Tue Oct 14 15:44:46 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:

**Summary:**

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal reiterated the Kerala state government’s commitment to supporting Kochi’s development projects at the inauguration of the renovated Ernakulam Town Hall. He highlighted past and ongoing financial support for initiatives like the KSRTC bus terminal, Fort Kochi beach, Operation Breakthrough (anti-waterlogging measures), the Smart City project, Water Metro, and Kochi Metro Rail. Balagopal encouraged local bodies to explore municipal bonds for revenue generation. The renovated Ernakulam Town Hall boasts upgraded interiors, infrastructure, and sound systems, including air conditioning, completed at a cost of ₹3.50 crore.

**News Article:**

**Kochi Gets a Boost: State Government Pledges Continued Support for Development, Renovated Town Hall Opens**

**KOCHI, October 14, 2025** – The Kerala state government has reaffirmed its dedication to the development of Kochi, announcing continued financial backing for crucial infrastructure projects. The announcement coincided with the inauguration of the newly renovated Ernakulam Town Hall on Monday evening.

Speaking at the inauguration, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal emphasized Kochi’s vital role in the state’s overall progress. “Kochi’s development plays a crucial role in the overall progress of the State,” he stated, highlighting previous financial allocations for projects such as the KSRTC bus terminal, Fort Kochi beach enhancements, and Operation Breakthrough, an initiative aimed at mitigating the city’s persistent waterlogging issues.

The Minister also underscored the state’s significant investment in large-scale projects like the Smart City project, the Water Metro, and the Kochi Metro Rail, suggesting the city’s traffic congestion would be drastically worse without the government’s backing of the Kochi Metro Rail project. “The State government has allocated ₹500 crore for the Smart City project, and separate funds have been earmarked for Water Metro”.

Looking ahead, Mr. Balagopal urged local governing bodies to explore innovative funding mechanisms, specifically encouraging the issuance of municipal bonds to finance public assets and infrastructure development.

The renovated Ernakulam Town Hall, a central landmark in Kochi, has undergone a comprehensive ₹3.50 crore transformation. Upgrades include modernized interiors, improved lighting and flooring, new seating, a refurbished stage featuring an LED wall, state-of-the-art sound systems, and accessibility improvements with ramp construction. In response to frequent complaints of excessive heat, the hall has also been fully air-conditioned. Beautification efforts have also been undertaken, including the installation of a fountain outside.

Mayor M. Anilkumar presided over the inauguration ceremony, marking a new chapter for the revitalized Ernakulam Town Hall and underscoring the ongoing commitment to Kochi’s growth and development.

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