Latest news with #CSML
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi corporation increases rent for stalls in new Ernakulam market
Kochi: Kochi corporation has increased rent of stalls in new Ernakulam market building. Corporation council, which met last month, gave approval for increasing rent to Rs 45 per square foot from the earlier Rs 20. Revised rates will be collected from stall owners from July, it is learned. This rate is applicable to existing vendors, while those who procure stalls on rent through fresh tenders will have to pay Rs 120 per square foot. Construction of the 19,822.14 square metre complex began in Feb 2022 and new market was inaugurated in Dec 2024. The project was completed using Rs 75 crore given by Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML). Basement is allocated for parking. Ground and first floors have been allocated for existing vendors. First floor has space for an electrical room and FMP (fast-moving products) section, while sewage treatment plant is provided in the basement. Second and third floors are currently open spaces with no partitions, providing ample commercial or office space. This can be allotted to vendors through fresh tenders.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- New Indian Express
Vyttila Hub repair finally begins after 1.5 years; Nature Park, better amenities on the way
KOCHI: At long last, commuters and bus operators at the Vyttila Mobility Hub can heave a sigh of relief. The Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) has started repairing the carriageway of the hub, which had been lying dilapidated for nearly 1.5 years. According to a senior official, CSML has carried out a compaction test of the soil — called California Bearing Ratio (CBR) — before going ahead with the renovation. 'The tiling will be changed entirely. We will also improve the amenities for commuters, including seating arrangements, bathrooms, lighting, fan, waste bins, etc,' the CSML official said. The authorities aim to complete the work by September first week. 'The ground already has a layer of appropriate material, and it will be adequate to prevent sinkage in the future,' the official said. He also pointed out that the undulations on the carriageway due to ground sinking, as the hub was built on marshy land, will not happen in future. Once the maintenance is over, in three months, the CSML authorities will start setting up an open park behind the hub, along the course of the Kaniyampuzha river. The project includes the development of a walkway with natural landscaping and stone benches for passengers to relax. It will also have play equipment for children. While the entire project cost amounts to Rs 9.56 crore, the open space development is being carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 5.43 crore. 'A key aspect of the project is the development of a 5.5-acre space behind the 13 bus bays into a green landscape where passengers can unwind. The planned 'Nature Park' will have two separate recreational areas, sculpture gallery, play area, activity area, food kiosk, wide walkway, granite seating along the riverbank, and uniform lighting,' the official said.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Old tea godown threatens Fort Kochi boat jetty; SWTD seeks its demolition
KOCHI: An old godown building, in dilapidated condition, is threatening the Fort Kochi customs boat jetty, which is relied on by hundreds of commuters and tourists. In fact, a portion of the large building has already caved in, damaging the ceiling of the walkway of the boat jetty, which was reopened to the public just a couple of months ago following a `80-lakh renovation. The 'Imperial' building, owned by a Willingdon Island-based export company engaged in tea packaging, used to exhibit artwork during the Kochi Biennale. But now, it's mostly employed as a godown. Constructed using stones and mud bricks, it has the height of a two-storey building. With the structure threatening to cave in at any time, the state water transport department (SWTD) and the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) has written to Kochi corporation, demanding that the building be demolished. 'A portion of the building caved in last week, damaging the roof of the jetty, which was aesthetically renovated using a false ceiling and illuminating lights. We suffered a damage of Rs 20,000. We've also taken up the issue with the Disaster Management Authority,' a senior SWTD official said. The portion of the walkway facing the godown building is restricted for commuters to ensure their safety. As a result, the walkway connecting the jetty with the road remains crowded during rush hour. Meanwhile, ward councillor and health standing committee chairperson T K Ashraf has also filed a complaint, demanding the immediate demolition of the 'dangerous' building, following which the corporation assistant executive engineer served a notice to the owner, A V Agencies. The notice threatened action under the Kerala Municipality Act if the owner fails to act. 'Firm to bear expense' Meanwhile, Kalvatty ward member Ashraf said he held talks with representatives of the company, which owns the building, and the latter agreed to demolish the portion posing a danger to the boat jetty. 'The company agreed to bear the expense for levelling the section, which will probably start tomorrow itself. Demolition experts visited the site today. A fire force team also examined the building and agreed to assist the process. The continuous rain has worsened the situation. We've initiated action on a war footing,' he told TNIE. 'A portion caved in last week, and no measure has been taken yet to ensure the safety of commuters. We demand that authorities demolish the building at the earliest,' said M M Abbas, president of the West Kochi Passengers Association.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Corporation to ask CSML to address issues with LED lights
Mayor M. Anilkumar has promised to address issues with LED lights by bringing complaints raised by the councillors to the notice of Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML). He was responding to complaints at the Kochi Corporation Council meeting on Tuesday. Admitting to problems with LED lights, Mr. Anilkumar said lights developing snags during the monsoon was common. The councillors complained that CSML had not taken any steps for maintenance, though the relocated LED lights had been facing problems from day one. LED lights have been installed along the national highway and the North overbridge. The Mayor said a meeting was once convened with CSML chief executive officer and the deputy chief engineer to discuss the issue. He said he would write to CSML asking to address the problem. CSML had given a contract to a company for ₹40 crore to relocate the lights. The councillors accused CSML of not completing the relocation of the lights yet. When the lights turn dysfunctional, the KSEB blames it on CSML, which in turn puts the onus on the KSEB. Besides, the Corporation has given separate contract for the maintenance of the lights. However, the contractor claims that the maintenance of the lights within the guarantee period is not his responsibility, they said. The councillors rued how they were being forced to approach various agencies to get lights in their wards repaired. Street lights remain the responsibility of the Corporation though they are now forced to run from pillar to post to offer that service, the councillors said. Property tax Mr. Anilkumar said that, except for a few, almost all had paid property tax, thanks to K-Smart. Those receiving notice for the first time need to pay the dues for three years alone. However, those who have failed to pay tax despite being repeatedly served notices should clear the full dues with penal interest, he added. The Mayor was responding to allegations by the Opposition councillors of discrimination in property tax collection. The opposition councillors cited how 146 persons had secured a verdict limiting the collection of tax dues to three years since the increase in tax in 2016, while that benefit was being denied to those who could not afford to approach the court.
New Indian Express
06-06-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Promises unfulfilled, flooded KSRTC bus station cries for crucial makeover
KOCHI: Another monsoon season is here and it's the same old story at the Ernakulam KSRTC bus station. Located in the heart of the burgeoning city, the dilapidated bus station has remained susceptible to waterlogging for over a decade. While the demolition of the five-decade-old building that houses the station and the construction of a new terminal have hit a roadblock, the repeated promises of the KSRTC authorities to address the issue mostly remain on paper. The last of the assurances was delivered nearly two months back, when the authorities said the work to raise the floor-level of the building and the station premises and the setting up of new drains would be completed before the onset of monsoon. In fact, Ernakulam MLA T J Vinod allotted Rs 50 lakh for the purpose from the legislative assembly constituency asset development fund. The work has kicked off for sure, but is progressing at a tardy pace. 'The activities have been hampered by intermittent rain. The good thing is that the scope of the project has broadened with BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd) contributing Rs 99 lakh. A tripartite agreement will soon be signed between BPCL, KSRTC and the PWD to implement the Rs 1.5-crore project,' the MLA told TNIE. Swanky terminal a distant dream The plan to set up a new swanky bus terminal -- modelled after the Vyttila Mobility Hub -- on 2.9 acres in Karikkamury has suffered a setback. The project was initially mooted to be implemented with the Rs 12-crore fund promised by Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML). But the KSRTC backed out following a difference over the terms and conditions that included toll for the entry of KSRTC buses into the proposed terminal. 'Despite giving land, they wanted to levy a toll on our buses. That can't be justified,' a senior KSRTC official said. Earlier, the plan was to construct a bus terminal that can be accessed by both private and KSRTC buses. The project was in the doldrums and the CSML term ended in March. While the agency's term has been extended by another year, a fresh nod from the ministry of housing and urban affairs needs to be obtained to avail funding.
