Kochi: The growth of Kochi city could shift to its outskirts, thanks to the ambitious 'Kochi Economic City project' of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA).
Under the project, the agency would focus on setting up infrastructure facilities in nine municipal areas and 21 grama panchayats thereby developing them as satellite towns.
The proposal was one among the 12 projects featured in the annual budget of the agency for the year 2019-20, which was presented on Wednesday. The budget also earmarked Rs 1.73 crore for the renovation of Kaloor-Kadavanthra road.
GCDA chairman V. Saleem said in the post-budget press conference that the agency will take up the expansion of its jurisdiction to neighbouring municipalities or local bodies.
"We'll soon rope in an international agency to prepare a master plan. We'll request the government to expand our jurisdiction based on that. A sum of Rs one crore has been allocated in this year's budget for the study," Mr Saleem said.
Among the activities planned include development of existing road and water transport networks .The other projects include Aluva town development (Rs 20 lakh) and renovation of commercial complex at Marine Drive (Rs 65 laks).
