify for past 600-700 years of its legacy. Moreover its not a big difference..... Then pronunciation is different for different people. Even as Kochi, the North Indians say it as KOOOCHI, it of Kochi....

So better to have our name as Kochi.

Malayaali

February 13th, 2012, 06:27 AM

Spice Route soon to pass through Kumbalangi (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/spice-route-soon-to-pass-through-kumbalangi/229680-60-122.html)
Kumbalangi will no longer be known just for Pokkali paddy holdings or its serene beauty that beckons tourists from across the world. In a novel effort, the Kumbalangi Model Tourism is all set to introduce ginger and turmeric cultivation. Arguably, it might be the first time that these hill produces are being cultivated in a coastal village. The project is being implemented under the aegis of the grama panchayat and the Kumbalangi Model Tourism Development Society (KMTDS).
“Ginger and turmeric will be cultivated as inter-crop in the four wards of the panchayat which have been selected to constitute a cluster for coconut farming by the Coconut Development Board. The cluster was constituted aiming at facilitating more production. During a meeting convened to discuss the steps to be taken to increase production of coconut, there was a suggestion to utilise the remaining area of land in between the row of coconut trees. It was then that the suggestion to introduce farming of a mid crop came up. Though it was initially decided to use the area for plantain farming, the KMTDS came up with the idea of introducing hill produces. The proposal was later discussed at a meeting with the panchayat and forwarded to the Coconut Board which accepted it,” said KMTDS president M P Sivadathan.
“Our plan is to get seeds of hill produces from Wayanad where ginger and turmeric are usually grown. Since the climate in Kumbalangi is suitable and the soil has moisture, we hope that our efforts will bear fruit,” he added.
“Wards 2, 14, 15 and 16 constitute a cluster in Kumbalangi Panchayat. The total area of the cluster is around 25 acres and 264 farmers have been identified for assistance in this cluster. We thought of farming hill produces on an experimental basis as a wide variety of vegetable are already produced in Kumbalangi. If found to be successful, it will be extended to other parts of the panchayat with the help of several self-help groups functioning under the society,” said KMTDS secretary Shaji Kurupassery.

keralite

February 13th, 2012, 06:35 AM

burmese language is spoken in kochi?
Cochin has nothing to do with Burma. It lies in the west coast of India 1300kms south of Bombay islands. got?
It is like asking a Japanese if He speaks pushto?

Malayaali

February 13th, 2012, 06:45 AM

10 modern fish vending units in Kochi soon (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2887426.ece)
Buying fish may become a hygienic and comfy affair in Kochi if things work out as planned by authorities.

Ten modern fish vending outlets would soon come up in the city and the Kochi Corporation has identified places for setting up the units.

The tentative list of areas identified for establishing the shops by the civic body includes Chilavannur, Vennala, M.G. Road, Edapally-Kunnumpuram, Chalikkavattam, Manassery, Kochangadi and Albuquerque Jetty.

The Corporation authorities had earlier identified Kadavanthra, Panampilly Nagar and Kathrikadavu for the outlets.

Malayaali

February 13th, 2012, 07:27 AM

Puravankara plans more projects in Kochi (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/puravankara-plans-17-mn-sq-ftprojects/464485/)
Puravankara Projects, the Bangalore-based publicly-eld realtor, is looking to roll out 17 million square feet of residential projects in the near future. The company which focuses as much as 95 per cent on residential projects said that approvals for these projects are in the pipeline and they hope to have them in place in 12-18 months time.

The company which posted a net profit growth of 14 per cent to Rs 32 crore for the third quarter of FY12 as compared to the corresponding previous quarter said that though the macro-situation is tough, the demand for housing has been good in Bangalore and other South Indian states, a market on which Puravankara focuses on.

“The profitability has come down. The rate at which the cost of input materials is going up, the profitability is not matching up. However, there is no shortage of demand. The recent move by RBI to relax rates will certainly boost the sentiment,” Ravi Puravankara, Chairman and Managing Director, Puravankara Projects told Business Standard. The company, last year sold 3.1 million square feet of projects as compared to 2.4 million square feet in the earlier year. “While the volume in terms in number of units is going up, we are not able to pass on the price hike. As a result of this, the net margins which was earlier in the range of 30 per cent, has come down now,” he added.
The company which has land assets of little over 143 million square feet is developing 27 million square feet including the ones in its premium affordable housing arm — Provident Housing, on which Puravankara is betting big. “The three projects in Provident which we have launched has met with a od response and we are set to launch three more projects. While we have two projects in Bangalore and one in Chennai. We are looking to add more projects in Bangalore, Coimbatore and Cochin,” Puravankara detailed.

However, he was non-committal on the aspect of whether they are looking at taking the company private. “Few bankers have suggested that idea to us. They are of the view that market is yet to give a proper value to a pure play residential player. Whatever the steps we want to take, it will be during 2013,” he said.

Malayaali

February 13th, 2012, 12:20 PM

Kochi continues to thrive in the job market! (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/bangalore-job-market-looks-up/articleshow/11872676.cms)
Backed by demand for talent in the IT sector, Bangalore city registered double-digit annual growth (of 18%) in the Monster Employment Index for India. Bangalore not only remained the strongest annual gainer among major metro-markets, but also was the only one among all major metros to report double-digit growth. Bangalore gained 19 points from January last year to 124 in January 2012.

The Monster Index, which is a monthly gauge of online job, demand based on review of a large number of career web sites, grew to 120 in January 2012, from 115 in December 2011. On a year-on-year basis, the Index grew by 6%.

"Given the current global economic conditions, it is not surprising to see continued single digit annual growth in the Index. However, employers have started the year on a relatively positive note with continued recruitment within large sectors like IT, FMCG and Import/Export," said Sanjay Modi, managing director (India/ Middle East/ South East Asia), Monster.com.

Two other cities from South India - Kochi and Coimbatore, showed remarkable growth, leading the pack with more than 20% annual growth in the Index. While both Mumbai and Chennai fell by three points each on an annual basis on the Index, Delhi/NCR grew by 6 points to 119 over the last one year.

Among the sectors, social services and non-government organizations (NGOs) registered the highest annual growth of 31% on the Index, while banking & financial services emerged from its subdued recruitment period of recent months, gaining 9 points between December'11 and Januray'12. Over the past year, the sector has gained 3% in the Index.

The demand in IT talent could also be seen on the rise for the first time, after declining continuously since September 2011. The Index for IT (hardware and software) grew by 20% on an annual basis and is now close to the level of 143 in September 2011.

The most notable decline was the government/PSU/defense sector, which fell down by 21% to 101 during the last month. The corresponding figure for January 2011 was 128.

Other sectors that grew on an annual basis include agro-based industries (29%), import/export (27%), consumer goods, FMCG, food and packaged food (20%).

Among the sectors that fell down in the Index compared to January 2011 were production and manufacturing (-4%), printing & packaging (-5%), logistics, courier/ freight/ transportation (-10%), besides government and PSUs (-21%).

Malayaali

February 13th, 2012, 02:22 PM

Kochi continues to thrive in the job market! (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/bangalore-job-market-looks-up/articleshow/11872676.cms)

Hiring activities up across sectors in January (http://zeenews.india.com/business/economy/hiring-activities-up-across-sectors-in-january-report_38884.html)

Continuing its run as the one of the top growing job market in 2011, hiring in Kochi grew by 22% last year, second to no other city in the country! :cheers:

Ushering in the New Year on a positive note, hiring activities saw an improvement in sectors like IT and FMCG in January says a report.

Leading job portal Monster.com's monthly Employment Index witnessed annual growth of about 6 percent in January, indicating better recruitment conditions.

The Employment Index -- which reflects monthly online job demand -- rose to 120 in January this year from 113 in the year-ago period.

On a month-on-month basis too, hiring activities witnessed improvement as the index stood at 115 in December, 2011.

According to Monster.com, NGO/Social Services saw the highest annual recruitment growth of 31 percent last month.

IT, consumer goods/FMCG also recorded strong annual growth, while the BPO/ITES industry led all industry sectors in terms of monthly growth, it said.

However, recruitment activities were sluggish in some sectors.

"Government/PSU/defence exhibited the steepest annual decline, dropping 21 percent on a year-over-year basis," the statement said.

In terms of cities, Kochi and Coimbatore saw good annual growth in hiring of 22 percent and 21 percent, respectively.

"Among major metro areas, Bangalore (up 18 percent) is the only city to register double-digit annual growth. Mumbai and Chennai remain amidst slowest growth markets in the index, both edging down 3 percent on an annual basis," Monster.com said.

Mohamed Kabeer

February 13th, 2012, 03:22 PM

its not resembling..exactly the same..KOCHI..(its also a prefecture name) even pronunciation is no different..

But i dont think it cause any problems in the future..as the japanese kochi is fast shrinking with its declining and aging population..the furure belongs to our own KOCHI..

shrinking populace is no problem . But aging population will pause our aspirations. Again , shrinking and aging can not go coexist with each other .

Malayaali

February 14th, 2012, 06:13 AM

Coast Guard Air Enclave near CIAL to start construction now

Land acquisition completed

http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/5925/39486030384280029701331.jpg
cc: Mathrubhumi

mohammedirshad06

February 14th, 2012, 06:17 PM

Crime tracking system to be launched soon in Ernakulam Central (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/crime-tracking-system-to-be-launched-soon/230167-60-122.html)

The Police Department is planning to roll out the first phase of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) by this year end. The project sponsored by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has been tendered to the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) which will implement and support its trial run in the state. The CCTNS will collect, store, retrieve, analyse, transfer and share data and information across the police stations in the state. Parassala, Kattappana and Ernakulam Central police stations have been selected for the pilot programme.

The first phase of the programme includes the installation and commissioning of hardware, connectivity, other infrastructure and associated services. The network will be launched on the Linux platform. The core application software (CAS) will be installed at these police stations. The customisation of the CAS will be done according to the requirements of the police stations concerned.

The phase-I of the project will include the digitisation of historical data for the past 10 years. The system will also be implemented in the three offices of the state Crime Records Bureau (SCRB) by this year end, an official with the SCRB said. In the second and third phases, the entire state will be brought under the system. The other investigation and law enforcing agencies such as courts, immigration and passport offices, forensic labs and Central agencies will also form part of the network.

“There is a need to strengthen the citizens’ interface with the police. The CCTNS will be helpful in creating links with the jail authorities, hospitals, mobile phone companies, Motor Vehicles Department and municipal authorities. It will enable the police to share information between the departments in other states too. The police officials would be trained to handle the system,” the SCRB official said.

Malayaali

February 14th, 2012, 08:59 PM

RAY of hope for poor residents (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/ray-hope-poor-residents-254)
The Rajiv Avas Yojana (RAY), a scheme for affordable housing in urban areas, would be extended to 8 municipalities and 14 panchayats surrounding the Kochi Corporation.

The scheme is being implemented with the active participation of Centre, state government and civic bodies. Scheme would benefit several families in the district. The civic body would soon start socio-economic survey to identify beneficiaries.

In the first phase, the corporation has already identified 58 colonies within the city limits for implementing the housing project. There are more than 400 colonies within the city area where the project will be implemented in a later stage. Two colonies in the city, Thuruthy and Udaya, have been selected by the civic authorities for the pilot project of RAY.

A city level review and monitoring committee (CLR&MC) has been formed to implement the RAY project.

The committee will advise the civic body on the preparation of Slum Free city Plan of Action (SFOPoA) and for effective utilisation of funds.

Apart from monitoring and reviewing the implementation of project, the committee will also address the grievances and disputes from local bodies.

“The project envisaging ‘slum free India’ aims at redesigning the urban development in such a way to bring the colonies to the mainstream by making them part of the urban development. Homes and other social and physical amenities would be provided as part of the project,” said a top official with the RAY project.

Infrastructural facilities including electricity, drinking water sanitation, solid waste management, drains, and roads also will be part of the scheme, he said.

thanseem

February 15th, 2012, 02:20 AM

shrinking populace is no problem . But aging population will pause our aspirations. Again , shrinking and aging can not go coexist with each other .

:ohno: i didn`t get u..

In Japan, migration of youngsters from smaller towns to metropolitan areas like tokyo or osaka is very common..as a result growth comes to a stand still for smaller towns with many closed shops and empty shopping districts..percentage of above 65 has touched 30-40 in many areas..and the total population goes on falling..

so y shrinking and aging can not coexist?

Malayaali

February 15th, 2012, 05:12 AM

:)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/427235_366153216737800_129890600364064_1404699_1335778752_n.jpg

moncy

February 15th, 2012, 06:52 AM

^^ Almost same height of the building ... Nice pic :cheers: Is it Cohin port office ?

Jeevz

February 15th, 2012, 07:05 AM

mohammedirshad06

February 15th, 2012, 07:05 AM

^^ Almost same height of the building ... Nice pic :cheers: Is it Cohin port office ?

Yes dear.... Thats the Bristow Center, the HQ of Cochin Port Trust.... There is one more office, located on side of it. This bldg houses offices of Chairman, technical division and Command Center

Jeevz

February 15th, 2012, 07:11 AM

KMC ,

Have a look at the promoters ....... All are renowned figures in their respective fields . Kochi would turn around the medical tourism prospects of the state in the near future with 2 giant 'medi cities' nearby as well as the ones like Amrita / LakeShore etc.

Quote:
The Kozhikode–based Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH) has announced a Rs. 1,200 – crore project for a world class hospital and health city at Kakkanad in Kochi. The proposed Baby Memorial Hospital in Kochi would meet the standards prescribed by the Joint Commission International (JCI) in the United States, Dr. K.G. Alexander, Chairman and Managing Director of Baby Memorial Hospital, announced in Kozhikode on Tuesday. The lead players in the hospital-health city project in Kochi are actor Mohanlal, Mr. K. Madhavan, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Asianet Communications, Dr. Nishith A. Choksy, Head, Interventional Cardiology Department of Medical Centre, Detroit, USA, Dr. G. Krishna Kumar, gastroenterologist and Chairman of Med Vision, USA, Joseph Chalil, a U.S.– based clinical consultant and Directors of Baby Marine Group of Companies.

A 700 - bed hospital, seven lakh sq ft in area and equipped with 30 operation suites and 2000 strong staff, would be established in its first phase at a cost of Rs. 450 crores. The health city would come up in the second phase.

Dr. Alexander said though the new hospital would have world class facilities that would meet the expectations of doctors and patients in any part of the globe, these would not be restricted to the affluent class alone. Financial background alone would not be the criteria for admitting patients.

The hospital-healthy project would be in tune with the growth of the nation as a major destination in the field of medical tourism, Dr Alexander said. Baby Memorial Hospital in Kozhikode launched in 1987 by Dr. Alexander in memory of his father K.V. Varghese alias Baby is already a major multi-speciality tertiary care hospital with modern facilities. Its bed strength was being increased to 800, so that BMH would be the biggest hospital in North Kerala, Dr. Alexander announced.
http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities...icle104467.ece

http://beta.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article104467.ece

Is this project dropped by BMH ?

Malayaali

February 15th, 2012, 07:17 AM

What happened to this project ? Why it is not getting started ?

The project is still on cards and AFAIK in process of fund accumulation. Any project of this much value will take some time to get started and it's of no doubt that Kochi will be the next hot spot for Medical Tourism in the country with international and top class investments from DM Healthcare, BournHall, Fortis, Appollo etc. to name a few.

Jeevz

February 15th, 2012, 07:22 AM

The project is still on cards and AFAIK in process of fund accumulation. Any project of this much value will take some time to get started and it's of no doubt that Kochi will be the next hot spot for Medical Tourism in the country with international and top class investments from DM Healthcare, BournHall, Fortis, Appollo etc. to name a few.

Thanks for the reply Malayali.

I hope the land acquisition is already done in padamughal area of kakkanad,kochi some 2-3 years back.

mohammedirshad06

February 15th, 2012, 07:24 AM

Is this project dropped by BMH ?

Well, they might be in process of fund accumulation.... For past few years, they were heavily investing for modernizing their flagship hospital at Kozhikode. That process was over by a year back. So from now only they will consider this new project.....

Malayaali

February 15th, 2012, 08:56 AM

Project Niravu to plant new hopes in Paravur (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/project-niravu-to-plant-new-hopes-in-paravur/230424-60-122.html)
‘Niravu’, a government project aimed at enhancing agricultural sector in Paravur, is all set for the launch. The project, estimated at a cost of `36 crore, will be implemented through the agriculture department and Kudumbashree.
V D Satheeshan MLA’s dream project ‘Niravu’ will be implemented through various agricultural promotional projects along with the different departments. “In this mega-project, 33 related areas are to be focused,” said Satheeshan, who is also the chairman of the project’s implementing committee. All the departments under the Ministry of Agriculture and the local body members will be part of the implementing committee. “Each project will be implemented in the areas where the project is found suitable,” he said.
“The project aims at the comprehensive agricultural development of Paravur constituency and also assuring food security,” he said. “Seed to marketing” facilities will be arranged as per the project. “We have categorized each local body and each area with certain cultivation like banana, tapioca and yam. Also, meat production and fisheries are part of the project,” said Satheesan. People will be given assistance to receive maximum benefit from the project. Also, adequate loans will be provided,” he said.
The project will be implemented in multiple phases stretching up to a year and after the completion of the each phase, the success of the project will be analysed.
The project is to be implemented by the constitution’s implementing committee the comprises members from district departments’ head officers, Municipal chairman, block panchayat president, panchayat presidents. Principle Agriculture officer Asha Devi Varma will be the convener of the project. He said that all the products would be sold though specially established ‘Public Markets’ without the intervention of a third party. The project also envisages converting the unsuitable lands to suitable ones so that cultivation could be increased, he added.
The project which will be implemented during this fiscal is expected to get a benefit of `75 crore . “In the last meeting, we finalized the projects that are to be implemented and a high level meeting will be held on Wednesday at Thiruvananthapuram with agricultural minister to get the final nod,” he said.

Malayaali

February 16th, 2012, 05:41 AM

Master Plan for International Convention and Exhibition Centre Soon (http://www.bdp.com/en/News/2011/BDP-Wins-Two-New-Masterplanning-Projects-in-Kerala/) :cheers:
BDP (http://www.bdp.com/en/About/) has been selected to masterplan a convention centre complex and an Edu-Health City on two separate sites in South India.

The projects are part of the government’s initiative via a PPP agency INKEL to create an environment for overall growth of various economic sectors and to develop world class infrastructure in the state of Kerala colloquially described as ‘God’s Own Country’.

Manisha Bhartia, BDP’s India studio leader for urbanism, described the appointment as “a unique opportunity to create an inspiring international place for learning and research and an iconic centre for global business in one of the most verdant and beautiful states of India”.

The Edu-Health City is proposed for Malappuram, which means literally ‘top of the hill’. The project aims to integrate within one campus and one management the facilities of medical care and teaching as well as research and development. It will also explore the possibility of integrating knowledge of traditional and alternative medicine with modern medicine, through the means of scientific research.

The Convention and Exhibition Centre complex is proposed for Ernakulam, a district of Cochin fast developing as a international business and trade centre. The project aims to capture an existing market of IT and workplace hubs located around the site and provide world class support facilities for various businesses.

Malayaali

February 16th, 2012, 05:43 AM

Surveillance cameras installed (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2895711.ece)
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00924/KI15SURVEILLANCESSS_924755e.jpg
Surveillance cameras installed at Vyttila Junction.

The City Police have successfully completed the second phase of installing surveillance cameras across main points in the city.

During the first phase, 38 cameras were installed, but only at main junctions and strategic points. During the second phase, 92 cameras have been installed.

“We are planning to have 300 cameras in place. This will cover the entire city,” said P.K. Vijayappan, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Control Room.

Twenty-five fixed cameras and 15 dome cameras, which can cover 360 degree angle, were installed in the first phase. Personnel at the Control Room, who monitor the visuals round-the-clock, can zoom in up to 100 metres closer to the subject.

“Eight officers will be on duty at any given point of time at the Control Room. These personnel will be monitoring visuals on 20 monitors available right now and can also attend phone calls and wireless messages,” he said.

At present, the police can have an automatic back-up of visuals captured in these cameras for up to 14 days. In case of any accidents or law violations recorded within that period, it will be recorded and kept for another three months.

“We have requested for an increase in the back-up period to 45 days and process to make that change is already on,” said Mr. Vijayappan.

The City Police are also finalising on the structural design of the new sophisticated Control Room near the Vytilla Mobility Hub.

“By the time 300 cameras become active, we are planning to have a circular structure to project visuals from all of them. It will be convenient to monitor the visual in that way,” he said.

The City Police could respond quickly enough when a major fire broke out at a shopping complex at Marine Drive as the personnel monitoring visuals from the cameras could send out alerts on time. Similarly, a three-member group that stole laptop computers from a shop at Thevara was nabbed after the police personnel followed visuals recorded in surveillance cameras.

Malayaali

February 16th, 2012, 05:44 AM

Sodium vapour lamps for Kochi (http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2898727.ece)
Sodium Vapour (SV) lamps will soon completely light up the National Highway 47 that passes through the city. The Kochi Corporation is taking steps to repair and replace faulty lamps and install new ones along the sector. Civic authorities will spend Rs.1.13 crore for the lamps which will be installed in the road median. The corporation hopes to complete the works before the onset of monsoon, said K.J. Sohan, chairman of the Town Planning Standing Committee of the corporation. The authorities are planning to install 10 double arm posts for SV lamps in the area between Vyttila junction-Thykoodam Church Road and automatic power regulation system will also be installed in the area. Cables will also have to be purchased for lighting the lamps in the area.

Lamps will also be installed along the road between Champakkara Bridge-Thykoodam junction. Twelve double posts will be erected in the sector. Automatic timer conductor will also be set up in the posts. The corporation will bear the power tariff and the cost for installing and maintaining the lamps, Mr. Sohan said.

A corporation council meeting held last week had cleared the two tenders which were cleared by the Standing committee of the corporation. The faulty street lighting system had come under severe criticism in the corporation council meetings. Several councillors had earlier complained that the absence of proper lighting on the roads had resulted in accidents.

moncy

February 16th, 2012, 06:49 AM

Surveillance cameras installed (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2895711.ece)

Kochi going hi tec.... belive cheyan pattunnilla

Malayaali

February 16th, 2012, 01:12 PM

Sai Infosystem (http://www.saicare.com/) to set up data center in Kochi
How do you see the company performing in FY12?

In FY11, Sai InfoSystem registered revenues of '1,534 crore and plans to achieve '2,000 crore in FY12.

How is the company geared up for the future?

We are moving on the services side and will focus on verticals like tele-medicine, emergency and disaster management (natural disaster, man-made and customer-defined disasters), and tele-education through a converged device-be it a videophone, tablet, or laptop.

In FY11, revenue wise, systems integration contributed 90%, whereas services contributed 10%. In 2015, this mix is going to change with system integration contributing 60% and services contributing 40%. Internationally, the company is expanding in Sharjah, Dubai, Hong Kong, China, and the US. Globally, the company is looking at multiple strategies for marketing its products and is also open to acquisition of local brands for its go-to-market strategy in respective countries. In the first phase, the focus is on the Middle East and Africa. Presently, international markets contribute 5%, which is planned to contribute 30% by 2015.

The company is manufacturing IT products (PC, server, networking products, and routers) and videophones and is planning to expand its portfolio. Recently, the company has signed a transfer of technology (ToT) agreement with C-DOT for GPON. Also, the company has bid for Gujarat International Finance Tec-city (GIFT), a JV between the Gujarat government and IL&FS, as the lead bidder in a consortium of IBM, Huawei, and BSNL. IBM and Huawei will provide the product and expertise, whereas BSNL will provide connectivity for the project.

What are your plans for setting up a data center in PPP mode along with BSNL?

The company is planning to set up 4 data centers in PPP mode with BSNL in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ernakulam, and Kolkata. The data center will focus on government and SMB vertical and will offer hosted and cloud based services. In 3-4 weeks time, the first data center is planned to come up in Bengaluru. For the data center, BSNL will provide the infrastructure, whereas investment, technology, and sales and marketing will be done by Sai InfoSystem.

How has the company performed on videophone services based on BSNL network?

In 2009-10, we realized that we need to focus on customers and for the first time launched videophones on public switching. To make India video-ready, we have invested '200 crore in BSNL exchanges across India. Videophone has done well in Gujarat, as we have around 25,000 customers. Also, it plans to add around a million customers in the next 2 years.

When are you planning to come up with an IPO?

Currently, it's not the right time to unlock values. Therefore, it will be in the next 2-3 years.

Source (http://voicendata.ciol.com/content/speak/112021506.asp)

frenchwindow

February 16th, 2012, 05:32 PM

http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/8074/38655634794707189956629.jpg
By prasanth_kcv (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/prasanth_kcv) at 2012-02-08

PIC Courtesy : Facebook

Good photo, but Manorama played a dirty game. Conveniently removed the name board 'Panampilly Nagar' and converted the name into 'Manorama Junction'. Insult to memory a greatest son's of Kerala.

frenchwindow

February 16th, 2012, 05:43 PM

mohammedirshad06

February 16th, 2012, 05:48 PM

Good photo, but Manorama played a dirty game. Conveniently removed the name board 'Panampilly Nagar' and converted the name into 'Manorama Junction'. Insult to memory a greatest son's of Kerala.

But Manorama never renamed the avenue as Manorama Nagar.... Its still Panamapally Nagar..... It was public who started saying that specific junction as Manorama Junction which are purely for convenience. Many junctions name came as part of public using to refer, than formally naming on basis of a govt/corporation order. Say Jos Junction, Atlantis Junction, KPCC Junction etc as example.

Say, the St.George church was once a prominent old landmark in Seventy feet road, hence the junction was referred by public as Pallimukku. Medical Trust is more powerful than any business house in MG Road, yet people still say it as Pallimukku, not Medical Trust Junction.

So its pure public convenience.....

frenchwindow

February 17th, 2012, 08:14 AM

It was Panampilly Nagar Junction until 25 years back. Manorama deliberately started referring it Manorama Junction in Manorama. Conveniently hidden the Panampilly Nagar Board and later defaced.

mohammedirshad06

February 17th, 2012, 08:26 AM

It was Panampilly Nagar Junction until 25 years back. Manorama deliberately started referring it Manorama Junction in Manorama. Conveniently hidden the Panampilly Nagar Board and later defaced.

Even if they have done it deliberately, whats the wrong in that? The old name board was located on Manorama's property wall. Its their property and they have full right to decide what to written on their wall.

Otherwise, how many of us here, knows how is Panampally? If it was named as Panampally Nagar Junction, what kind of education does it make on people? Very soon people will start calling it as PN junction, just like we saw in case of SA road or MG Road.....

Educating our legacy and our forefathers has to be done ourselves, not from roads and avenues........

frenchwindow

February 17th, 2012, 09:31 AM

Mohamed Kabeer

February 17th, 2012, 01:09 PM

I am wrong that even co blogged to some ignorant they have hijacked and personalized SSC either by idiotically or for vested interest. They have firm opinion on every topic though their opinions are false and rubbish. Virtually killing the thread(s). Regret that I wrongly judged and supported earlier.

since its inception , the Manorama has been playing dirty tricks & games convenient to their business interests .
Alas ........! Y you follow Mr: MI in this matter ????????????/
He has an inborn tendency to oppose others comments / remarks / opinions / proposals ; do not angry with and contribute as much as you can.
Again french window..........., no NAGARS any more in COCHIN .....................
Plz suffix SQUARE , TOWN , GROUNDS ,ROUND ,STREET, CORNER , AVENUE etc depending upon the nature of the public place .

sachin99notout

February 17th, 2012, 02:45 PM

Alas ........! Y you follow Mr: MI in this matter ????????????/
He has an inborn tendency to oppose others comments / remarks / opinions / proposals ; do not angry with and contribute as much as you can.

You said it bro!!!! Thank you very much. :applause::applause: :cheers:

RajeshVR

February 17th, 2012, 04:43 PM

since its inception , the Manorama has been playing dirty tricks & games convenient to their business interests .
Alas ........! .

^^

Manorama is playing this dirty game all over Kerala.
see the one in Trivandrum.

http://v3.cache3.c.bigcache.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/56447494.jpg?redirect_counter=2

http://yellowpages.sulekha.com/trivandrum/tours-travel/hotels/manorama-road/hotel-anjali.htm

kadavans

February 17th, 2012, 09:02 PM

You said it bro!!!! Thank you very much. :applause::applause: :cheers:
How do you know? You joined the forum only today :ohno:. Ok, you might claim that you were watching from the sideline.

Prasanth_KCV

February 18th, 2012, 06:15 AM

I am wrong that even co blogged to some ignorant they have hijacked and personalized SSC either by idiotically or for vested interest. They have firm opinion on every topic though their opinions are false and rubbish. Virtually killing the thread(s). Regret that I wrongly judged and supported earlier.

My dear don't create big issue out of nothing. I have been staying in Panampilly Nagar for the last 32 years. I remember when we started staying here, as a small kid at that time it was very easy to refer that junction as Manorama Jn. Not only me all of my friends used to call it Manorama Jn as it is very difficult to say Panampilly Nagar Jn. Now also we call it either Manorama Jn. or Panampilly Nagar Jn. according to our convenience same like S.A. Road for Sahodharan Ayyappan Road. :ohno:

DileepKS

February 18th, 2012, 06:23 AM

Hey, why this kolaveri? What about the following places:

1. Deshabhimani Jn and Deshabhimani Road (Paareparambu is the original name)
2. Mathrubhumi Jn (I don't know what was the original name)
3. Veekshanam Road.
4. Padma Jn, Menaka Jn, Jose Jn.
5. Atlantis Jn, Woodlands Jn.

Could go on..

kadavans

February 18th, 2012, 06:45 AM

^^

Manorama is playing this dirty game all over Kerala.
see the one in Trivandrum.

http://v3.cache3.c.bigcache.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/56447494.jpg?redirect_counter=2

http://yellowpages.sulekha.com/trivandrum/tours-travel/hotels/manorama-road/hotel-anjali.htm

Manorama is a commercial entity and not a charity organisation. If they try to promote themselves, what's wrong with that? Otherwise, we should ban all sorts of advertisements.

Whatever anyone tries in renaming a place, it only works if the general public finds the name suitable, acceptable and convenient.

Malayaali

February 18th, 2012, 10:27 AM

Best Tourism Destination: Kerala, Kochi 6th best city! (http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=11055276&tabId=1&channelId=-1073865030&programId=1080132912)
For the second year running, Kerala has been rated the best tourist destination in the country, according to a survey.

The survey says: "Kerala topping the list is a no-brainer."

The survey was conducted by the Nielsen Company on behalf of the Outlook Traveller magazine.

"The Outlook Survey has come as a big endorsement for Brand Kerala. It will spur us to take it forward with many more new initiatives," said Kerala Tourism Secretary T.K. Manoj Kumar here.

The survey also found Kerala as the second best state for winter destination after Goa, while Rajasthan and the Andamans occupied the third and fourth slots, respectively.

In the category of beach destinations, Kerala occupies the fourth place.

Another highlight of the survey is about Kerala' coastal city of Kochi, which has emerged as the sixth best city for tourists after Jaipur, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad.

This rating has come at a time when the arrival of international tourists into Kerala grew from 6.50 lakh in 2010 to 7.3 lakh in 2011.

The number of domestic tourists grew from 85 lakh to 93 lakh and on the revenue side, the total foreign exchange earnings grew by 11.18 percent to touch Rs.4,221 crore, while the total earnings grew 9.40 percent to reach Rs.19,037 crore.

maheshponneth

February 18th, 2012, 12:54 PM

My dear don't create big issue out of nothing. I have been staying in Panampilly Nagar for the last 32 years. I remember when we started staying here, as a small kid at that time it was very easy to refer that junction as Manorama Jn. Not only me all of my friends used to call it Manorama Jn as it is very difficult to say Panampilly Nagar Jn. Now also we call it either Manorama Jn. or Panampilly Nagar Jn. according to our convenience same like S.A. Road for Sahodharan Ayyappan Road. :ohno:
one of sensible opinions in this thread. +100

AXF

February 18th, 2012, 04:39 PM

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/b96np

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/u1uym

Courtesy :VINOD

Malayaali

February 19th, 2012, 08:54 AM

^^

Can you name the locations?

Prasanth_KCV

February 19th, 2012, 11:26 AM

one of sensible opinions in this thread. +100

Thanks Mahesh for your Comments

thanseem

February 20th, 2012, 03:50 AM

Malayaali

February 20th, 2012, 05:24 AM

can any one please say the exactly location where the proposed electronic city is coming up in Kochi? They say Amballur near Piravom. But in google maps amballur is the marshy land between poothotta-puthiyakavu road and kanjiramittam-chottanikkara road..then y they say its near piravom in all references?

Amballur lies near to Mulanthurthy along the Vytilla-Thalayolaprambu road. It lies in the Piravom constituency and is about 10km (not sure) from Piravom town. It's 'coz of upcoming bi-election, Amballur due to its importance is referred as in Piravom in the media.

DileepKS

February 20th, 2012, 05:30 AM

Yes, it is at the marshy land bound by the poothotta-puthiyakavu road kanjiramittam-chottanikkara road and the cross road between kanjiramattom and puthenkavu. The exact location is unknown yet.

Why Piravom? Anybody's guess.

thanseem

February 20th, 2012, 06:21 AM

thanks for the clarifications malayaali and Dileep sir..

Malayaali

February 21st, 2012, 11:53 AM

City view from top of Lulu Mall U/C

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/426943_243432742408238_202412496510263_525898_2088302228_n.jpg

The recently opened Edapally ROB

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/423909_243433409074838_202412496510263_525901_1331225038_n.jpg

vjkrishn

February 22nd, 2012, 03:05 AM

Rs 200cr helicopter unit likely in Kochi (http://http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Rs-200cr-helicopter-unit-likely-in-Kochi/articleshow/11985326.cms)

Former Asianet bossman Dr Reji Menon, who is currently based in Ukraine, is planning to bring in expertise and funding from that country to build a helicopter assembly unit in Kerala. According to sources familiar with the development, Menon will set up the helicopter assembly inKochi assisted by technicians from Ukraine. During a recent visit to his home state, Menon had broached the idea of setting up a helicopter facility with Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy.

The new facility, with an estimated investment of Rs 200 crore, will roll out twin-engined helicopters targeted at the corporate segment, sources said. The technicians from Ukraine would be able to speak only Ukrainian and Russian, but as they wouldn't need much customer interaction, this problem could be sorted out, sources said. The facility will also provide repair services to customers. Asked about feasibility of such a business in Kerala, C G Krishnadas Nair, former chairman and managing director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), said private players are allowed to set up manufacturing companies in the country on their own or in collaboration with other companies. "Only HAL runs a repair facility in the country right now. Hence, there is huge potential for a helicopter MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) facility in India in general, and in particular Kochi," he said.

Between HAL and Bell Helicopters, India currently produces about 60 helicopters a year. The market is propelled by military and government organisations, but there is unmet demand, sources said. For, many corporate buyers harried by traffic jams are relentlessly on the lookout for small four/six-seater machines. "There is a market gap for an additional 40-50 helicopters," said C V Venugopalan, former additional general manager with HAL.

"As the roads continue to get congested, new hotels and hospitals will tag on a helipad to their facilities. The sky is not crowded as yet, and hence there is potential for private helicopter manufacturers in India." A small helicopter assembly unit is expected to need a hangar of 15 mts x 30 mts, field services and a helipad.

Malayaali

February 22nd, 2012, 05:06 AM

Prasanth_KCV

February 22nd, 2012, 05:33 AM

Malayaali

February 22nd, 2012, 07:27 AM

Adani group to foray into Kochi (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Adani-seals-Rs-900cr-land-deal-in-Mumbai/articleshow/11984904.cms)

Another national major coming!
Having bought two acres of prime land in Versova in Mumbai for Rs 900 crore recently, the Adani group is close to sealing a deal to buy 100 acres worth Rs 300 crore in Surat for its upcoming realty projects.

A group subsidiary firm plans to build 7.5 lakh sq feet space that includes over 500 residential units and commercial space at the plot next to the proposed 4 Bungalow metro station in Versova. The Ahmedabad-based company purchased the land from Housing Development and Infrastructure Ltd and will start construction within two months.

"Apart from Ahmedabad, where we are developing a fullfledged township, we have planned forays into Mumbai, Delhi, Surat and Kochi, where we have invested Rs 150 crore in land," says a company executive.

The group has so far invested Rs 5,000 crore in its real estate projects. Earlier this month, Adani Enterprises announced its plans to focus on its capital intensive core businesses while Adani family will take over the realty business.

KMC

February 22nd, 2012, 07:52 PM

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CENTRE, KAKKANAD

The proposed Exhibition Centre cum Conference Hall will have a gross built up area of 1,000,271 sq ft. The project components include an Exhibition Centre with a built up area of 6,23,973 sq ft and Conference Hall (B+G+1) with a built up area of 3,76,298 sq ft and other necessary onsite and offsite infrastructures. Out of this approximately 2 lakh sq ft area will be available for commercial activities.

The estimated cost for the development of the proposed International Exhibition cum Trade Centre is Rs. 517 crores.

Being the economic hub of the Kerala, Kochi ranks high as a convention destination.Tourism Revenue in Kerala is Rs 13130 Cr; with ball park figures for contribution of Convention
Industry being 5%-7%; Kerala Convention Industry is today estimated at Rs. 650 Crore, with the number of formal events pegged at 600-800 per year and Kochi is the leader with maximum number of events hosted.

http://www.emergingkerala2012.org/beta/pdf/inkel/45-Exhibition-Centre-cum-Conference-Hall-at-IETC-Kakkanad.pdf

DileepKS

February 23rd, 2012, 02:27 AM

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2012/02/23/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2012_02_23_F_MT_023/22_2036_1222_2894.jpg
CIAL Exhibition cum Trade Fair Centre is getting completed.

Malayaali

February 23rd, 2012, 05:21 AM

Malayaali

February 23rd, 2012, 06:57 AM

X-posting from Kochi Trade & Industry thread
IBM Deploys 16th Corporate Service Corps Team for Kochi projects (http://pr.efytimes.com/e1/79219/IBM-Deploys-th-Corporate-Service-Corps-Team-To-India)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012: As a part of the Corporate Service Corps (CSC) program, IBM today announced four projects for Kochi. The projects will be implemented in partnership with India@75, Local Economic Development Society (LEDS), Kara Ventures and Navabharath Foundation. A team comprising of 12 IBMers from nine different countries (France, Canada, Sweden, Brazil, USA, Australia, Slovakia, Germany and Spain) will work on these projects over a six month period with one month being spent on location.

The team will focus on developing sustainable solutions for the rapidly growing city, which is currently among the fastest growing urban centres in India. Specifically, the teams will work with NGOs on four key projects; Including conceptualizing a solid waste management system and formulating new strategies for the handloom sector. As part of the deployment, the IBM team will also focus on developing innovative youth empowerment programs and will work to promote the budding micro-enterprise sector.

â€œThe 16th deployment of a CSC team to India demonstrates IBM's commitment to India and to the growth markets. Through the Corporate Service Corps program, we leverage some of IBMâ€™s best talent and expertise to drive social innovation. The projects at Cochin highlight our commitment to accelerate and enhance the operations of NGOâ€™s and public agencies. Working closely with the community is also a great learning experience for the individual and provides a canvas for many innovations.â€, said Mamtha Sharma, Manager - Corporate Citizenship & Community Affairs, IBM India/South Asia.

Kochi is an important city for IBM. It has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years due to the development of tourism, manufacturing, shipbuilding, seafood and spices exports, and IT industries. IBM has a branch office in Kochi and has been working with clients in the region to provide advanced software solutions, technologies and services to aid their business growth.

In recent years the state has witnessed heavy investment by companies keen to tap into its vibrant economy, brining about new challenges for the emerging industrial hub.

Malayaali

February 23rd, 2012, 07:02 AM

^^

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/5925/39486030384280029701331.jpg

Source: Mathrubhumi

agnath.

February 23rd, 2012, 07:10 AM

MEGA FURNITURE CITY, ALUVA

proposal: (Again a proposal for 1 M sq ft)
http://www.emergingkerala2012.org/beta/pdf/inkel/49-Mega-Furniture-City-Aluva.pdf

Malayaali

February 23rd, 2012, 07:15 AM

^^

Already there is proposal from Central govt. for furniture cluster in Aluva, may be this can be part of that project.

Ernakulam & Thrissur to get Industrial Encouragement
Ernakulam, Kerala – Furniture Cluster

agnath.

February 23rd, 2012, 07:19 AM

For checking the proposals at emerging Kerala try this :

You can use the keywork "site:" in google search to search with in a website, so try in google search "site:www.emergingkerala2012.org/beta/pdf/", add place of your choice to search string to refine the search.

Nidhin VC

February 23rd, 2012, 09:25 AM

INKEL, jointly with KINFRA proposes to develop a world class International Exhibition and Trade Centre in 71 acres of land near EPIP, Kakkanad, Cochin. In this project, a Corporate Tower of 4,11,480 sq. ft is proposed to be constructed in 5 acres of land. The project is expected to provide state of the art plug n play commercial space for leading business, corporate houses, IT/ITES players.The proposed Corporate Tower will have a gross built up area of 4, 11,480 sq ft in a G+38 floor structure with all the necessary onsite and offsite infrastructure facilities.

A total area of 4, 11,480 sq ft is being planned for the Corporate Tower which will have facilities for setting up IT/ITES units, Offices, Trade Centres, Financial Services, Consultancy Centres etc.

Source :http://www.emergingkerala2012.org/beta/pdf/inkel/46-Construction-of-Corporate-Tower-at-IETC-Kakkanad.pdf

Hope this will reduce the office space/IT shortage near kakkanad

KMC

February 23rd, 2012, 09:43 AM

Malayaali

February 23rd, 2012, 10:02 AM

39 Floor Office Tower , thats Huge

So on the whole, the INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION CUM TRADE CENTRE (ITEC), KAKKANAD project will have:

1) EXHIBITION CENTRE CUM CONFERENCE HALL - 1 Million SF - B+G+1
2) CORPORATE TOWER - 0.4 MSF, G + 38
3) SHOPPING MALL - 1 MSF - G + 3
4) HOTEL PROJECT - 0.24 MSF - G + 8

Total built-up area: 2.64 Million sq. ft :cheers:

At least the Convention centre should be built, i wish!

Malayaali

February 23rd, 2012, 10:16 AM

German firm's offer to set up waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2923356.ece)
A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the State government to immediately consider granting the contract to Bayern Mercantile, a Germany-based company, for setting up a waste treatment plant on the 10 acres at Brahmapuram near Kochi.

The Bench comprising Justice C.N. Ramachandran Nair and Justice P.S. Gopinathan issued the directive after considering an affidavit filed by the State on the proposals made by the solid waste treatment companies.

The State was of the view that the proposal of Bayern Mercantile was viable. The proposal was selected after considering 40-odd proposals submitted by private companies for setting up solid waste treatment plants. The proposals were considered by an expert committee headed by R.V.G. Menon.

The court observed that the State had absolutely no financial commitment if a private company was allowed to start a treatment plant. The court said that it will gain by such a deal.

The company had sought allotment of 10 acres at Brahmapuram and pleaded for exemption from water and electricity charges. The company also asked for road and rail connectivity to the plant site.

FREE PROCESSING

According to the company, it used cold mineralisation technique and the proposed plant could treat 500 tonnes of waste per day. It could convert the solid waste into floor tiles and partition boards. It also claimed that no liquid or emissions of noxious gases would be generated when the waste was processed.

The court observed that the State government would not have any obligation since the waste was treated by the company free of cost. The Bench noted that the State did not now earn any revenue from the waste treatment and crores of rupees was spent in the name of waste treatment.

The court said ‘no' to the State's plans for a visit Germany by local self-government officials to examine the viability of the project and said that the CD on the working of the method and functioning of the plant proposed by the company could be watched, thus saving a lot of expenditure to be incurred for the proposed visit.

Malayaali

February 23rd, 2012, 10:21 AM

LNG Terminal by BPCL?

Saw this report by PIB. Not sure if it's an error, but PIB can't go wrong, i assume. Or is it the same Petronet LNG terminal, since Petronet is a JV company of all major OnG firms.

India and Saudi Arabia Discuss Enhancing Cooperation in Oil Sector (http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=80479)
Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister for Petroleum Affairs, Saudi Arabia held bilateral discussions with Shri R.P.N. Singh, Minister of State for Petroleum & Natural Gas here today, on matters of bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector. Shri Singh led the Indian side while Prince Abdul Aziz Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz led the Saudi side during the delegation-level talks under the India-Saudi Arabia Energy Consultations. The Indian delegation included senior officials of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and CEO’s of IOCL, ONGC, BPCL, HPCL and EIL.

The two sides discussed the World Oil Outlook, especially the growing demand for hydrocarbons in Asia and India during the delegation level talks. Shri R.P.N. Singh conveyed India’s requirement of incremental quantities of Saudi Arabian oil imports in the years ahead considering the ongoing expansion in India’s refining capacity. The Indian side also conveyed its growing requirement of LPG (Butane and Propane) considering the accelerated expansion of LPG coverage in the country’s rural areas under the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitran Yojana (RGGLVY). India imports nearly 2 million tonnes of LPG from Saudi Arabia.

India invited Saudi participation in upcoming investment opportunities in its petroleum upstream and downstream sector including OPaL’s Petrochemical project at Dahej and OMPL’s Petrochemical project at Mangalore. An offer was made to the Saudi side for considering equity participation in these projects as a strategic investor. Other proposed investment opportunities such as IOC’s LNG project at Ennore, BPCL’s LNG terminal at Kochi, HPCL’s grass-root refinery in Vizag and IOC’s petrochemical plant at Paradip were also discussed.

Since both Saudi Arabia and India are prominent actors in the International Energy Forum (IEF) comprising 88 countries, which is the world’s principal vehicle for the ongoing global energy dialogue, several issues related to the IEF were also discussed. .

The discussions between Saudi Arabia, a leading producer of crude oil and India, the world’s 4th largest oil importer are significant as they come at a time of heightened uncertainty in the international oil markets. Saudi Arabia supplied 27 million metric tonnes of crude oil to India during 2010-11, making it India’s largest crude oil supplier.

mohammedirshad06

February 23rd, 2012, 12:54 PM

X-posting

One-year action plan for GCDA (http://deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/one-year-action-plan-gcda-824)

Permanent Exhibition centre at JNI Stadium is a good idea and highly recommended considering the number of events taking place in the compound every year!

Since the speaker from the Corporation stables and implementing agency is GCDA, I have least hopes for the unless, some viable agency like KSIDC or KINFRA is involved here....

But can't understand the logic of convention center and exhibition center in a gap of 3 Kms in Kaloor, when one can do together in one place itself.....

Again whats the logic of having a stand alone convention center in Kaloor, that too just side of Gokulam Convention Center..... How can GCDA compete with a private hospitality player, even if a Private party is involved if going under PPP version.....

Nehru Stadium was built to address the sporting woes of the city. Instead of idiotic plans for having an exhibition center in its space, focus should be made to set up better sporting facilities and facilities for talent promotion. Equally parking is a major concern for every event hosted in JNI.... I would feel its better to have a 4 or 5 level MCLP, with additional 2 or 3 floors dedicated for Indoor sports like Badminton, Skating, Basket ball and a shooting range.... During non-sporting events, the parking lot can be made for public parking, as the area experiences severe shortage of parking....

The ground on other side, can be developed into mini Football stadium... Since currently Football donot attract huge spectators, it can have small gallery with an international standard Foot Ball ground, both for practice and some national/club tournaments.

The Ground made available for St.Alberts College, can be jointly developed for a tennis Court and Hockey field. In this way the entire piece of land, can be jointly developed into Kochi's prime Sporting center.
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The Manapattyparambu grounds can be considered for an exhibition center, as Gokulam Convention center cannot hoists any exhibitions.... It can be designed on model of Abu Dhabi Capital Gate, where the Convention center can be converted fully into an Exhibition hall thro' automated means.... More than a convention center, the city requires a cultural hub, which Manapattyparambu can be considered.... Currently JTPAC is located too far from city core, while Fine Arts Hall have limited capacity. Hence in my opinion, Manapattyparambu can be developed into a permanent performing arts center, which can be also used for exhibitions too.... Equally a Parking station and facility for Hypermarket/department store will improve its revenue base.

In anways, I am sure, GCDA's proposals are like Chammany's action plans... Drawn lines in Water... So much hopes on it, unless our Collector takes over it like how does for GIDA......:lol:

ak.army

February 23rd, 2012, 01:50 PM

German firm's offer to set up waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2923356.ece)

If the corp has land for petronet and other mega projects,why are they after a panchayath land?coz its easy to bull doz people living in panchayath compared to the affluent lot in corp??its natural if i start disposing waste generated at my home in my neighbour's compound he will be not be happy at all..

arunks

February 23rd, 2012, 04:26 PM

39 Floor Office Tower , thats Huge

39 ? wowie.. thats a skyscrapper :)

mohammedirshad06

February 23rd, 2012, 04:44 PM

^^^^^^^^^^

This is the rendering of the project, displayed by KINFRA near the project site at IT Expressway in Kakkanad

http://www.kumargroup.org/images/show/kinfra.jpg

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3889/1004944k.jpg

There are two skyscrapers planned... One might be hotel and taller one might be the corporate tower

sanjupalayat

February 23rd, 2012, 05:28 PM

^^That look impressive!

KMC

February 23rd, 2012, 07:23 PM

^^^^^^^^^^

This is the rendering of the project, displayed by KINFRA near the project site at IT Expressway in Kakkanad

There are two skyscrapers planned... One might be hotel and taller one might be the corporate tower

Frankly speaking dont hv faith in these Inkel Guys ... till now their existence is only on papers nothing concrete they hv done apart from making tall claims...

DileepKS

February 24th, 2012, 03:12 AM

Rs 100cr Kerala Trade Centre to be completed this year (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Rs-100cr-Kerala-Trade-Centre-to-be-completed-this-year/articleshow/12012659.cms)

KOCHI: Construction of the new Kerala Trade Centre being set up by the KCCI at an investment of Rs 100 crore will be completed this year, chairman designate of the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) K N Marzook said.

"This building will bring all agencies, stakeholders and businessmen under a single roof. All transactions which a foreign businessman needs can be carried out on the premises with minimum hassles," Marzook said.

The 14-floor building is being set up on an area of 1.25 lakh sq ft on Marine Drive in Kochi on the lines of World Trade Centres around the world. The centre will comprise an industrial research and development centre, trade information and resource centre, business and exhibition centres, shopping arcades, an international convention centre and a quality testing laboratory. The centre will provide advanced communication facilities to businessmen who are keen to invest in Kerala. Visitors to the centre can have a taste of the offerings at a number of multi-cuisine food courts.

DileepKS

February 24th, 2012, 03:21 AM

e_arunsid

February 24th, 2012, 05:18 AM

^^ The colour looks different from what it was initially..

This looks like too much of gold..:nuts:

sujithkochi

February 24th, 2012, 07:34 AM

German firm's offer to set up waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2923356.ece)

most importantly, the following one...

The court said ‘no' to the State's plans for a visit Germany by local self-government officials to examine the viability of the project and said that the CD on the working of the method and functioning of the plant proposed by the company could be watched, thus saving a lot of expenditure to be incurred for the proposed visit.

e_arunsid

February 24th, 2012, 08:00 AM

KCCI supports beautiful Kochi (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kcci-supports-beautiful-kochi/233235-60-122.html)

KOCHI: The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) authorities said that they are ready to take over the renovation and maintenance works of the E M S Memorial Town Hall. Announcing KCCI’s support for the city’s development, KCCI chairman K N Marsook said that a master plan catering to the needs of the coming years, is essential for the development.

“KCCI has always taken initiatives for the development of infrastructure and beautification of the city. KCCI is committed to facilitate the development of Kochi into a modern urban agglomeration at par with any other major city in the world,” he said.

“If the Corporation is ready to provide land, KCCI is ready to set up and operate a permanent exhibition venue in the city. We are also ready to construct an open air theatre near Goshree Bridge, if adequate land is provided to us. Another project that has captured the interest of KCCI is the beautification and maintenance of Subhash Chandra Bose Park,” he said.

Marsook also said that efforts were on to realise the projects presented at ‘Focus Kerala,’ an investors’ meet organised by the KCCI. “The Chamber will provide whole-hearted support to ‘Emerging Kerala,’ the investors’ meet organised by the State government,” he said. Around 200 panchayat presidents and foreign delegates took part in ‘Focus Kerala.’

mohammedirshad06

February 24th, 2012, 08:41 AM

http://epaper.manoramaonline.com/MMDaily/Kochi/2012/02/24/F/MMDaily_Kochi_2012_02_24_F_MT_023/40_2280_1578_2902.jpg

The Kerala Trade Centre, a 1.25L sqft, 14 floor trade centre built by the Kerala Chamber of Commerce, is likely to host a diplomatic office of Australia. Other countries also have expressed interest in opening their trade and commerce centres there.

The centre is planned to be inaugurated by the president in August this year.

If we are going with likely reports; the following countries might likely to have consultates/commerce/trade office here

1. UAE Consulate
2. Saudi Consulate
3. US Trade office
4. Australia Trade and Commerce Office
5. Canadian Trade center
6. Malaysia Visa and Tourist center
7. Singapore Tourist and Trade Center

Anyways, the bldg is not gold in design... I think, it might be some kind of amatuerish graphic work... Even I feel, even the picture as whole is some sort of stretched, as the actual bldg under construction never resembles a fatty kind of structure......

From its outer looks, I feel its likely to have 2 stories of commercial/mini mall center like Bay Pride....... Ideal for some major Fast Food outlets as well as fine dining centers.......

One important factor is that, they should take out the bus bay near from it.... The bus bay is really unmaintained, not even properly designed and creating huge mixes crowds in such a busy high-profile shopping corridor.

I feel, a state-of-the-art Bus stand cum terminal must be considered in the KTDC land just nearby.... Bus can pass thro the terminal from road near to Taj Residency, while buses going from Menaka can enter into the terminal via KTDC office area...

The Old dilapidated KTDC reception can be modernized, by taking away the old shopping complex there, with more larger bus bays at ground level, KTDC Tourist buses and reception area at First floor and a MCLP of 5 or 6 stories, with a hotel annexe to the guest house nearby.

In this way, the crowding for buses at Menaka can be avoided as well as solve parking woes at the corridor as well as increase more revenue for the organization......