Cochin highrises, pictures and projects - II [Archive]

pramodusnair

02-15-2007, 09:40 AM

Hong Kong company to set up Info Park

K. Venkiteswaran
`Terms are attractive to government'

Company holds discussions with Chief Minister
26 per cent equity participation offered to the State Government

KOCHI: Infiniti Consulting Corporation Limited, a Hong Kong-based company, has evinced interest in setting up an Info Park in Kochi. Discussions were held with the Chief Minister at Thiruvananthapuram last week. The terms and conditions offered by the company were said to be attractive to the State Government. The Hong Kong-based company envisages the project for IT and ITES development and has stated that seventy per cent of the 100-acre land required would be utilised for IT infrastructure development. "Since IT is a human resource centric industry, we also propose to develop allied facilities such as residential blocks, hotels, huge water treatment plants, power distribution systems etc, in the proposed park," said the company in a communication to the Government.

The company has offered 26 per cent equity participation to the Kerala Government in the joint venture vehicle. The company has also offered Rs.85 lakh per acre for the land at Kochi. The terms, the company claimed, were better than what was offered by the Dubai Internet City, especially in the spheres of Government equity, land utilisation for IT and fast track development plan.

Infiniti Consulting Corporation is a JB group company and is in the real estate and investment consultancy sector.

JB group came into being in 1965 and its activities include diamond cutting, polishing, distribution and marketing, jewellery manufacturing, investment in property and mining. It has ongoing projects in Goa where a 200-acre multi-component project, consisting of a 260-room five star deluxe resort, 200 high-end residential villas and apartments, is coming up.

It is a Rs.1200-crore project. The company is also developing commercial and residential projects in Mumbai, Surat, Hyderabad, Pune and Bangalore.

JMen

02-15-2007, 10:04 AM

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8568/kalpakacastlefullviewmo1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.kalpakabuilders.com

Deepak

02-15-2007, 10:07 AM

Great pic and News, Pramod and Renik.......:cheers:

ReNik

02-15-2007, 10:08 AM

A FAR-reaching directive to government
Thursday February 15 2007 10:58 IST

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has directed the State Government to pass fresh orders within three months regarding the applicability of the provisions relating to Floor Area Ratio (FAR) contained in Kerala Municipal Building Rules of 1999 as against the provisions in the Structure Plan of 1991 for central Kochi.

While the statutory rules permitted a Floor Area Ratio of up to four, the structure plan notified by the government covering Corporation areas, Tripunithra and Kalamassery municipalities and nine nearby panchayats, prescribed a maximum FAR of 1.5, resulting in the rejection of building plans submitted to the Corporation and Tripunithura municipality by various builders.

The rejection of building plans was challenged by the builders concerned seeking a declaration that the Corporation and the municipality were bound by the 1999 rules with regard to FAR while considering their applications.

The government had issued an order on December 31, 2004, clarifying that as far as the Corporation of Cochin is concerned, Kerala Municipal Building Rules of 1999 would prevail over the Structure Plan of 1991 in the matter of Floor Area Ratio.

But, subsequently, by another order dated August 28, 2006, allegedly on the basis of a direction contained in a judgment by the High Court, the government cancelled its order on December 31, 2004.

The court also struck down the government order dated August 28, 2006, cancelling its earlier order dated December 31, 2004. The court also struck down the instructions issued by the Regional Town Planner to Tripunithura municipality regarding Floor Area Ratio applicable to areas under the municipality.

The court directed that before passing fresh orders as directed by the court, the government should take into account the observations contained in this judgment and hear the Corporation, the municipality, the representatives of various builders, and anybody else who in the opinion of the government would be concerned in the matter.

The court also directed the Corporation and Tripunithura municipality to consider the plans submitted for approval till August 28, 2006, the date of the quashed government order, and decide them in accordance with FAR permitted under the 1999 Building Rules.

Applications submitted subsequently should be processed and order should be passed to the extent of permitting constructions within the FAR permitted under the Structure Plan of 1991.

The govt tried to play politics with Kochi's development and immediately got caned !!
I guess that Town planner is only a pawn in the game played by politicians.

ReNik

02-15-2007, 10:19 AM

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8568/kalpakacastlefullviewmo1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.kalpakabuilders.com

FAR order came, the next day Edappally gets a 15 storey. :)
This has been pending.

ReNik

02-15-2007, 10:21 AM

JMen

02-15-2007, 10:23 AM

A bigger perspective of the one I had posted earlier

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5583/puzhayorambigut7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.sunnybuilders.org

pramodusnair

02-15-2007, 10:25 AM

The govt tried to play politics with Kochi's development and immediately got caned !!
I guess that Town planner is only a pawn in the game played by politicians.

:banana: Now that the court has intervened along with the powerful builder's lobby,i am sure that the FAr of 4 will be retained.

ReNik

02-15-2007, 12:01 PM

A bigger perspective of the one I had posted earlier

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5583/puzhayorambigut7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.sunnybuilders.org

Interesting JMen, so many 20 storeys coming up in Alwaye.

Though the FAR issue is going to be favorably settled now, it helped
to bring Alwaye into focus.

ReNik

02-15-2007, 12:09 PM

Deepak's photos a must see... reposting it here

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/5273/mmtechlyj4.jpg

this onez a superb shot, Deepak !
:cheers:

ReNik

02-15-2007, 12:18 PM

Also these five star hotel projects

Dreams Hotel, Ernakulam
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4343/dreamshotelsxr5.jpg
Architect Ajit Assoc.

Hotel City Lagoon and Convention Centre, Silver Sand Island, Vyttila
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8630/citylagoonez1.jpg
Architect Ajit Assoc.

sowmya

02-15-2007, 12:38 PM

We are waiting till the project by Infinity, the Hong Kong based firm comes up.But wont it take much of time. Also it is really gud news that FAR problem is being sorted out

pramodusnair

02-15-2007, 12:59 PM

HC stays govt stays the govt order on reducing the FAR in Kochi.

"Kerala High Court today directed the government to pass fresh orders within three months on the request regarding the applicablity of the provisions relating to the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in Kerala Municipality Building rules 1999 for Kochi city."

The old Floor Area Ratio prevails.

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/php/newsFrm.php?news_id=128017&n_type=NE&category_id=3&Farc=

pramodusnair

02-15-2007, 01:11 PM

LOcation and plan of Sahara's city in Kochi

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/392011726_9a6bd03a96_o.jpg

ReNik

02-15-2007, 01:19 PM

Confident Groups project sells out in 2 weeks after launch !!!

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/7658/subpagesecondface01bs8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Now Kakkanad can launch taller and bigger projects with FAR dust settling down.

pramodusnair

02-15-2007, 08:10 PM

Cognizant begins operations in Kochi

Special Correspondent
`State has good engineering talent'

KOCHI: Cognizant has started operations in Kochi, which adds an eighth city to its footprint across the country.

It now has operations in four southern States — Tamil Nadu (Chennai and Coimbatore), Karnataka (Bangalore), Andhra Pradesh (Hyderabad) and Kerala (Kochi).

Cognizant has taken up approximately 74,000 sq.ft. of leased space in Kochi. This new development centre, said R. Chandrasekaran, president and managing director of the company, would have the capacity to accommodate approximately 800 professionals.

Phase 1 of the facility would be fitted out by end of April 2007, which would create a capacity for 400 professionals, and phase 2 by July 2007 for an additional capacity for 400 professionals.

In a release here on Thursday, the company said that Kerala had good engineering talent, the primary source for recruiting. It had about 82 engineering colleges that produced more than 23,000 qualified engineers each year. In addition, it has 186 science and arts colleges.

Cognizant had been a power recruiter from Kerala for the last eight years, having a premium slot across most premier engineering colleges.

pramodusnair

02-15-2007, 08:14 PM

CIAL panel meet to discuss proposed IT Park

A Correspondent
Project estimated to cost Rs. 640 crore

Proposal to set up a golf course
Parallel taxiway to be constructed at Cochin airport

NEDUMBASSERY: The Rs. 640-crore Information Technology Park proposed by Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL) is set to get off the block soon.

The sub-committee of the airport company scheduled to meet on February 28 is expected to give sanction for the issue of notification for appointing a reputed consultant to undertake a feasibility study on the project.

Based on the study report submitted by the consultant, a master plan would be prepared so as to set up the Park with facilities on a par with international standards.

The IT Park would be spread over an area of 35 acres with a built-up area of about 3.81 million sq.ft.

It is expected to provide 15,000 job opportunities both directly and indirectly.

The IT Park is one of the multi-crore projects worth Rs. 3,500 crore conceived by the airport company as part of commercially utilising the land at its disposal.

The projects are expected to be implemented by 2015.

An 18-hole golf course to be set up at a cost of Rs. 23 crore is another major project planned by CIAL.

A convention centre, a retail centre, a five-star and a budget hotel are also being proposed as part of the golf course.

With an eye on attracting more foreign airlines and enhancing the revenue through increased flight movement, the airport company has embarked on the construction of a parallel taxiway at an estimated cost of Rs. 24 crore. The taxiway, which is expected to become operational in May 2007, will reduce the delay in landing and take-off.

Additional parking bays

Besides, four additional parking bays, capable of accommodating narrow-bodied aircraft such as A-320s, B-737s as well as wide-bodied aircraft such as A-340s, A-380s, B-747s, etc., will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs.9 crore.

The bays are expected to turn operational by next year.

A new international departure terminal is being set up in 3 lakh sq.ft. at an estimated cost of Rs. 33 crore. When completed, it will be capable of handling 1,200 passengers at a time during peak hour traffic.

A fully-owned subsidiary company, Cochin International Aviation Services Ltd. (CIASL), has been floated by the airport company for setting up an aircraft maintenance hangar and an aviation academy. The process for identifying an aviation consultant for the project is currently under way.

In the first phase, a maintenance hangar for two narrow-bodied aircraft will be set up at a cost of Rs. 20 crore, which is expected to be in place by March 2009.

The construction of the Centre for Perishable Cargo being developed by the airport company in association with APEDA is in full swing. The project costing Rs. 24 crore is expected to be commissioned by July this year.

Another link to the news!!!!!!

http://www.projectsmonitor.com/detailnews.asp?newsid=12830

Deepak

02-15-2007, 08:24 PM

Hope this court order would be a guideline for the Govt in future.A people's movement also getting strength in background.....:cheers:

Deepak

02-15-2007, 08:37 PM

thx ReNik,

Dont know these pics posted earlier...

copyright Danappan.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/8824/danappan1dx3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Deepak

02-15-2007, 08:38 PM

pramodusnair

02-15-2007, 09:51 PM

India’s largest cities are set to swallow up neighbouring towns as they grow

While the nation’s capital is set to grow from 1,483 sq km to 2,300 sq km by 2021 under the Delhi Master Plan, Bangalore will expand more than three-fold, from 226 sq km to 696.17 sq km by 2015. Gurgaon, India’s ITeS hub, will grow 275% in area from 98.81 sq km to 370.69 sq km by 2021; Greater Noida from 50 sq km to 120 sq km by 2021; and Kochi from 264 sq km to 731 sq km by 2026.

"The Kochi City Development Plan 2005-2012 now includes 731 sq km of the Greater Cochin region, which is eight times the size of the city."

http://inwww.rediff.com/newshound/searchshowarticle.htm?rediffid=http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=155048

ReNik

02-16-2007, 01:13 PM

Kochi again gets direct Delhi service

After Paramount withdrew from North India, now Indian (IA) is starting direct
up and down flights to Delhi - making Kochi the only city in state to have one.

Indian makes Delhi the metro next-door
Friday February 16 2007 10:41 IST

KOCHI: Welcome to the age of cheap flights. For Rs 3,000 plus tax, one can now travel from Kochi to Delhi. As a revolutionary step in the history of air transport, Indian is introducing a direct service to Delhi at this rate from February 18.

The unmatched low rate is expected to attract a large number of passengers. ‘‘Travellers will have to pay only Rs 3,975 for a ticket in which Rs 975 is charged as tax,’’ said Patrick Xavier, area marketing manager of Indian, Kochi.

BTW, Jet had announced its intention to start a direct Delhi service, once its
brand new Boeings arrive.

(Air Sahara also flies down directly from Delhi but it returns via Trivandrum. Sahara operates another convenient Delhi flight thru Hyderabad from Kochi. )

ReNik

02-16-2007, 01:19 PM

Great Catch !!

Land earmarked for oceanarium

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: The Government has earmarked 65 acres on Puthuvype Island, south of the single point mooring facility of Bharat Petroleum-Kochi Refinery, to set up India's first oceanarium and a marine biological research institute.
Minister for Fisheries S. Sarma, who visited the proposed site on Thursday, said the project proposal was submitted to the Union Government.
He said he expected the proposal to be included in the 11th Plan.
The Centre had promised to consider the proposal provided the State Government allocated the land for the project.The last round of discussions on the projected, estimated to cost Rs.150-crore, was held early this month, he said.

Central nod for marine institute at Puthuvype
Friday February 16 2007 10:59 IST

KOCHI: With the aim of making Kochi the fishing capital of the country, the State Government, with assistance from the Central Government, will set up a marine biological institute and an oceanarium at Puthuvype. The Rs 150 crore-project will be implemented on 65 acres of Revenue Department land near the proposed LNG Petronet project area.

pramodusnair

02-16-2007, 01:30 PM

Great Catch !!

Good news Renik!!

That would be another INI(instt of national importance) in Kochi.Puthuvype will emerge as a major industrial region, once the PCPIR in Kochi is finalised(GAIL is lobbying for a PCPIR in Kochi since it has planned investments in excess of 10,000 crores in Puthuvype).

ReNik

02-16-2007, 01:33 PM

Good news Renik!!

That would another INI(instt of national importance) to be set up in Kochi.Puthuvype will emerge as a major industrial region, once the PCPIR in Kochi is finalised(GAIL is lobbying for a PCPIR in Kochi since it has planned investments in excess of 10,000 crores in Puthuvype).

Actually GAIL has made initial investments to the tune of 35 cr on this already.
It will be coming up in the eastern fringe of Kochi.

Deepak

02-16-2007, 04:32 PM

Edappally Bye-pass Jn. View from EKM side.

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/8638/byepassec1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ani07

02-16-2007, 05:14 PM

http://www.infoparkkochi.com/images/wipr_big.jpg
This is an old news:-
http://www.infoparkkochi.com/schedule.php#Wipro
Phase-III of infopark development will also witness the rollout of the largest IT campus of Wipro in Kerala. Spanning across 25 acres of land at Infopark, Wipro is planning to develop a state of the art 1 million sq ft campus. The entire rollout plan is focused to be developed within 15 months from April 2006

Deepak

02-16-2007, 06:25 PM

TCS and IBS also allotted land in infopark.

roshan

02-17-2007, 04:03 AM

photos copyright bade

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/3905/img1575ug2wl5.jpg

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/248/cochinviewyk1to1.jpg

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/4143/img1576ij2ls0.jpg

roshan

02-17-2007, 04:14 AM

photos copyright bade

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/977/badelr1.jpg

roshan

02-17-2007, 04:15 AM

photos copyright bade

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6315/bade1ak6.jpg

roshan

02-17-2007, 04:17 AM

photos copyright bade

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/2057/bade2ff3.jpg

bhasidali

02-17-2007, 04:27 AM

Great Catch !!
:tup: Its not only first in india...but third in Asia..one in singapore,malaysia...then.....

:tup:

roshan

02-17-2007, 04:28 AM

photos copyright bade

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/2084/img1588lz9dx4.jpg

sowmya

02-17-2007, 08:20 AM

Kochi is the only city in South India which is rated among 10 hot emerging destination.(The cities are Agra,Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Kochi, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Indore,Chandigarh, Jaipur, Nagpur)

10 Hot Emerging Destinations Of 2007
Places to go, money to make

With the real estate boom of 2006 surging strongly into the New Year, small cities riding high on the strength of real estate cost advantage, improving infrastructure and business environment, coupled with the growing income and aspirational levels of their residents, are the hot spots for the builders engaged in frenetic development. We present 10 such hot destinations across India which are the best bets for profitable property deals in 2007.

Kochi

The commercial capital of Kerala and a tourist destination, Kochi is one of the fastest emerging cities of India. As a port city, it has always been the proclaimed economic capital of Kerala with trade and retail being its fundamental business sphere. Kochi is one of the few cities in India which has the best connectivity to the outside world through sea, air and road.

In the recent times, since NASSCOM ranked it as the second potential city for investments in the IT sector, Kochi has emerged as a favoured destination for the IT and ITES industry.

The state government is promoting the city as a business and IT destination with Cochin CEPZ and Cochin Infopark in the pipeline.

Real Estate Scenario

Residential: The residential property market has developed in the last 4-5 years with acceptability for apartments and one could notice concentration of apartments in Menaka, Panampily Nagar, Edappally, M. G. Road and in the newly developed residential areas. The market is more active in the south with an average takeoff time of two months from the date of launch and is also the most expensive areas of Kochi. The residential property market is upbeat.

The demand for residential property is likely to continue on its upward trend as long as interest rates on housing finance continue to remain reasonably low and the economy remains stable. The demand is generally for 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with large halls. The market may see rise in demand as no new projects is being planned by any developer for the next two years and every builder has 4-5 projects in pipeline which are more than 70% booked. Any new residential project at the Menaka, Panampilly Nagar and M.G. Road will be booked within two months of its launch.

Commercial: The commercial market is still at an infant stage and is concentrated in and around M.G. Road, Chittoor Road and Shanmugam Road. The market is expected to grow with the focus of the state government to promote IT, especially in Kochi. The southern end of M.G. Road and Shanmugam Road has met the fresh demand from financial institutions and insurance sector. There are still some small office spaces on M.G Road and its by-lanes that are vacant and available at Rs 5-25 psf. Two new software parks are in the pipeline, one promoted by Kerala IT department and another by a local developer.

Retail: The retail market is the most developed here; previous to M.G. Road it was Broadway, which was the high street of Kochi. With the growth in the retail market, the high street shifted to M.G. Road that has become the main retail axis of the city with large format shops. The retail market at M.G. Road is dominated by large format jewellery and sari stores. Other than M.G. Road, Kadvanthara Junction and Palarvattom are developing as community shopping centres with retail focused on the surrounding residential colonies.

Apart from M.G. Road, Banerji Road connects the M.G. Road and the Shanmugam Road, running perpendicular to the M.G. Road and has developed as a retail street with mainly hardware and furniture stores. The upcoming retail destinations are Kadvanthara Junction and Palarvattom.

Areas of growth: The upcoming areas for real estate development in Kochi are MG Road, Chitoor Road and Shanmugan Road.

Yield Returns

The yield returns on commercial properties are in range of 10-12% while for retail properties returns are 9.5-11%, and 5-7.5% for residential properties.

Land market

The land market in Kochi is reasonably stable. Many NRI Keralites, residing in the Gulf region are constantly investing in land. At Rs 1,500-2,500 psft, plots are available in city area while on the outskirts the rates are Rs 400-600 psft.

Future outlook

The residential property market is likely to witness an upward trend in demand. Residential apartment developments have witnessed a demand from the NRI population. Low interest rates on housing loans are expected to further trigger a demand in this sector.

The commercial market is yet to witness a growth in demand. With government’s initiatives of promoting Kochi as an IT destination, there could be a growth in development of software parks in future. The development of CEPZ and Cochin Infopark (Software Park) is expected to add impetus to the commercial property market.

As for retail, Kochi is still to see malls; some of the local developers are developing commercial complexes under the brand of mall but all these projects are commercial complex with no zoning and theme. The people of Kochi have good brand awareness but it’s only the mega lifestyle stores like Seemati and Jayalakshmi and mega jewellery stores like Alappat, Alukas and Josco who are the prime traffic mover.

For more information please visit http://www.realtyplusmag.com/cover_fullstory.asp?cover_id=30

pramodusnair

02-17-2007, 09:37 AM

Chamber offers help for land acquisition

KOCHI: The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry has offered to help the State Government in conducting negotiations for land required for the proposed Metro rail project in Kochi.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/17/stories/2007021722600300.htm

The metro rail project is gaining momentum.

Deepak

02-17-2007, 10:00 AM

Great pics thx Roshan and Bade....:tup:

Deepak

02-17-2007, 10:07 AM

Bay pride mall, Marinedrive.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/9649/baypridemallkj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

KMC

02-17-2007, 10:37 AM

India’s largest cities are set to swallow up neighbouring towns as they grow

http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=155048

pramodusnair

02-17-2007, 02:41 PM

Which is that building at the extreme left?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/392951212_74103c09e6_o.jpg
Sasheeraj gallery

Deepak

02-18-2007, 08:38 AM

This is cochin corporation office construction site.Pramod, I think U mean rightside building...

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/8749/corporationjw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

pramodusnair

02-18-2007, 12:40 PM

Nice pics,Deepak!!!The building i asked about is the yellow one to the left of Namaste appts .

ReNik

02-18-2007, 12:59 PM

Nice pics,Deepak!!!The building i asked about is the yellow one to the left of Namaste appts .

Its Abad's Marine Plaza

pramodusnair

02-18-2007, 01:16 PM

Chk out Kochi in google earth.Looks like google has updated Kochi's map.

ReNik

02-18-2007, 01:28 PM

Chamber offers help for land acquisition

KOCHI: The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry has offered to help the State Government in conducting negotiations for land required for the proposed Metro rail project in Kochi.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/17/stories/2007021722240300.htm

The metro rail project is gaining momentum.

That's interesting . Kochi Metro looks set for a smoother sail.

ReNik

02-18-2007, 01:41 PM

Vankarath Business Towers, Palarivattom.
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/8633/vank1xu6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

They have hiked the building to 14 storeys now and it is construction works are nearing
completion.

pramodusnair

02-18-2007, 02:07 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/394009479_bb9825819d_b.jpg
Deepgoswami gallery

pramodusnair

02-18-2007, 02:07 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/394009478_5285782c29_o.jpg
Deepgoswami gallery

pramodusnair

02-18-2007, 02:08 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/394009476_92b21e7ffb_o.jpg
Deepgoswami gallery

pramodusnair

02-18-2007, 02:09 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/394009473_6729771d3a_o.jpg
Drsageer gallery

pramodusnair

02-18-2007, 02:17 PM

Sahara city layout
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/392011726_9a6bd03a96_o.jpg

Deepak

02-18-2007, 11:20 PM

This news is from Petronet LNG's website...:cheers:

The ground breaking ceremony for the LNG terminal at Kochi was held on Monday the 29th January, 2007 at the site of Puthuvypu island in Kochi. The ceremony was attended by the local MPs, MLAs, State Govt. ofifcials and senior ofifcials of Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation and Cochin Port Trust etc.

The project consists of a Jetty, 2 storage tanks and the regasification facilities – unloading arms, two full containment type LNG tanks, vaporization system, utilities and off-site facilities. The gas will be marketed by IOCL, GAIL and BPCL and supplied in the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka through a pipeline being laid by GAIL. The LNG Receiving and Regasification Terminal at Kochi would satisfy the enormous demand of natural gas for power, fertilizers, petrochemicals & various other industries in the Southern States. The company has completed various pre-project activities including clearances from statutory authorities.
The work for the boundary wall for 32 hectare of the project site has been awarded and will begin soon. The company has already received the EPC bids for the construction of the LNG terminal at Kochi and the work would be awarded by the end of March, 2007. The LNG Terminal will be commissioned by June, 2010.

The Company has identified consumers in and around Kochi for utilization of regasified LNG. All the pre-project activities including various on-shore and off-shore surveys / investigations, preparation of Detailed Feasibility Report and Basic Engineering Package, Mathematical and Physical Modeling Studies, Terrestrial and Marine Environment Impact Assessment Studies have been completed.

The Company has received Environment Clearance from the Ministry of Environment & Forest, New Delhi.

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/4074/kochi1ff8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

pramodusnair

02-19-2007, 12:13 AM

Deepak!!
Thats good news.Now lets keep our fingers crosssed for the Gail's 7000 crore regassification and gas cracker plant.

ReNik

02-19-2007, 10:00 AM

Delhi-Kochi-Delhi non-stop Indian flight from Feb 18
Pioneer News Service | New Delhi

National carrier Indian will offer a second flight between Delhi and Kochi from Sunday. The new flight would be a non-stop flight in both directions reducing the flight time from five hours to just three hours, an Indian release said. This is the first time air travellers in the country would have a direct non-stop connection between Delhi and Kochi.

The A319 flight IC 465/466 will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, from Delhi and Kochi. IC 465 will depart Delhi at 1630 hours and reach Kochi at 1940 hours. The return flight IC 466 from Kochi will leave at 2020 hours, arriving at Delhi at 2330 hours. This would be in addition to the existing daily morning A320 flight IC 165/166 on the Delhi-Kochi sector via Mumbai, the release said.

As per the 'very special fares' being offered by Indian, an introductory one-way fare of Rs 3,000 (taxes and levies extra) besides the other attractive fares like unchecked fares and spot fares are available. Indian operates over 300 flights everyday to connect a large network of 54 domestic and 18 international destinations, with a fleet of 74 aircraft.

A correction, Paramount started first ever non-stop Delhi service from Kochi in 2005.
But Paramount has withdrawn from North India later on.

pramodusnair

02-19-2007, 12:26 PM

Metrorail project would be a reality before the end of my term-Achumama

http://manoramanews.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/mmtvContentView.do?contentType=EDITORIAL&contentId=2067697&programId=1186580&BV_ID=@1@

PS:-Achumama made this announcement today.After an exhillarating ride aboard the train of DMRTC with its chief Sreedharan.

Deepak

02-19-2007, 10:57 PM

:) Really a glad news pramod,..:cheers: but present plan is from Aluva to Pettah only. It must be extended upto Tripunithura from Petta and upto Nedumbassery or Angamaly from Aluva..

Deepak

02-19-2007, 11:41 PM

Seaport Airport Road and Technopolis...

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8579/technopc4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

DileepKS

02-19-2007, 11:56 PM

Ultimately the metro should have the following lines:

On a priority basis, the following should be the "roadmap"(sic) for the metro

1. Aluva-Pettah (Current project)
2. Kakkanad-Palarivattom to link up
3. Angamaly-Aluva extension
4. Pettah-Thiruvankulam extension
5. Kakkanad-Infopark-Irumbanam-ambalamedu extendion
6. Kacheripadi-Vypin-Paravoor

pramodusnair

02-20-2007, 07:47 AM

You have missed Perumbavoor-Aluva link and Ernakulam-Eloor(Udyogamandal) link.The coop should also see if its feasible to establish an undersea link b/w vypeen,vallarpadam and Ernakulam.But the badly designed overbridge of north and south ( the major bottlenecks) are the ones which require immediate redressal.

Deepak

02-20-2007, 10:55 AM

For a Ernakulam Parur link, the easiest way is to start from Edappally Byepass Jn.The NH 17 starting from this Jn will be a four line soon. Thus a metro rail link to Parur thru Varappuzha will be easier. It can be extended to Kodungallore later..

Also Perumbavoor can be directly connected to Edappally thru thrikkakkara-pookkattupadi.Private buses are already running in this route and entering city at Toll Jn, Edappally..

Deepak

02-20-2007, 11:02 AM

Kalamassery - Aluva Road.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/3288/klmsryrdeditedvr7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ReNik

02-20-2007, 12:31 PM

:) Really a glad news pramod,..:cheers: but present plan is from Aluva to Pettah only. It must be extended upto Tripunithura from Petta and upto Nedumbassery or Angamaly from Aluva..

Here is another story. Apparently Union minister wanted state govt to consider other
modes of mass transit too. It made no sense as say a bus based transit would require
large amount of land acquisitions, that too premium land costing 50 cr per acre.

VS chugs ahead Metro Rail Project
Tuesday February 20 2007 11:14 IST

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan said that the Kochi Metro Rail Project would be completed in four years and the mode of management would be decided after examining all the options.

Achuthanandan said this at the Central Secretariat Metro Station here after travelling in the train along with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation managing director E Sreedharan on Monday. Interestingly the Chief Minister reiterated this position after meeting Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy.

The Chief Minister reiterated that all the opposition to the project would be dealt with firmly. The metro rail project can avoid the traffic blocks at Kochi and it can save time of the Kochiites to a great extent. The state will make use of the experience and expertise of E Sreedharan. The fund will be sought from the Centre, he said.

sowmya

02-20-2007, 12:42 PM

I would like to see more pics of West Kochi which is a major tourist area? Does anyone have good snaps?

ReNik

02-20-2007, 01:12 PM

EV City Palace, Kaloor - 15 storeys
http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/4944/citypalacemaindi3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ReNik

02-20-2007, 01:19 PM

Parsvnath's IT Park - layout
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/1000/kochilupvb6.gif (http://imageshack.us)

Parsvnath constructing 3.5 million sqft near airport and CIAL themselves building up another
4 million sqft IT space, Nedumbassery with 7.5 million sqft will offer tough competition to
Kakkanad and Maradu where mega IT parks like Smart City and Sobha Hitech city have
been announced.

ani07

02-20-2007, 02:28 PM

Parsvnath has a total built up area of 5.89 million square feet in including IT
http://parsvnathsez.com/locations.asp

DileepKS

02-20-2007, 09:18 PM

The city needs a fast link to Vypin and further north. that is why I suggested the vypin-paravoor link. I don't think we will ever have an under water tunnel. It has to go over only.

arkitecton

02-21-2007, 01:49 AM

Kochi to host world maritime meeting

Staff Reporter

INA-PIANC is scheduled to be held from April 16 to 19

KOCHI: Kochi and its all-weather port are set to improve their visibility on the world of maritime business with the Annual General Assembly of the International Navigation Association-Permanent International Association for Navigation Congress (INA-PIANC) scheduled to be held here from April 16 to 19.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/21/stories/2007022108050500.htm

European cities ready to partner with Kochi

Staff Reporter

They have evinced interest in tourism and waste management

KOCHI: A few European cites have come forward to partner with Kochi in tourism and urban development.

A platform for dialogue among the cities was provided at the recently concluded EuroIndia Forum in Goa. The theme of the conference was "Urban India 2020: Investing in the future of Indian cities. Leveraging European expertise for their renewal."

The European cities of La Rochelle, Lyon and Zurich have evinced keen interest in partnering with Kochi in sectors such as tourism and sharing their experiences in urban solid-waste management, said N. Anilkumar, councillor who participated in the conference.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/21/stories/2007022108030500.htm

JMen

02-21-2007, 04:40 AM

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9642/11719722131713588194685zb5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.skylinebuilders.com

KMC

02-21-2007, 05:47 AM

ReNik

02-21-2007, 07:19 AM

Ten years down the line, the airport will have 18 different sub-projects including, a 6.4 crore IT park, a golf course, a perishable cargo unit, half a dozen five-star hotels and an aviation academy spread out over 1,300 acres of land.
And to top it all, there's going to be a state-of-the-art maintenance and hanger unit exclusively for Airbus 380.
This airport township will be funded by Kerala NRIs, the state government and other financial institutions. Not only will this be the first of its kind in the country, the project will also have a huge employment potential.
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/stateoftheart-airport-in-cochin/34027-3.html?xml

The news piece has lots of blunders... see highlighted ones. CIAL MD said 640 cr IT
park, meaning 6.4 billion. But the news says 6.4 cr with which you can build a parking
space :D CIAL township has an investment of Rs. 3500 cr which is expected to go
upto Rs.5000 cr. But report says Rs.300 cr. When IT park alone costs 640 cr how can
the total add upto Rs 300 cr. :D

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/9642/11719722131713588194685zb5.jpg

Good find JMen. Another 20+ giant in Kakkanad.
The moment FAR order was annulled by High Court, projects have started to flow.

ReNik

02-21-2007, 07:25 AM

Parsvnath has a total built up area of 5.89 million square feet in including IT
http://parsvnathsez.com/locations.asp

Yes Ani. About 60-70% of the total space is for IT. That makes it over 3.5 million
sqft. This has potential to accomodate 35,000 professionals.

pramodusnair

02-21-2007, 01:51 PM

Federal bank,Aluva
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/397620833_fd2285a904_o.jpg
Zjayan gallery

pramodusnair

02-21-2007, 02:07 PM

Marthanda Varma bridge,Aluva
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/397620845_b37d0c302a_o.jpg
Zajayan galelry

pramodusnair

02-21-2007, 04:04 PM

Renik,Deepak!!
Is the Queen of Arabian sea project envisaged by Ajit assoc progressing?
The rendering of the 135 ft tall statue atop a 3 storeyed building looks damn cool.

This is an old news but sounds interesting
Kochi , Nov. 6 (2006)

The State Government's intervention has been sought in the proposed amalgamation of Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd (FACT) with either Kribhco or RCF as physical and intellectual assets belonging to FACT would impart strength to the State's industrial development efforts.

The Government, therefore, may consider the takeover of FACT into its fold and a high-power committee be constituted to deliberate on this issue , Dr M.P. Sukumaran Nair, a senior technocrat with FACT, currently on deputation as the Managing Director of Travancore Cochin Chemicals (TCC) Ltd, told Business Line.

Financial crisis

The continuous financial crisis, of late, in the pioneer fertiliser unit seems to have prompted the Department of Fertilizers of the Union Government to consider FACT's integration with either Kribhco or RCF. If the amalgamation process materialises, the whole assets of FACT will belong to them the real estate value which itself is around Rs 5,000 crore, he said.

FACT has a vast pool of technocrats and proven expertise in the industry and project management, who can lead massive industrialisation projects.

It also owns large assets including 2,500 acres. The present crisis will be short-lived for a maximum of three years. When it starts operating on imported ammonia, losses were bound to ease, he said.

LNG terminal

With the coming up of an LNG terminal at Kochi (latest by 2009), FACT will make regular profits of the order of at least Rs 100 crore per annum from current operations alone, he said.

The 900-acre Udyogamandal complex is a industrial holding best suited to house any major projects. The site has a fully developed industrial infrastructure and township. Independent facilities such as training centres, guest house, office complex, power plant, water and power supply, Roads, quarters and utility services, hospital, club, schools, entertainment house are also available.

The 1800-acre (including 200 acre lake) Ambalamedu complex of FACT is adjoining INFOPARK, Kochi and is well connected. The complex may also provide support to intending IT/computer hardware manufacturers. The revenue from such a project will help to meet FACT's losses till the LNG project is commissioned and cheap natural gas is available as a feedstock/fuel, he said.

Assets belonging to FACT also include 4.5 acres in Tiruchi and 2.5 acres of land in Thanjavur , Tamil Nadu, guest houses in Delhi and Mumbai, several marketing/ sales depots in own building at different locations. Besides, there is a 7,000-strong dealer network spread over the southern States and the brand equity of FACT and Factamphos.

It has an internationally acclaimed design and consultancy wing, FEDO, and FEW, engineering works at Palluruthy, a major engineering shop in the South.

Major projects

In fact, a major hurdle for industrial development in Kochi is the difficulty in identifying land for projects. With FACT's land coming to the Government fold this problem will be eased. Major projects can take off soon. There is a major potential for a new world-class ammonia-urea complex (1500 mt per day ammonia and 2400 mt per day urea) at Ambalamedu using natural gas.

The existing vast infrastructure and utilities at Ambalamedu remain redundant and unused now following the closure of the old ammonia and urea complex based on naphtha.

It can be used to save nearly 40 per cent of the total investment of Rs 1,500 crore needed for the project. This will help FACT to competitively operate in the fertiliser market, maintain and continue its growth and increase the turnover by Rs 1,000 crore a year, he said.

Another major venture is the Petrochemical Hub at Kochi. Recently, the Central Committee on Feedstock Policy and Pricing for Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Regions headed by the Petroleum Secretary, Mr M.S. Srinivasan, identified Kochi along with six other locations as best suited for setting up of petrochemical hubs.

Kochi along with Dibrugarh (Assam) is already identified as site for a petrochemical complex by the Gas Authority of India Ltd with an investment of Rs 7,000 crore in the first stage. The Centre has already approved the Assam Gas cracker complex at Rs 5,460.61 crore.

As regards the Cochin project, a preliminary feasibility of the project has been established and site location is under way. Neighbouring Kochi Refineries Ltd and the proposed LNG terminal at Kochi are expected to provide the necessary feedstock for the petrochemical project. The petrochemical project upon completion will generate a huge employment potential besides paving way for establishing a number of downstream industries.

FACT was operating profitably for 15 years up to 1998 when the turnover was Rs 1,800 crore and employed 9000 people. It is now a sick unit with an annual loss of around Rs 200 crore.

Deepak

02-21-2007, 09:16 PM

Swapnil Towers. View from backside (high court jetty).

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/3111/swapnil2ps0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

pramodusnair

02-22-2007, 12:31 AM

Unitech owns 673 acres of land in Kochi!!!!
Here is the link to their development plan(.pdf )

http://www.unitechgroup.com/investors/unitech_ppt.pdf

ani07

02-22-2007, 02:30 AM

http://tcgre.com/images/projects/cc_f01_fkp01.gif
First Knowledge Park, Cochin – Located at Kalmassari in Kochi on a 50 acre land, First Knowledge Park will be developed as an integrated complex housing 15 to 20 biotech units with many a shared facilities like biotech incubation center, providing modules for Research and development in biotechnology, a pilot plant and a business enterprise zone comprising developed plots to be utilized to set up industrial units.
http://tcgre.com/proj_cc_f01_fkp01.asp

KMC

02-22-2007, 05:58 AM

Unitech owns 673 acres of land in Kochi!!!!
Here is the link to their development plan(.pdf )

http://www.unitechgroup.com/investors/unitech_ppt.pdf

Waaaww 673 ACRES --- 38 Million SqFt , Amazing . I guess once Fully developed this will be the biggest in kerala . Great going Kochi.
Once LDF goes out , Kochi will rise like anything. Many developers hold land in kochi , But they are afraid of the Comunist people , thats why they are remaining silent.

sanjupalayat

02-22-2007, 09:52 AM

Chennai airport has proved to be a money-spinner for the Airports Authority of India from among the 21 airports run by it in South India during 2005-06.

The latest official data shows that the airport reported a profit of Rs 191.61 crore during the year under review

Bangalore was the second most profitable airport in South India having reported a profit of Rs 121.05 crore, while Hyderabad occupied the number three spot with a profit of Rs 73.27 crore. The other airports reporting a profit include Cochin International Airport Ltd (Rs 20.75 crore), Kozhikode (Rs 14.04 crore) and Thiruvananthapuram (Rs 2.65 crore).
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/20/stories/2007022001641000.htm

ani07

02-22-2007, 09:54 AM

Another national player,no highrises though.

Resting on a sprawling expanse of over 30 acres, Green Acres is the largest housing development underway in Ernakulam. Right in the heart of the city, Green Acres is situated on the proposed Marine Drive Extension along the beautiful backwaters.

http://www.tatahousing.com/previous_projects.htm

ReNik

02-22-2007, 10:00 AM

Waaaww 673 ACRES --- 38 Million SqFt , Amazing . I guess once Fully developed this will be the biggest in kerala . Great going Kochi.
Once LDF goes out , Kochi will rise like anything. Many developers hold land in kochi , But they are afraid of the Comunist people , thats why they are remaining silent.

There is nothing much govt can do to stop the development. 673 acres of land already purchased near Nedumbassey (Parakkadavu, to be exact). Actually only sanction required from govt will be SEZ status.

Out of the 673 acres around 100-200 acres will be for residential puposes (probably the largest residential complex that is). This is what their residential plans say. The rest will be for IT and other commercial ventures on close to 500 acres.

This may even outsmart Shobha Hitech city plans. That's a dream take-off for Kochi. :cheers:

ReNik

02-22-2007, 11:00 AM

http://tcgre.com/images/projects/cc_f01_fkp01.gif

http://tcgre.com/proj_cc_f01_fkp01.asp

Ani, That's a great find !! :tup:
I have been hunting for TCG homepage for quite a long.

JMen

02-22-2007, 11:31 AM

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/5012/untitledct2.png (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.assethomes.in

ReNik

02-22-2007, 12:26 PM

Just a week after FAR-rubbish thrown to dustbin, already a flurry
of launches - that too many 20+ towers :cheers:

pramodusnair

02-22-2007, 12:26 PM

good pics

ani07

02-22-2007, 12:30 PM

http://www.muthoot.com/customimages/towers1.jpg

ReNik

02-22-2007, 04:04 PM

Panampilly Nagar rising - shot from Thevara
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/985/pply1ss2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Deepak

02-22-2007, 10:24 PM

View from EKM North. North overbridge is seen.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/6645/north1editedpf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ReNik

02-23-2007, 01:36 PM

Recent highrise launches - repeat from lost thread :)

Abad Blue Chip, Kakkanad - 20 floors
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8902/abadbchiphm2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Skyline Imperial Gardens, Kaloor - 21 floors
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7466/11540620838949979617940wb3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Cheloor El Dorado, Kakkanad - 17 floors
http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9696/viewdr2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Alliance Pride, Edappally - 15 floors
http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/3612/allaincepridejp1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Alliance Prim Rose, Aluva - 15 floors
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4709/primeroseviewux4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

pramodusnair

02-23-2007, 02:24 PM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/398683938_86f977aa9c_o.jpg
Zajayan gallery

Deepak

02-23-2007, 06:29 PM

Inside GCDA shopping complex, Marinedrive..

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/2251/gcdacja4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Deepak

02-23-2007, 06:44 PM

Oracle has completed the first phase of expansion into 17 of India's high-growth cities. This brings the company's total Indian offices to 23 cities.

"As we rapidly extend our geographic reach across India, we are empowering more and more Indian organizations with technology to better compete in the global market," said Krishan Dhawan, managing director for Oracle India. "Together with our growing network of over 400 certified channel partners, we provide local expertise and support to help companies better manage their IT infrastructure and business."

Over the last 10 months, Oracle expanded its presence in the Indian cities of Pune, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Surat, Jalandhar, Guwahati, Nashik, Goa and Raipur. This adds to the company's already strong presence in the metro cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata.

http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800454078_499495_52ac84df200702.HTM

pramodusnair

02-24-2007, 07:43 AM

Pantaloon Retail plans to invest Rs1,000 crore in Kerala

Pantaloon, he said, is developing a mall of more than 4,00,000 square feet in Kochi, at an estimated cost of Rs170 crore. It will be completed in the next 18 months!!:cheers:

http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_p/pantaloon_retail_india/20070224_plans.html

pramodusnair

02-24-2007, 07:58 AM

TECOM officials to hold talks with Achumama tommorrow.

http://manoramanews.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/mmtvContentView.do?contentType=EDITORIAL&contentId=2088279&programId=1186580&BV_ID=@@@!!!!!!

Deepak

02-24-2007, 05:49 PM

Pantaloon Retail plans to invest Rs1,000 crore in Kerala

Great news Pramod.....:cheers:

Deepak

02-24-2007, 05:51 PM

KOCHI: The Union Government has sanctioned the first phase of the water supply scheme for the city from Muvattupuzha River.

The Rs.201-crore project is aimed at supplying 100 million litres of water a day to areas including Chellanam, Kumbalangi, Kumbalam, Navy and the Port area.

Announcing this at a Corporation council meeting on Friday, Mayor Mercy Williams said that the scheme was one of the first projects to be sanctioned for the city under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) initiated by the Union Government for developing basic infrastructure facilities for a number of cities.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/24/stories/2007022420870300.htm

sowmya

02-25-2007, 03:42 AM

Tecom is coming again for discussions regarding Smart City project

ReNik

02-25-2007, 01:50 PM

Panampilly Nagar boom, another view
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/737/pply2aa2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Which is that tower standing close to the rail line, anyone ? Looks very tall !!

pramodusnair

02-26-2007, 09:18 AM

roshan

02-26-2007, 10:12 AM

<---scroll if needed--->
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7899/cochinsarosepanoyw7fn0.jpg
photos copyright suncity

ReNik

02-26-2007, 01:24 PM

Announcement on Kerala Smart City project soon

http://www.rxpgnews.com/business/Announcement-on-Kerala-Smart-City-project-soon_17054.shtml

ICTT: DPW submits plan to Cochin Port

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEX20070225225905&Page=X&Title=Kochi&Topic=0&

Okay, finally CM Achu announced that Smart City is through. :cheers:

Only minor differences on the ownership rights of the land etc exists, which will be
ironed out by tomorrow.

ReNik

02-26-2007, 01:39 PM

Le Meridian tower suites
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/7510/11702227334252270176112nu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Le Meridian and KRL office
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/5813/11702222615219102993380li7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

construction works is that of H2O (see Cochin gallery)

Deepak

02-26-2007, 04:46 PM

Tharangini and Ashoka apartments. View from Highcourt Jetty.

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9346/hcjettyxz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Deepak

02-26-2007, 04:52 PM

Marinedrive(Shanmugham Road).This shot is from GCDA shopping complex.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5843/shenoychamerbc6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

suncity

02-27-2007, 02:08 AM

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7899/cochinsarosepanoyw7fn0.jpg
photos copyright suncity

Not my copyright. I just made a pano from the pics you posted earlier.

:)

ReNik

02-27-2007, 05:50 AM

Why Kochi has an exciting future

February 03, 2007
This small town on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula was the site of the first European colonial settlement in India by the Portuguese, way back in 1503. Kochi (Cochin) was occupied by the Dutch as well as the British. Some of that colonial heritage still lives on in its buildings.

Lately, however, this sleepy trading town has woken up. Dubai Port International, in a joint venture with the Cochin Port Trust, is handling the Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam.

There is an international bunkering terminal, a ship repair facility, a CNG terminal as well as an international cruise ship terminal at Kochi port. Kochi was also the first city in India to have an international airport built under public-private partnership.

Today, Kochi is a growing centre for information technology, tourism and international trade. All of these factors have fuelled the demand for more accommodation, office space, retail space as well as hospitality services.

According to Knight Frank Research, there is a demand for 50,000 apartments, which should be met in the next 2-3 years. There are various residential projects, some under construction and others at planning stage. Most major national players are already in Kochi.

This includes the likes of Puravankara Projects, Sobha Developers, Prestige Group, Emaar-MGF and Brigade Group, apart from several local players like Abad, Skyline Builders, Mather, JCB Estates, Great India Estates. Sahara Infrastructure & Housing and Unitech have both acquired land in the city but have revealed no fixed plans.

The city is seeing many new developments. A new ring road, a coastal highway and the new airport-seaport road are some of the developments that Srinivas Anikipatti, regional director, Colliers International talked about.

The poshest area in Kochi is its Marine Drive, some parts of MG Road, which is also the retail and hospitality hub of the city, Chittoor Road and Shanmugham Road.

The off-prime locations are Thevara Junction, Panampally Nagar, Edapally Junction and Palarivattam Junction. A lot of new residential activity is happening in the emerging areas of Kakkanad, Kelamassery Road, the NH-47 bypass, Thirupunithura and Mardu Junction.

Some of the very high-end properties are coming up on Marine Drive. Puravankara Projects has the Grand Bay at Marine Drive where the rates are already Rs 4,000-4,500 per sq ft and apartments cost Rs 80 lakh upwards.

"These are large units with marble flooring, a suspended pool on the fifth floor, a triple height lobby and huge balconies to enjoy the sea," says Naina Cariappa, VP, sales and marketing, Puravankara Projects.

They have another project planned at Marine Drive called Oceania. Other areas where they have residential projects are Kakkanad and Edapally. "At Kakkanad, the cost is about Rs 1,800-1,900 per sq ft," she says.

Others on Marine Drive include the Bangalore-based Prestige Group, which has a project called Neptune Courtyard, and the Abad Group.

Local player Skyline Builders too is in the high-end game. Their project at Kaloor called the Imperial Garden has 300 apartments, which cost between Rs 1,700-2,600 per sq ft (roughly Rs 40-60 lakh for 3-4 bedroom apartments).

Great India Estates is also planning 4-bedroom apartments of over 3,000 sq ft space at Kakkanad. "These will be priced at over Rs 3,000 per sq ft," informs managing director E M Najeeb.

There is rising demand for new houses from NRIs. Malayalee NRIs from across the globe are starting to invest in Kochi. Abdul Azeez, MD Skyline Builders, informs that about 60 per cent of all their projects has been booked by NRIs.

At Puravankara, the figure is even higher. "Eighty per cent of our bookings are coming from NRI clients who are either looking at investing here or getting their second home," informs Cariappa.

Kochi currently has no malls; however, by 2009, the city is expected to have six malls covering a built-up area of 1.60 million sq ft, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Malls like Forum (expected to have 1 million+ sq ft of space), Lulu Mall, Aerens Gold Souk, Abad Mall, Metro One, Mall O, The Summit (to be spread over 12 floors) and Kalyan Mall are being planned. There have been reports that DLF too is looking at a mall-cum-hotel project in the city, near Marine Drive.

One can only hope that developers will not turn parts of Kochi into replicas of Gurgaon, what with all these malls and apartment complexes being developed in the city.

Man, Emaar-MGF already have projects in Kochi !!!

Bhasid, where are you. Update us !! We are missing many many projects here

roshan

02-27-2007, 10:23 AM

BANGALORE: U.S. computer services company Perot Systems Corp. will set up two more development facilities in India this year, an official said on Monday, taking its total in the country to six.

The new facilities will be in Cochin and Pune, Padma Ravichander, president and managing director of Perot Systems' consulting and application solutions business in India, told Reuters.

She said India was currently one of the fastest growing countries for Perot Systems worldwide.

"It is definitely going to continue to create major growth as a delivery platform for our services going forward," said Ravichander, who led Hewlett-Packard Co.'s and Oracle Corp.'s India outsourcing business before joining Perot Systems in 2005.

Ravichander said Perot Systems expected employee numbers in India to grow 20 to 25 percent this year. The company has some 6,500 of its 22,000 worldwide staff in India.

Perot Systems, founded by former U.S. presidential candidate Ross Perot, first invested in India in 1996 in a joint venture with software services firm HCL Technologies Ltd. It bought out its partner in 2003

http://www.ciol.com/content/search/s...sp?artid=94783

roshan

02-27-2007, 10:25 AM

As part of its efforts aimed at expansion, insurance player HDFC Standard Life Insurance has opened its regional office in Kochi. With its regional office starting operations, HDFC Standard Life will now have its presence at two locations in Kochi .

Suresh Mahalingam, general manager (sales and marketing) HDFC Standard Life, inaugurated the new office.

According to a company statement, HDFC Standard Life has recorded strong growth in South India and is looking at bettering its show during the current financial year.

Deepak

02-27-2007, 04:14 PM

MMTech towers- view from Kaloor Bus station.

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/2/mmtowers2xj6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ReNik

02-28-2007, 01:58 PM

Good take Deepak !!

Today, Govt of Kerala formally approved Kochi Metro project and appointed
special officer Gopinathan Nair, a former railway official.

ReNik

02-28-2007, 02:43 PM

Navodaya in new form

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Navodaya film studio at Kakkanad has been renovated. Work on the production of two films has already started there, according to its chief, Appachan. He told presspersons here that he had derived strength from the Government's initiative to curb the distribution of pirated CDs. Vinayan, filmmaker, who was also present, said he would be associated with the production of films at the studio.

Navodaya is a new sunrise when Kochi has emerged as next movie making hub
of South India.:cheers:

ReNik

02-28-2007, 05:34 PM

A mother vessel at Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/530/hometrip050eq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Work on India's premier Transshipment Terminal has taken off at Vallarpadam island on the northern side of this terminal.

Vallarpadam terminal: DP World submits project proposals to CPT

K. Venkiteswaran - The Hindu

First phase is expected to be completed by 2009

# DP World to invest $200 million during first phase
# Land development work to begin shortly

Kochi: The first phase of the Vallarpadam International Container Transhipment Terminal is likely to be completed by 2009 if the present plans go on as envisaged. The terminal will have a capacity to handle one million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during the first phase, for which the Dubai-based operator is to invest roughly $200 million.

According to official sources here, DP World, the container terminal operator of the Cochin Port Trust, has already submitted to the port authorities for approval the plan and drawings for the proposed international container transhipment terminal. The construction of the first phase of the terminal will be subject to the approval of the plan by the port authorities. Senior port officials said the land development work is expected to begin shortly after the examination of the plan and drawings by an expert committee comprising engineers and technicians of the port. There may not be any changes in the plan as the DP World officials were in constant touch with the port during the preparation of the drawing.

Royal Haskoning, the Netherlands-based design and supervision consultants, has prepared the drawing of the terminal for DP World. The drawings include the design of the container terminal, wharves and container handling yards.

Connectivity

The port officials said the work on rail connectivity from Edappally and road connectivity from Kalamassery to the project site would begin in a month. All related works are in full swing and the first phase of the project is expected to be commissioned in April 2009. DP World will invest around $200 million in the first phase of the project, which has a capacity to handle one million TEUs.

Shipping circles said the commissioning of the Vallarpadam project would alleviate the congestion here and importantly open up the market by ensuring that shipping lines have a choice through the common user facilities of the company.

The project is destined to become a premier gateway to southern India whilst offering an alternative to Sri Lanka and Singapore for container transhipment.

ReNik

03-02-2007, 07:22 AM

One more Intercontinental Hotel in Cochin
http://www.newindpress.com/

KOCHI: Kuwait-based KGA group of companies, founded by Kerala- born KG Abraham, Thursday announced a massive investment of Rs.6 billion ($ 136 million) for setting up three luxury hotels in the state.

"In the first phase of investment, we plan to set up a Rs.2.2 billion five star hotel project in Kochi in collaboration with international hotel chain Crowne Plaza of the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG)," Abraham said at the project's foundation stone laying ceremony here.

"It would have 210 rooms and amenities like conference facility for 600 people, three restaurants and meeting rooms," he added.

Michael Herrmann, IHG's director of operations (Southwest Asia), said the partnership was a reflection of their commitment towards further portfolio expansion in India. He added that the project was in line with the group's focus on developing strong hotel brands.

"Crowne Plaza Cochin will showcase and support the brand's development in the country and assist in the establishment of a brand compliant Crowne Plaza in southwest Asia," Herrmann stated.

The KGA group, which takes on construction contracts, has its presence in Kuwait's oil industry as well.

"Work on the two projects would begin in two years," Abraham said.

The KGA group has also been involved in social projects in Kerala. They were reportedly the first company to complete construction of 26 houses in Ernakulam district when a tsunami struck the Kerala coast in December 2004.

The Crowne Plaza Cochin will be IHG's 23rd hotel in India and the 4th Crowne Plaza hotel in India.

Already ICH Holiday Inn is under construction at Palarivattom. That makes it the second ICH hotel

bhasidali

03-02-2007, 07:38 AM

Already ICH Holiday Inn is under construction at Palarivattom. That makes it the second ICH hotel

Thats Great..Nik,:tup:
I saw the renderings of both...and i've been searching for posting here...

ReNik

03-02-2007, 07:52 AM

Thats Great..Nik,:tup:
I saw the renderings of both...and i've been searching for posting here...

Bhasid
It is tough to dig it out from the net, good luck anyway !!
Do you know any other means ?

viperpaul22

03-02-2007, 07:57 AM

the foundation stone fr Crowne Plaza was laid a few days back..will get more details of it as Mr. Abraham is a personal friend of my father..

Regards,
Paul

viperpaul22

03-02-2007, 07:58 AM

the foundation stone fr Crowne Plaza was laid a few days back..will get more details of it as Mr. Abraham is dad's friend..

Regards,
Paul

viperpaul22

03-02-2007, 08:00 AM

srry fr the double post..

ReNik

03-02-2007, 01:05 PM

srry fr the double post..
the foundation stone fr Crowne Plaza was laid a few days back..will get more details of it as Mr. Abraham is dad's friend..
You will be forgiven the moment you post the Crowne Plaza renderings here ;)

And by the way, Paul, your signature may attract protest in course of time :D

ani07

03-02-2007, 01:21 PM

ReNik

03-02-2007, 01:27 PM

MIcrosoft considers kochi as IT HUB of kerala.A marketing centre will be started in kochi.
Source manorama (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?articleType=Malayalam%20News&contentId=2111559&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@)

Yes, this news was posted a few days back. Probably in the lost thread.
Oracle is also beefing up its Kochi operations to a large scale.

http://www.cochin-airport.com/images/airsahara.gif now have one direct
up and down flight from Kochi. This is in addition to the service which flies down directly and returns via Hyderabad.
http://www.cochin-airport.com/images/indianairlines.gif new direct Delhi service have competition right from
the launch :)

ReNik

03-02-2007, 02:41 PM

Recent projects from the lost thread
Santhi Hill view, Kakkanad - 20 floors
http://img370.imageshack.us/img370/3593/kakkanadhillviewfn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Royal Constructions Periyar Waves, Aluva-15 floors
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/332/periyaarwavesmainai7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

We will post only projects > 13 floors

ReNik

03-02-2007, 03:04 PM

Dreams Hotel, Vyttila (17 floors)
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/4343/dreamshotelsxr5.jpg

courtesy : Ajit Associates homepage
M/s. Back Waters Hotels and Resorts Pvt. Ltd, has signed an agreement with Ajit Associates and Veritas to design the 200-room, five-star Resort Hotel, Cochin opening in 2009. The first luxury hotel its own kind to open in the city for more than a decade.Dreams hotel will set a new benchmark for hotel services in Kochi.
The hotel is strategically positioned in the ethnic Silver Sand Islands, near Vyittila Junction and is 30 minutes by car from Nedumbassery(cochin) International Airport. It boasts sweeping views of the inland back waters and the river Kaniampuzha from its riverside location .The elegant landscaped gardens (dreams pool) provide an urban oasis for guests’ comfort and pleasure.
200 luxurious guest rooms and suites offer guests the ultimate in deluxe service and hospitality. Guests can choose between the Themed Café, Cocktail Lounge and Lobby Lounge, with restaurants all offering lush garden views. Additional food and beverage options include Themed Café, Pool Bar, Thai and ill Forno offering Thai and Italian cuisine respectively.
The hotel will occupy 17 floors of the building complex. Its guestrooms will be among the most spacious in the city and be decorated in a contemporary style with Asian highlights. Luxury condominium suites will be located on the upper levels of the tower.
Guests entering the hotel through an elegant vaulted forecourt will be welcomed into a spacious three-storey glass atrium lobby offering waterscape views. The heart of the hotel will be its lobby lounge – an “urban living room” with a sidewalk café nestled in the shadow of the boulevard trees overlooking the back waters. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea will be followed by evening entertainment in the relaxed, yet refined lounge.
The street-level columnade walk way, cocktail deck will lead to a mezzanine level themed restaurant overlooking the encircled natural creeks and backwaters. It will be open for lunch and dinner, pre- and post-theatre.

The Thai Spa signature spa brand – will offer treatments to in-house guests, condominium owners and local residents. Inspired by the origins of the Shangri-La legend, the CHI concept is based on Chinese and Himalayan healing therapies. Each of the 10 private CHI treatment rooms and one double treatment suite will provide a “spa within a spa” atmosphere, offering guests the luxury of time and space.
The hotel’s speciality restaurant, on the ground floor, will open onto a landscaped terrace, as well as overlook the back waters.
The ballroom will seat 400 and three smaller rooms will seat 50 to 100 people. All function rooms will offer floor-to-ceiling windows and an elegant pre-function foyer. An audio visual room will provide a venue for screenings or executive presentations that require dramatic special effects.

Equipped with the most modern systems of Air Conditioning, Fire Protection & Safety, security systems, Dreams ensures the effectiveness of the state of art services at its peek. Maintaining the serene balance of the nature, the whole system is eco friendly, pollution free and leaves no damage to the ethnic atmosphere. The services are subjected to random check & vigilance by an effective process of B.M.S [building management system].

KMC

03-03-2007, 08:13 AM

bhasidali

03-03-2007, 08:21 AM

There is also a Big construction going on opposite to Muthoot Tower in MG road , Huge cranes are under operation , and Land under sonstruction is so huge . Is that "Summit Mall". I firmly beleive so. You cant see the site fully from MG road as they have not dismantled the old buildings facing the entrance . Can some one find out which is this project . I was literaly surprised such vast land in MG road !!!!! Surely not less than 2 acre plot.
Please find out what is coming up there .

Yes KMC, Its that Summit Mall..very next to Abad Plaza..Also works of Abad's mall in maradu is going on....

bhasidali

03-03-2007, 08:23 AM

Check this link..

http://anzeraproperties.com/index/projects-for-finest-flats-villas-plots-cochin.html

ReNik

03-03-2007, 09:54 AM

Actually my previous post about Air Sahara was not correct.

http://www.cochin-airport.com/images/airsahara.gif has 3 daily service to Delhi.
One is a direct to and fro flight, other two with a stoppage at Bangalore or Hyd.

Here is one more service to Lakshadweep
Kingfisher flight to Lakshadweep
Saturday March 3 2007 11:44 IST

NEDUMBASSERY: Kingfisher Airlines will become the first airlines in the private sector to launch new flight service to Lakshadweep.

The first flight of Kingfisher will land in Agathi at 2 p.m. on Saturday, with Aviation Minister Praful Patel and Kingfisher Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Mallya on board.

Kingfisher will operate 42-seater ATR type aircraft. The Flight IT 2453 from Bangalore to Agathi via Kochi will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The flight will reach Kochi from Bangalore at 12.35 pm and leave for Agathi at 1 pm. The flight IT 2454 will reach in Kochi airport from Agathi at 4.05 pm and leave for Bangalore at 4.30 pm.

http://www.newindpress.com/newimages/indpress.gif

ReNik

03-03-2007, 10:13 AM

40 Floor Apartment Complex at Tripunithura
I was in cochin last week , one of my collegue workinng for a big construction company and closely associated with Builders forum gave me this news . This project is by Choice group. They already mentioned this at the building site , "site for 40 storyed Building".
Can some body validate this.
ALSO THE ABAD MALL IS under construction at Kundanoor Junction . Already the pilings are over . Its a Mall cumm apartment project . How come you guys missed this. This is coming right at Kundanoor Junction adjacent to petrol Bunk.

KMC, Bhasid

Great updates from you.

Where exactly in Tripunithra is the 40 storey coming up ? I visit Tripunithra once in a
while.

Abad Mall was in the news for a while. That it is under
construction at Kundannoor is a great update. In fact there are many more developers
coming up with mega plans at Kundannoor and Maradu. See for example,

A Five Star hotel project along with an apartment complex housing 200 apartments spread over a 3 acre land at Kundanoor near the NH 47 Bye Pass. and NH 49 junction, with water frontage.– over 3 Lakh sq ft. Hyper super market, Convention center, Food Court, Games Complex and Multi level Parking Vijaya Group (http://www.vijayacorporate.com/kundanoor.htm)

There is also a Big construction going on opposite to Muthoot Tower in MG road , Huge cranes are under operation , and Land under sonstruction is so huge . Is that "Summit Mall". I firmly beleive so. You cant see the site fully from MG road as they have not dismantled the old buildings facing the entrance . Can some one find out which is this project . I was literaly surprised such vast land in MG road !!!!! Surely not less than 2 acre plot.
Please find out what is coming up there .

Summit Mall is already under construction. But their webpage has changed. I dont have
their new webpage. Bhasid, do you now Summit webpage ? Also there is a
big hoarding near MG road north end saying - "Imperial Trade Centre". You have some
news on this ?

ReNik

03-03-2007, 10:36 AM

KMC,

I have posted The Summit renderings in Cochin gallery. Meanwhile here is news on ICH Crowne Plaza.

IHG to manage KGA group's Crowne Plaza in Cochin
Pioneer News Service | Kochi

Kuwait-based construction company KGA Group and IHG, reportedly world's largest hotel concern by number of rooms, announced on Thursday the launch of their new hotel project Crowne Plaza, Cochin by laying the foundation stone for the proposed five-star hotel. The hotel is expected to start operation in the second quarter of 2009.

Crowne Plaza, Cochin would be the brand's first foray into the South Indian market and the group's third Crown Plaza hotel in India, a KGA release said here.

With 220 rooms and more than 1,500 sq mts of meeting space, the purpose to built meeting hotel will come up on NH 47 at Kundannur here, adjacent to backwater. The release promised to offer an innovative experience to both its leisure as well as corporate customers.

KGA Group managing director KG Abraham said that that his company was pleased to work with the international hotel giant IHG for Crowne Plaza, Cochin. IHG's South-West Asia operations director Michael Herrmann said that the partnership with KGA was a clear reflection of their commitment towards further portfolio expansion in India and was in line with his company's focus on developing strong hotel brands.

The foundation stone for the project was laid by State Public Works Minister TU Kuruvila at a function presided over and blessed by Geevarghese Mar Athanasius in the presence of Transports Minister Mathew T Thomas, Ernakulam district collector Muhammad Hanish and others.The Pioneer story (http://www.dailypioneer.com/displayit1.asp?pathit=/archives2/mar207/kochi/kochi12.txt)

http://www.dailypioneer.com/images/home/mast.gif

ReNik

03-03-2007, 10:50 AM

http://choiceconstructions.in/images/00log.jpg
Tripunithra
42 storey
http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/1565/choiceviewfinalbigey1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Choice Constructions Homepage (http://choiceconstructions.in/)

Cheers KMC for providing info !! :cheers:

ReNik

03-03-2007, 12:15 PM

Here is the location of Choice Prestige.
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/9813/choicelocdv5.th.jpg (http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/9813/choicelocdv5.jpg)
source : wikimapia
Within an hour of my posting the Choice Prestige renderings here it has appeared
elsewhere. It is a basic decency that is eminently followed by many (like Suncity) to
acknowledge the source. But for KMC here nobody would have seen that rendering.

Deepak

03-03-2007, 03:46 PM

Great news and updates buddies....:cheers:

THX...:)

choice prestige......Unbelievable....!! cochin is really growing beyond our imaginations...

Deepak

03-03-2007, 04:35 PM

Heres the link of Microsoft news..

Microsoft to open office at Kovai
As part of its plans to strengthen its presence in India, software major Microsoft Corporation is opening offices in six cities of the country: Coimbatore, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Nagpur and Chandigarh.

With the expansion, Microsoft will have a presence in 13 cities in the country, a company release in Coimbatore.

http://www.chennaionline.com/science/Technology/2007/02microsoft.asp

Deepak

03-03-2007, 04:47 PM

Vyttila Jn and BCG Citygate..

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/7446/vytila1al8.jpg

ReNik

03-05-2007, 05:36 AM

Construction workers to strike work today

Staff Reporter

60,000 workers in the sector to join the stir

KOCHI: Construction activities in the city will come to a standstill on Monday. The joint action council of various organisations in the construction sector will strike work to press their demands for immediate steps to solve the crisis in the sector.

As many as 60,000 construction workers in Kochi Corporation, Thripunithura and Kalamassery municipalities and neighbouring panchayats will join the stir being organised by key organisations in the segment, including the Kerala Builders' Form, Builders' Association of India, Kerala Builders' Association (KBA), Graduate Engineers Association, Kerala, Association of Piling Specialists, and other related organisations such as the Cement Dealers' Association and Kerala Vyapari Vyvasayi Ekopana Samithi.

Rally

The KBA would take out a rally from Marine Drive, in the morning, and stage a dharna near the Revenue Tower at Boat Jetty, according to its State president M.D. Jairaj. The dharna would be inaugurated by Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi State president T. Nazaruddin.

The builders said the Government should give the sector a fair deal .

The issue of reduced floor area ratio (FAR) was the focal point of the agitations. The builders said the construction segment should be accorded industry status and also sought comprehensive master plans for all the 14 districts in the State. This, they said, should be announced in a time-bound manner. The master plans for Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram should be finalised within six months on the basis of the commercial importance of the cities, they added.

A massive escalation in cement prices following the proposals in the Budget -2007 had hit the construction segment. The builders sought corrective measures in the procedure of collection Building Tax.

I suppose this will deal a death blow to the bureaucratic oligarchy trying to scuttle Kochi's progress. These rodents
that gnaw into tax income generated on the sweat and blood of common man should be finished. More than 100,000
people are coming out on the streets, which no minister can ignore.

KMC

03-05-2007, 06:03 AM

ReNik

03-05-2007, 06:32 AM

One more info , There is a Mega Project coming at Elamkulam Backwaters , I.e near to Ponneth Temple . Project is either 21 Towers of 18 Storeyed Buildings or 18 Towers of 21 Storeyed Buildings . (Either way it could go)
This was told by a vegetable vendor who sold his 3 cents Land for 20 Lacs . This 3 cent was acquired to get the plot complete. He doesnt know who the builder is , bcoz all transactions are routed through middle men.
Is it Emaaar , Is it Saihathi ,......
Upto you guys to find out the details , I know this info is very vague to catch, but am afraid only this much i Know.

KMCeeeee :worship: :worship: :worship:

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/9600/ponnethpp4.th.jpg (http://img87.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ponnethpp4.jpg)
Now here is Ponneth temple on wikimapia. Can you mark out the piece of land. Probably
someone may have named the project already. Click for Ponneth temple on wikimapia (http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=9963282&x=76306427&z=18&l=0&m=a&v=2)

KMC

03-05-2007, 06:59 AM

Now here is Ponneth temple on wikimapia. Can you mark out the piece of land. Probably
someone may have named the project already. Click for Ponneth temple on wikimapia (http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=9963282&x=76306427&z=18&l=0&m=a&v=2)[/QUOTE]

I dont have much details on location ,as I heard about this project at the last minute when i was just packing off to Mumbai.
Please confirm where this Crown Plaza Hotel is coming up. I was told by my friend in Kundanoor that there is 5 Star Hotel coming up exactly opposite to Le- meridian . Le- Merdiian is on Right Side of Highway . This one is coming on Left side .(Exactly Opposite) I have seen the place .its a Huge site along side river.I knew something big is coming there . Is it Crown Plaza , or another 5 Star Hotel!!!!!.
Its great going Kochi !! I am sure Choice Prestige will loose its Numero One position very soon if Kochi is going like this.

sanjupalayat

03-05-2007, 07:00 AM

wow choice prestige is going to be an architectural marvel in kerala..there wont be any other structure in kerala to compete it in the near future.....

ReNik

03-05-2007, 07:16 AM

I dont have much details on location ,as I heard about this project at the last minute when i was just packing off to Mumbai.
Please confirm where this Crown Plaza Hotel is coming up. I was told by my friend in Kundanoor that there is 5 Star Hotel coming up exactly opposite to Le- meridian . Le- Merdiian is on Right Side of Highway . This one is coming on Left side .(Exactly Opposite) I have seen the place .its a Huge site along side river.I knew something big is coming there . Is it Crown Plaza , or another 5 Star Hotel!!!!!.
Its great going Kochi !! I am sure Choice Prestige will loose its Numero One position very soon if Kochi is going like this.

KMC

That is Crowne Plaza. It has been marked out clearly in wikimapia
by local enthusiasts. I'm sure Bhasid can give a confirmation.

wow choice prestige is going to be an architectural marvel in kerala..there wont be any other structure in kerala to compete it in the near future.....

Choice has done this earlier too. In late 1980s when there not many skyscrapers
in Kochi, they came up with Choice towers - a 17 storeyed, which caught the
every eye passing through Panampilly nagar or Ernakulam south railway stn.
They have repeated it after a decade and a half.

In two years time, Choice Prestige will welcome as you approach Kochi from Kottayam by rail. It will stand magnificent next to Tripunithra railway station

bhasidali

03-05-2007, 08:41 AM

KMC

That is Crowne Plaza. It has been marked out clearly in wikimapia
by local enthusiasts. I'm sure Bhasid can give a confirmation.

Yes Guys..Its Crown Plaza 5 Star Delux Hotel...You can confirm here...

http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=9933883&x=76317344&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2

bhasidali

03-05-2007, 08:48 AM

Guys here is the site for Sobha Hitech City...

http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=9920588&x=76326571&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2

bhasidali

03-05-2007, 08:54 AM

SEZ status for Unitech IT park...Check these links...

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/404200703051351.htm

http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=358068&ssid=50&sid=BUS

KMC

03-05-2007, 11:28 AM

ReNik

03-05-2007, 11:34 AM

SEZ status for Unitech IT park...Check these links...

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/404200703051351.htm

http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=358068&ssid=50&sid=BUS
Cochin Port Trust, Vallarpadom (multiproducts), Kinfra, Kakkancherry (food processing), Kinfra, Kazhakkoottam (IT), Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram (IT), Smartcity, Kochi(IT), Sutherland Global Services, Kalamassery (IT),Kinfra, Kochi (electronics) and Unitech Realestate, Kunnathunadu (IT).

Great, Bhasid !!

The list names only 8. The other 3 must be Infopark, Parsvnath and CSEZ .
We know that Infopark, Parsvnath has got SEZ status long ago. Thats a total
of 8 SEZs in Kochi. Sobha in all likelihood get SEZ status as the whole land has been
purchased at market rates and no "idealogical" issues need to be sorted out !!

Interesting but not surprising that Unitech bought the land at Kunnathunadu near CIAL.
Is it linked to their property at Parakkadavu ??

ReNik

03-05-2007, 11:58 AM

Choice Prestige Looks awesome. What a Building that is. The advantage of Kochi is that the vertical growth is balanced by Horizontal spread . Else can we imagine a 42 Storeyed building at Tripunithura. Now Kerala has a city which can proudly say , “A Cosmopolitan City” and truly so.

Yes KMC

That's important. Choice Prestige and Mir Metropolis are coming 15-20 kms away from
downtown Ernakulam. That's also because the Kochi boom of late 1980s and 90s
had filled up Ernakulam area.

To actually see the future growth of a city one important
indicator is the growth of established real estate players. These guys get the input
ahead and are ready with hundreds of acres purchased at market rates to have the bite
of the pie. This is why you see all the biggies like Sobha, Parsvnath, Puravankara,
DLF, Unitech etc only in Kochi. And invariably all these terra-projects are 20-30 kms away from downtown Ernakulam. It is a strong indicator to the future growth of
the state - that Kochi is leading the state into its future and is emerging as
next giant of South Asia.

Now Lets wait for 18 Towers of 21 Storyed Buildings!!!!!!!!. I was shocked when I heard that. But when he told he sold his land , I had no option but to believe. But is there that much land Near Ponneth Temple , any one knows? Already Chilavanoor Lake is getting crowded with High-rises.

This is a massive project, so it will be a biggie behind it. Also the mode of purchasing
the land implies that there may be an Indian player in it - at least a tie up !!

If Dubai Internet City had followed this wise route, it could have been ready with Smart
City by end 2007 and asked the govt to f*** off. Clearly it did not have the input on
Indian real estate scenario which an Indian player would have.

Also there is something Big coming near Nair’s Hospital in Highway (after Bund stop when we go from Kundanoor), a few mtrs forward from Nairs Hospital, ( near to new bridge u/c) . I have seen many individual houses getting dismantled there and a Big Entrance getting built.

I'm unable to get anything from wikimapia.
Anyway here is Nair's hospital (http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=9950200&x=76317596&z=18&l=0&m=a&v=2). Are you able to see it here ?

ReNik

03-05-2007, 12:05 PM

Here is stupidly marked map of DLF's properties in India. It says, Vyttila, Kochin and
Kokkanan [sic]. The last beast Kokkanan must be Kakkanad. What else could
it be in this era :)

http://www.dlf-group.com/corporates/aboutus/dlf_presence.asp

Deepak

03-05-2007, 05:38 PM

KOCHI : Queen Mary, said to be the largest and most expensive cruise vessel in the world, will call at Kochi port on Wednesday as part of her world cruise.

This is the first time that the luxury liner is berthing at Kochi. On board will be 2,800 passengers. Kochi is the only port of call in India for the ship.

Queen Elizabeth II, said to be the second largest cruise liner, will arrive here on March 25 with 2,500 passengers.

Yet another ship that is expected to arrive on March 25 is Raddison Voyagers, with 1,500 passengers. Silver Whisper, carrying 412 passengers, will arrive here on Saturday.

Sources in the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) said that by the month end, 37 cruise liners would call at Kochi since April last.

"Twenty two had come here in 2005-'06. Aimed at attracting tourists who come in such massive vessels, the port offered 33 per cent discount on berthing-related charges," they said.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/03/stories/2007030322060300.htm

SREEKUMAR

03-06-2007, 03:53 AM

KMC

03-06-2007, 05:47 AM

Achu is showing more interest in other cities than Kochi. Smart city is held up while Technocity is on fast track as per today’s news papers.. No plan to upgrade CUSAT but trying hard to get IISER & AIIMS for some low grade MCH. This is very sad … :hell:

Please restrict discussion just to Kochi. We cant say no other project should happen in kerala . Let us avoid discusiion on topic whic is not relevant to Kochi. Every 5 years govt keep changing so do Fate of Kochi. So we will have to wait for next govt to come. It is evident that all these DLF, Unitech , Parsvnath, Sobha etc will not risk investing in kerala under LDF rule.

bhasidali

03-06-2007, 08:43 AM

Here is from seawood developers...Check out this link..

http://www.seawooddeveloper.com/sseawood_anchor.html

ReNik

03-06-2007, 09:31 AM

Please restrict discussion just to Kochi. We cant say no other project should happen in kerala . Let us avoid discusiion on topic whic is not relevant to Kochi. Every 5 years govt keep changing so do Fate of Kochi. So we will have to wait for next govt to come. It is evident that all these DLF, Unitech , Parsvnath, Sobha etc will not risk investing in kerala under LDF rule.

Okay...
regarding Smart City things are looking up now. I read from media, many in the govt
think that it is okay to give ownership as insisted by TECOM as (1) they are giving market price
(2) the owner is going to be Smart City which is a joint venture company of govt and TECOM.
Only a political decision from CPM is required. And that will not be tough given that others in
CPM are largely supporting the project. Still we will keep fingers crossed :)

ReNik

03-07-2007, 06:40 AM

'Full House' at Cochin duty-free a big success

Pioneer News Service | Kochi

The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), which is running one of the best airport duty-free shopping facilities in India, has launched a promotional programme 'Full House'. In association with Diageo, one of the leading premium drinks businesses in the world with brands like Johnnie Walker, J&B, Vat 69, Black & White, Smirnoff and Baileys.

The programme offers an opportunity for passengers, who buy Diageo products worth $ 20 at the duty-free shopping facilities, at the arrival area of the international terminal of the Kochi international airport to win, a 1115-sq ft two-bedroom flat in Kochi worth over Rs 20 lakh from Holy Faith Builders. CIAL claimed the programme a big success.

The promo also offers scratch cards with which passengers can win discounts on their purchases. A CIAL release claimed that this is happening first time as immovable property of this value has being offered as prize in any duty-free promotion in India.

CIAL managing director S Bharath said that the airport company, which runs Cochin duty-free jointly with Alpha Kreol India Ltd, a subsidiary of the multinational Alpha UK and UAE-based Kreol Group, to position it as a strong retail outlet for inbound and outbound passengers, intends to make it the most vibrant duty-free shop in the region. He says that 'Full House' is one of the schemes under which the airport company has embarked upon to develop Cochin duty-free, which contributes 25 per cent of the total revenue of the CIAL, into the cynosure of all air passengers who visit the Kochi Airport.

Explaining the objective of establishing 'Full House', Alpha Kreol general manager Gopi Menon says that they want to make every NRI's dream of having their own house in his or her homeland come true. "Never before have we received such an overwhelming response," he added.

Cochin Airport is India's fourth busiest Airport, with domestic and international passenger traffic through the Nedumbassery Airport growing phenomenally on account of the 13 international and 7 domestic airlines that presently operate from here.

"The growth in passenger traffic demands a corresponding increase in passenger amenities at the airport. The expansion of Cochin duty-free and the addition of the latest consumer products was a natural corollary to it," Bharath said. "The increasing number of low cost airlines preferring Cochin International Airport has also enhanced duty-free sales," he mentioned in the release.

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