The Kochi Smart City proposal envisages the implementation of an integrated development of city infrastructure through the application of smart solutions.
The State-level high-power steering committee for the mission has decided to notify the Fort Kochi-Mattancherry, and the central city area as a Town Planning Scheme (TPS) under its area-based development projects.
The aim is to achieve the objectives of Smart Cities’ Mission through planned and integrated development, and to regulate unplanned growth. Compact development is one of the key smart city features promoted by the Ministry of Urban Development under the mission.
Some of the focus areas under area-based development include water metro connecting Fort Kochi; non-motorised transport systems including walkways, cycle tracks, etc; world-class arterial roads; smart junctions and parking. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has already initiated a project to enhance the efficiency of water transport system in the city.
Cochin Smart Mission Ltd. has approved six projects under the category of urban mobility and IT services to be implemented through KMRL that include re-designing of the road infrastructure (except Hospital Road), and the design of the smart signage system in the area-based development (₹1.2 crore); construction of hospital road walkway (₹10 crore); and the implementation of smart bicycle sharing system in Fort Kochi area, and the city’s central business district.
Rejuvenation of canals and parks; creation of plazas, walks along canals and green pockets; transit-oriented development along the metro rail corridor; underground cabling; 24X7 water supply; 100% coverage of sewerage management/septage management; housing for all; efficient health and educational infrastructure; heritage conservation and tourism management in Fort Kochi; and redevelopment of the market area are some of the projects to be implemented.
