Mon Apr 07 13:34:12 UTC 2025: ## Kochi’s Chander Kunj Towers Demolition to Cost ₹36 Crore More Than Expected

**KOCHI, April 7, 2025** – The demolition and reconstruction of the twin Chander Kunj Army Towers in Vyttila, Kochi, will cost significantly more than initially anticipated, according to a recent affidavit filed in the Kerala High Court. The Ernakulam District Collector, N.S.K. Umesh, revealed that the project is now estimated at ₹211.49 crore, ₹36 crore above the ₹175 crore pledged by the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO).

The higher cost estimate, based on assessments by the Public Works Department and a structural expert, has sparked renewed debate. Apartment owners are also seeking a rent revision, arguing that the court-ordered rate of ₹21,000-₹23,000 per month is far below market value for similar 3BHK luxury apartments, which currently rent for ₹35,000-₹38,000 plus service charges.

The court-ordered demolition stems from structural concerns identified in a February 2, 2025 verdict. A district committee, following inspections and expert recommendations, deemed immediate demolition necessary for safety reasons. The committee’s affidavit highlights the discrepancy between the AWHO’s proposed investment and the actual cost, leading to demands for AWHO to cover the full amount. The dispute over rental compensation further complicates the already expensive project.

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