Latest news with #CentreforPublicPolicyResearch
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi tops state in global index, experts not upbeat
KOCHI: The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2025 has Kochi in 420th position globally and eighth in India — making it the top-ranked city in Kerala. But experts caution against reading too much into the ranking, warning that the city still faces serious challenges in infrastructure, mobility, governance, and public services. The index, which ranks cities based on five key pillars — economics, human capital, quality of life, environment, and governance — also lists several other Kerala cities: Thrissur (429 globally, 9th in India), Kozhikode (497/11), Kottayam (552/16), Kollam (583/20), Thiruvananthapuram (608/24), and Kannur (663/32). In the 2024 listing, Kochi ranked 521 globally, while Thrissur was positioned 550th. Kozhikode was 580th, Kottayam 649th, Thiruvananthapuram 686th and Kannur 759th. While Kochi's rise up the rankings may seem encouraging, urban policy experts and civic leaders urge a deeper reflection on what needs to change. Dr D Dhanuraj, founder of the Kochi-based think tank Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), said the ranking should serve as a wake-up call rather than a moment of pride. 'To improve Kochi's standing, we must focus on public transportation, governance, quality of life, business development, and empowering local institutions,' he said. He stressed the urgent need to upgrade the public transport system. 'We need more feeder buses and better connectivity to the islands. The rising number of private vehicles is causing congestion and pollution. A well-integrated public transport network is essential to make the city liveable,' he added. On broader development goals, Dr Dhanuraj said Kochi must aim to attract more business investment, especially in sectors like IT and tourism. 'The city lacks social spaces and options for engagement. We need green spaces, entertainment hubs and cultural initiatives. Authorities must also liberalise rules to encourage startups and new enterprises. It's vital to involve youngsters and professionals in shaping the city's future.'
New Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Kerala vehicle registrations rise to 7.83 lakh in 2024-25 after brief sputter
KOCHI: After a marginal decline in the previous year, Kerala posted an increase in vehicle registrations in 2024-25, with 7.83 lakh new vehicles added across the state. This, however, remained below 2022-23 numbers, when a post-Covid surge saw 7.91 lakh new registrations. The pent-up demand cooled off in 2023-24, when it came in at 7.44 lakh. The total number of registered vehicles in Kerala has now crossed 1.82 crore, reaffirming its reputation as among the most vehicle-dense states in the country, with 425 vehicles per 1,000 people. Among districts, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode accounted for the highest number of new registrations in the last financial year. The capital district saw 32,399 new registrations, including 10,074 light-motor vehicles (LMVs) and 18,803 two-wheelers. In 2023-24, the district recorded 33,061 new cars, and 33,091 in 2022–23. Ernakulam registered 24,640 vehicles in 2024–25, slightly down from 24,932 the previous year and 25,703 in 2022-23. Kozhikode, which overtook Ernakulam in total vehicle count, registered 18,978 new vehicles, including 4,764 LMVs and 12,967 two-wheelers, compared to 19,219 and 19,242 in the two previous years. The pace of new registrations is also evident in the progression of the number series. Ernakulam crossed into the 'DG' series by the end of March 2025, with Thiruvananthapuram in the 'DF' series. Each series corresponds to 9,999 registrations. Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam attributed the increase to a shift in transport preferences and improving road infrastructure. He said the rise in vehicle ownership is linked to growing purchasing power in the state and a marked shift from public to personal transport, particularly after the Covid pandemic. 'People are increasingly opting for personal vehicles due to convenience, and the improved road network between towns,' he said. D Dhanuraj, chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research, a Kochi-based think tank, pointed to localised factors influencing vehicle purchases. He noted that in Thiruvananthapuram, land acquisition for major development projects resulted in lump-sum compensation, a portion of which was used to buy vehicles. 'One concern behind the rising vehicle numbers, especially in Thiruvananthapuram, is the inefficiency of the public transport system. With many people finding it unreliable or insufficient, they are turning to private options,' he said. Experts also attribute the rise to increased adoption of electric vehicles. Nationally, Kerala remains one of the most motorised states. While Uttar Pradesh leads in total vehicle numbers with over 5.07 crore registered vehicles, followed by Maharashtra (3.96 crore), Kerala's per capita vehicle density is significantly higher. Only Chandigarh (702 vehicles per 1,000 people), Puducherry (521), and Goa (476) exceed Kerala's density, according to data with the ministry of road transport and highways. With vehicle numbers continuing to rise steadily, urban planners and transport experts are calling for strengthened public-transport systems and better traffic management to balance the growing pressure on the state's roads. Rapid pace Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode accounted for the highest number of new registrations in the last financial year The pace of new registrations is also evident in the progression of the number series
