The city will have projects to the tune of Rs.200 crore in five sectors as part of the implementation of the first phase of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (Amrut).
Several projects will be implemented in areas that include drinking water supply, sewage, drainage, urban transport development and development of green zone parks in the city.
K.V. Thomas, MP, launched the first phase of the project being implemented jointly by the Centre, State and Kochi Corporation here on Saturday.
Of the Rs.200 crore earmarked for the first phase, the Centre will give Rs.100 crore while the State government and Kochi Corporation will raise the remaining matching fund, according to an official communication.
In the first phase, Rs.2 crore will be used for renovating the Pashnithodu bridge at Edakochi, Rs.2 crore for footpath renovation at MG Road, Rs.39 lakh for modernisation of St. John Park at Edakochi, and Rs.1.33 crore for rainwater harvesting programmes. The tender process for these works has been complete.
First instalment
Kochi Corporation has received the first instalment of Rs.75.91 crore from the Union government.
Mr. Thomas urged the public to cooperate for the successful implementation of the projects.
The Centre had cleared projects worth Rs.587.98 crore for the development of nine cities in the State under the Amrut Mission. The funds will be utilised for water supply, construction of sewers and storm water drains, public transport and creation of parks and green spaces in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kochi, Thrissur, Guruvayur, Palakad, Kozhikode, and Kannur.
The mission also seeks to reform the local administration and enhance the quality of citizen service offered by the municipalities.
While the Centre will foot 50 per cent of the project cost, the State will bear 30 per cent and the local body 20 per cent.