Latest news with #CochinSmartMissionLtd
Time of India
4 days 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
24-06-2025
- 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
22-06-2025
- 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.
New Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Vyttila Mobility Hub Society office is now virtually a one-man show
KOCHI: Entering the spacious office of the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS), one is greeted by vacant seats and cabins—with files stacked up on tables the only indication of any activity. There is only a single official on the entire floor, which is enveloped by an eerie silence. The condition of the office, which was once a bevy of activity, now mirrors the Mobility Hub, the integrated transit terminal located in the heart of the city, which has degenerated into a mesh of craters and fissures of late. All key posts are lying vacant as activities at VMHS have come to a virtual standstill, so much so that the society, entrusted with management of the sprawling 25-acre premises, hasn't been able to participate in any tendering process. This explains why the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) has finally taken up the project to repair the carriageway and beautify the hub, on behalf of VMHS. In fact, the latter hasn't carried out any major work ever since assistant engineer (technical) Divya Mohan was handed a promotional transfer over one-and-a-half years ago. 'To participate or float a tender you need documents to be vetted by at least three officials, including a technical expert. This has prevented VMHS from floating tenders over this period. This has severely hampered the developmental activities of the hub. Fund shortage is another major constraint. The Rs 590-crore second phase development was actually set for completion by 2021, but work is yet to start due to shortage of funds,' sources said.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MG Road footpaths: HC calls for swift fix
Kochi: High court on Thursday sought an immediate response from state govt on when the restoration of footpaths along MG Road in Kochi will begin. A bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran was hearing petitions concerning the poor condition of roads in Kochi. Court observed that flooding along MG Road is particularly severe in sections where footpaths are damaged. This, it said, is due in part to ineffective cleaning of drains and rampant waste dumping. Court stressed that restoring footpaths and drainage system is an urgent need, and simply removing and replacing slabs is an inadequate, temporary solution. In response, senior govt pleader appearing for PWD requested a few days to seek instructions from the state. It was submitted that govt is seriously considering footpath restoration and is currently reviewing a proposal that may exceed Rs 16 crore due to cost escalation. Court also noted that damaged tiles and bollards on Banerji Road footpath remain unrepaired. However, counsel for Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) assured court that all restoration works there would be completed within 10 days. Court recorded this assurance and posted the matter for further hearing next Thursday.
