Kochi: Construction projects are in full swing to transform the face of Kochi city, announced Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here. Under the leadership of Kochi Smart City Limited, projects are being implemented to accelerate infrastructure development. A total of 43 projects have already been completed, while 44 others are nearing completion, the Chief Minister said. He was inaugurating the Ernakulam Market Complex and laying the foundation stone for a multi-level car parking facility.  

The city and West Kochi roads are being upgraded to high standards. Footpaths and cycling lanes are being developed as part of this initiative. Several roads have already been renovated and opened for public use. To enhance the city’s safety, 446 CCTV cameras and 104 additional cameras under a traffic management system have been installed.  

The Chief Minister also highlighted projects to renovate key tourist destinations. Fort Kochi Beach, Vasco da Gama Square, Nehru Park, Dutch Palace, Jail Museum and Jew Street have been revitalised. The renovation of the Marine Drive walkway has been completed. Effective interventions are also being made in waste management. Solar energy plants have been installed, and a rooftop solar project has been introduced to make Kochi a green city.  

Significant progress is being made in the health and education sectors. The second phase of the "Waste-free New Kerala" campaign is underway, with all departments coordinating efforts to clean every corner of the state. Statewide initiatives are being implemented to ensure a waste-free environment, with a particular emphasis on water purification. Even in the first phase, substantial progress was achieved in creating the foundational infrastructure for waste processing. The Haritha Karma Sena and material collection facilities are actively functioning, he added.