Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) completed its tenure this year and the Kochi corporation is set to consider an alternative implementation mechanism for the Complete Smart City project proposed in the 2026-27 budget. The government had allocated Rs 200 million (Rs 200 mn) for the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) and initial activities. The council agenda brings the matter for information and consideration at a meeting on Monday.

M G Aristottil, a member of the corporation's finance standing committee, said that CSML had been constituted as a special purpose vehicle to implement several development projects in the city and that, with its tenure ending, those projects had been handed over to the corporation. The council will examine options to carry out and maintain works such as roads, streetlights and parks under an alternative arrangement. The discussion is intended to identify a mechanism suited to current requirements and resource availability.

The proposal recommends designating the Kochi corporation as nodal agency and establishing a separate project management unit (PMU) staffed with experts in urban planning, engineering, finance and information technology. The PMU would seek technical assistance from KITCO, KILA, the Kerala State IT Mission or similar government technical agencies for preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) and technical matters. A steering committee is suggested with the mayor as chairperson and the secretary as convener to oversee coordination.

Henry Austin, councillor of the Vaduthala East division, noted that CSML would continue to function to carry out ongoing projects and that operations and maintenance agreements remained between CSML and the specific companies engaged. It was also observed that when new projects were taken up a new implementation agency may be required. The council will weigh continuity against the need for fresh institutional arrangements.

The budget statement had proposed that work to transform Kochi into a complete Smart City would commence by expanding development activities to more divisions in a phased manner. The CSML chief executive officer and the corporation secretary were tasked with preparing a project document to guide implementation and resource mobilisation.