Cochin Smart City to use funds earmarked for vacuum sewer project

11 Jan 2022 CW Team

The Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) is planning to use the Rs 166 crore funds for other projects in a move to avoid a lapse of the funds earmarked for the vacuum sewer project.

The main impediment to the proposals is that they are all located outside of the smart city's Area-Based Development (ABD) region. The development projects that are being implemented as part of the smart city scheme are divided into two categories: pan-city and ABD.

While pan-city projects can be implemented anywhere in the city, the ABD area includes the corporation's one to fifth divisions in the Fort Kochi area, as well as divisions 62, 67, and 86 in Kochi's central business district. The Rs 166-crore vacuum sewer project in Fort Kochi was proposed under the ABD category.

Following residents' protests, the CSML was forced to abandon the vacuum sewer project, which was supposed to serve the needs of the corporation's five divisions in the Fort Kochi area.

The funds set aside for ABD projects will have to be diverted for pan-city projects while new projects are being designed in place of the vacuum sewer project.

A CSML delegation will soon travel to Delhi to secure the centre's approval for these projects.

Due to a funding shortage, the second phase of the Vyttila mobility hub project was put on hold. The CSML is looking into the possibility of implementing the project's second phase at a cost of around Rs 90 crore. The adjacent Water Metro terminal and Metro station will aid in the convergence of various modes of transportation.

In Kochi, the existing KSRTC bus station is on the verge of collapsing. Despite the government's plans to build a new terminal, a lack of funds is preventing it. The CSML intends to build a new terminal at a cost of approximately Rs 50 crore.

The north-south corridor, a road running parallel to the railway line between the north and south railway stations, is being planned. The corridor will cost Rs 16 crore to build, according to CSML. The corridor will aid in the reduction of traffic congestion on major city roads. For Rs 10 crore, CSML also plans to build a mini-mobility hub at Kaloor bus station.

Image Source

The Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) is planning to use the Rs 166 crore funds for other projects in a move to avoid a lapse of the funds earmarked for the vacuum sewer project. The main impediment to the proposals is that they are all located outside of the smart city's Area-Based Development (ABD) region. The development projects that are being implemented as part of the smart city scheme are divided into two categories: pan-city and ABD. While pan-city projects can be implemented anywhere in the city, the ABD area includes the corporation's one to fifth divisions in the Fort Kochi area, as well as divisions 62, 67, and 86 in Kochi's central business district. The Rs 166-crore vacuum sewer project in Fort Kochi was proposed under the ABD category. Following residents' protests, the CSML was forced to abandon the vacuum sewer project, which was supposed to serve the needs of the corporation's five divisions in the Fort Kochi area. The funds set aside for ABD projects will have to be diverted for pan-city projects while new projects are being designed in place of the vacuum sewer project. A CSML delegation will soon travel to Delhi to secure the centre's approval for these projects. Due to a funding shortage, the second phase of the Vyttila mobility hub project was put on hold. The CSML is looking into the possibility of implementing the project's second phase at a cost of around Rs 90 crore. The adjacent Water Metro terminal and Metro station will aid in the convergence of various modes of transportation. In Kochi, the existing KSRTC bus station is on the verge of collapsing. Despite the government's plans to build a new terminal, a lack of funds is preventing it. The CSML intends to build a new terminal at a cost of approximately Rs 50 crore. The north-south corridor, a road running parallel to the railway line between the north and south railway stations, is being planned. The corridor will cost Rs 16 crore to build, according to CSML. The corridor will aid in the reduction of traffic congestion on major city roads. For Rs 10 crore, CSML also plans to build a mini-mobility hub at Kaloor bus station. Image Source

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

Tripura Rail Survey Approved For Jirania–Bodhjung Link

The Ministry of Railways has approved a Final Location Survey (FLS) for a proposed new railway line between Jirania and Bodhjung Nagar in Tripura. The planned section will span 14 km and is estimated to cost around Rs 4.2 million, with the entire alignment located within West Tripura district. The approval marks a key step towards strengthening railway infrastructure and supporting industrial growth in the state. Bodhjung Nagar is Tripura’s principal industrial and commercial hub, developed mainly for resource-based industries such as rubber, bamboo and food processing. The proposed Jirania..

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

MCF Raebareli Rolls Out Its 15,000th Passenger Coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, has reached a major production milestone with the manufacture of its 15,000th passenger coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said. During the current financial year 2025–26, the unit has produced a total of 1,310 coaches so far. Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli, MCF is among India’s most advanced passenger coach manufacturing facilities. Built at a cost of around Rs 31.92 billion, the factory has an installed annual capacity of 1,000 coaches and is located about 3 km from Lalganj on the Kanpur–Raebareli Roa..

Infrastructure Transport

19 Dec 2025

RVNL Wins Gandak River Rail Bridge Contract

Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award from North Eastern Railway for a major railway infrastructure project valued at Rs 1.65 billion. The contract relates to the construction of the substructure for a key railway bridge over the Gandak River. The bridge will be constructed between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations as part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section. Designed to enhance capacity and operational efficiency, the structure will comprise 14 spans of 61 metres each and will be supported by double D-type well foundations. The des..