Kochi, a city that greets the future with enthusiasm

The past 25 years have seen Kochi rise—through the development of Marine Drive, Cochin International Airport Limited, and the Goshree bridges—integrating land, air and water connectivity and embracing modernity.

Now, the next 25 years promise even greater transformation: the extension of Marine Drive, expanded water and metro rail connectivity, and a climate-resilient city taking shape.

The Urban Commission report, which was recently submitted to the State government, dreams big for Kochi.

The Commission has proposed the formation of the Cochin Metropolitan Authority, which will take forward the development dreams of the city. The Authority will pave the way for more comprehensive and strategic urban planning for the coastal city and Kochi will emerge as the pioneer and torch-bearer of urban development in the State.

The two-day Urban Conclave, proposed by the State government in Kochi on September 12 and 13 will draw a roadmap for the city till 2050 under the theme ‘Aspiring Cities and Thriving Communities.’ Kochi, being the host city of the conclave, will benefit from the deliberations as there will be renewed attention from the urban planners and decision-makers on the city.

Statistics reveal something curious about Kerala. The state was urbanised to the tune of 48 per cent of its landscape in 2011. With its accelerated rate of urbanisation, it’s estimated that at least 70 per cent of the State will be urbanised by 2031. It is expected to reach 81 per cent by 2051. Of the 14 districts of Kerala, say urban planners, barring Wayanad, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Palakkad, all ten are expected to witness a rapid rate of urbanisation, thus throwing up unique challenges to the urban planners as well as the administrators at all levels.

Who knows, Kerala may well evolve into a city-state, among the largest of its kind in the world.

Kochi will undoubtedly remain the commercial capital as well as the growth engine of the State. Its central location and factors like superior road, air and water connectivity will spearhead its continued growth as the economic hub of Kerala.

As the city is poised for rapid growth, it needs to ready itself to meet the challenges of urban development in a planned fashion. Waste management will be a key focus. What was once a challenge—like tall hills of urban refuse which piled up at Brahmapuram—has now turned into an opportunity for sustainable waste solutions across Kerala. The soon-to-be-inaugurated Compressed BioGas plant at Kochi is what the city has to showcase to the other Indian cities when it comes to scientific and effective urban waste management.

Kochi has also made significant strides in the Swachhata rankings, the cleanliness challenge hosted by the Union government for Indian cities.

The Smart City Mission has contributed much to upgrading the basic urban infrastructure, introduced smart meters, established command and control centres, and created a safe city to live in.

The municipal bond pilot project, to be launched in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram shortly, will enable urban local bodies to raise their own development funds, and not to wait for government funds.

With falling crime rates and better city management, Kochi is poised to attract more investments to Kerala. The city must also strive to become the educational hub of the state, a much sought-after education destination for students, and transform Kochi into a thriving centre for learning.

The government hopes to overcome the scarcity of land for development projects through the concept of land pooling. Transit-oriented development, transferable development rights, and an increased floor area ratio are being discussed more seriously than ever before. The Urban Sustainable Land Reconstitution Project, supported by KIIFB, will lead the city’s spatial expansion.

To the east, Kochi will grow with the help of industries, the IT sector, and GCDA, while to the north, land reconstitution will unlock new areas for development.

Yet, a truly aspiring city earns its name by how well its thriving communities find safe and inclusive spaces to live. Better healthcare and inclusivity are vital. Public spaces in Kochi are now better maintained and more welcoming, but universal accessibility must be the next milestone. This includes barrier-free access from homes to public offices, urban transport, and community spaces.

The city’s age-friendly initiatives have been commendable, and enhanced surveillance is making it more child-safe city.

Sustainability and inclusivity will be the twin pillars of Kochi’s future. Inclusivity may come more easily, thanks to Kerala’s high human development index and strong people’s participation. But sustainability—and the growing threat of climate change—will remain a major challenge. The city’s low water table and vulnerability to flooding are concerns to be addressed.

Given its coastal location, Kochi will face the brunt of climate change. However, better disaster resilience, stormwater networks, underground ducts, and enhanced sewerage systems are the foundational steps towards sustainable urban growth.

Glory has long accompanied Kochi—whether in port, IT, or art. In 1341, the flooding of the Periyar river reshaped the coastline, creating a navigable harbour and redefining the city’s destiny. By 2041, Kochi is expected to complete a full circle—emerging as a climate-resilient city rooted in history and racing toward the future.

Kochi means different things to different people—‘Little Lisbon’ to the Portuguese, ‘Homely Holland’ to the Dutch, ‘Mini England’ to the British. But for the urban future that Kerala envisions, Kochi will be the “Heartland City.”

By 2041, as Kochi prepares to celebrate its 800th year, it stands ready to greet the future.

(The author is Special Secretary, Local Self-Government, Urban department, Government of Kerala)