On September 27th, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will officially inaugurate two brand-new apartment complexes in West Kochi. These towers are specifically designed to provide comfortable, modern homes for 394 families from Thuruthy Colony, marking a pivotal moment in urban rehabilitation efforts.
This ambitious housing initiative is a key component of the national Rajiv Awas Yojana, a scheme with the overarching goal of making India a ‘slum-free’ nation. The construction of these two complexes was a collaborative undertaking, with one tower developed by the Kochi Corporation and the other by the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML).
Mayor M. Anilkumar expressed his satisfaction, stating, “We have successfully delivered on our promise to provide new and improved accommodation for these deserving families.”
The first apartment complex, an impressive 11-storey structure built by the Kochi Corporation, represents a significant investment of ₹41.74 crore. It features 199 individual units, each spanning 300 sq.ft. Each unit is thoughtfully designed to include a dining-cum-living area, a cozy bedroom, a functional kitchen, a private balcony, and two well-appointed toilets. Additionally, the tower offers 81 parking slots, a 105 KLD sewage treatment plant, and three modern elevators and staircases for easy accessibility.
Beyond individual residences, the first tower provides ample communal spaces. The first floor boasts a 150 sq.m common area, while the 11th floor features an expansive 800 sq.m space, ideal for community gatherings and social interactions. For the convenience of residents, the ground floor also houses an anganwadi (child care center) and 14 retail shops. Both towers are equipped with efficient lift systems.
The second tower, constructed by CSML with an investment of ₹44.01 crore, rises 13 stories high and is designed around a welcoming common courtyard. It comprises 195 units, with each offering a generous 350 sq.ft. of living space, distributed as 15 units per floor. The ground floor incorporates 18 retail shop rooms and dedicated parking areas accommodating 68 cars and 17 two-wheelers. This tower, with a total built-up area of 10,221 sq.m, is also outfitted with three lifts, staircases, and features rooftop solar panels, highlighting a commitment to sustainable living.
It is important to note that a similar rehabilitation project last year saw 77 families from the former P&T Colony relocated to a complex built by the Greater Cochin Development Authority in Mundamveli. However, residents there have since reported issues with leakage and structural integrity, prompting the engagement of IIT Madras as a consultant to investigate and resolve these concerns.