The Corporation has zeroed in on a retrofitting-based development model with urban mobility, especially water transport, being the focal point of the Smart City proposal to get Kochi selected among the first 20 cities to be developed under the Smart Cities Mission Project.
The rejuvenation and modernisation of the West Kochi area and a comprehensive development of the entire Central Business District (CBD) stretching from Durbar Hall to High Court as one wholesome unit by tapping into the possibilities of modern and speedy water transport form the cornerstone of project.
The Corporation has to submit a concept note on Smart City by October 8 and the final project by December 17.
The Corporation wrapped up consultations with stakeholders in the nick of time just before the model code of conduct set in.
An IT-driven Pan City smart solution based on a seamless Intelligent Citizen Service Platform would also be proposed as part of the project. It would integrate the services of the Kochi Corporation and other government departments and merge it with the Kochi Metro Rail’s proposed open loop smart card.
Once allied services like e-wallet and Kochi City application are also put in place, all services would be made available to citizens over a common platform.
A solar-powered energy-efficient street lighting system, Wi-Fi hotspots, security surveillance cameras, and recharging points for electric vehicles would also be gradually developed as part of the pan city solutions.
A victim of urban decay, West Kochi received the attention as an acclaimed global tourist hotspot while the CBD area came into the picture for hosting significant public service centres, hospitals, courts, educational institutions, public spaces – including parks – and tourist spots.
Conservation of the public spaces in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry and that of beaches and banks of backwaters, rejuvenation of canals and streets of Mattancherry, pedestrian network, scientific drainage system, modernisation of junctions, transportation systems and walkways, foot overbridges, and cycle tracks would be given thrust both in West Kochi and the larger CBD area.
