Kochi Metro Holds Talks with BPCL to Restore Greenery on Medians

27 May 2025 CW Team

Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL), facing increasing criticism for not maintaining the green spaces along the medians in the metro corridor, has initiated discussions with Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and the Ernakulam District Horticulture Society to revive the project.

Sources reveal that KMRL is also making fresh efforts to find sponsors to care for and maintain the gardens located between the metro pillars. Previously, several sponsors had withdrawn, which led to the neglect of these green areas.

There are 989 medians along the 28-km Kochi Metro stretch. Of these, 465 are under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), while the remaining 524—from Edappally to Pettah—are managed by KMRL. These medians were originally intended to be green oases, but due to a lack of consistent sponsorship and maintenance, many have become overgrown and littered.

KMRL had contemplated paving the medians with tiles to address the issue. However, this plan attracted criticism, prompting intervention from several leaders.

At a recent Kochi Metro event, public appeals were made to the KMRL Managing Director to undertake a joint initiative to protect and restore the greenery. Support from the BPCL executive director was also sought for this effort.

Furthermore, the Ernakulam District Horticulture Society expressed willingness to take responsibility for nurturing and maintaining the gardens. Presently, only 64 medians have active sponsors, while the remaining 460 are left vacant and in poor condition, lacking greenery or upkeep. Previous contractors frequently failed to fulfill their duties or renew contracts, resulting in lost revenue and declining aesthetics.

News source: New Indian Express

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..