Samridhi@Kochi opens outlet in Fort Kochi

Samridhi@Kochi, a budget hotel jointly operated by the Kochi Corporation and the Ernakulam District Mission of Kudumbashree, launched its fourth outlet in Fort Kochi.

Kochi MLA K.J. Maxy inaugurated the new outlet on Tuesday afternoon in the building adjacent to the Fort Kochi Ro-Ro jetty. Mayor M. Anilkumar presided over the function. The parent outlet, launched in October 2021, now serves as a central kitchen on Paramara Road in Ernakulam North. It has expanded its service to the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), Cochin Shipyard Limited, and Railways. The initiative’s flagship offering, meals priced at ₹20, will be available at the new outlet, with more items to be added to the menu gradually.

Samridhi@Kochi has also emerged as a major employer of women. Starting with 14 Kudumbashree members, the project now employs over 200 women, said Mr. Anilkumar. Women associated with Samridhi receive a minimum monthly salary of ₹20,000, which can go up to ₹40,000–₹45,000 depending on grade and allowances.

Training of staff

Initially, food prepared at the parent outlet on Paramara Road will be transported to the Fort Kochi outlet for service. Eventually, cooking will commence at the new location. Training for the staff has already been completed.

When Samridhi@Kochi began in 2021, it offered meals for ₹10, with the State government providing an additional ₹10 as a subsidy. Although the subsidy was discontinued in August 2023, meals continue to be sold at ₹20, despite rising prices of essential commodities. This has been made possible through the inclusion of more reasonably priced items in the menu, enabling cross-subsidisation.