Sat Mar 29 19:46:47 UTC 2025: ## Kochi Development Authority Unveils ₹218 Crore Budget, Focusing on Infopark Expansion and City Improvements

**KOCHI, March 30, 2025** – The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) announced a ₹218 crore budget for 2025-26, its golden jubilee year, outlining ambitious plans for infrastructure development and city improvements across Greater Kochi. Key projects include a significant expansion of Infopark, the redevelopment of Ambedkar Stadium, and several initiatives aimed at boosting tourism and promoting sports and recreation.

The GCDA will utilize a land pooling method to develop 300 acres for Infopark’s third phase, allocating 100 acres for IT firms and the remainder for hotels, hospitals, and recreational facilities. ₹1.50 crore has been earmarked for this project.

A major highlight is the planned ₹90 crore redevelopment of Ambedkar Stadium, increasing its capacity to 15,000 and enabling it to host football matches and other events. CSR funds will supplement GCDA funding for this project. Additional sports initiatives, including a basketball court, a swimming pool, and a ₹25-lakh “happiness park,” are also planned.

Tourism infrastructure will receive a boost with ₹35 lakh allocated for developing eateries, cafes, and tourist circuits in West Kochi, Thripunithura, and Marine Drive. New bus terminals in Thripunithura and Chellanam are also in the works. Other projects include beautification of spaces under the Palarivattom and Vyttila flyovers (₹8 crore), food hubs in Maradu and Kakkanad, a women’s hostel (₹7.50 crore), a women’s fitness centre (₹2 crore), and a Kakkanad shopping complex (₹5 crore).

Addressing concerns about the renovated Kaloor market becoming a hub for anti-social activity, GCDA Chairman K. Chandran Pillai stated that it would reopen after obtaining Pollution Control Board approval, with reserved spaces for women and disadvantaged groups. Encroachments hindering the Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road and causing flooding will be removed, if necessary, under the Disaster Management Act. The budget projects an income of ₹259 crore. ₹50 lakh will be used for anniversary celebrations focused on town planning and sustainable growth.

Read More