Thrissur gets major boost in maiden UDF Budget

The first State Budget presented by Chief Minister and Finance Minister V.D. Satheeshan has delivered a significant package of development initiatives for Thrissur, spanning industry, culture, infrastructure and urban development.

Among the major announcements is the plan to transform the Kochi–Thrissur belt into a major jewellery manufacturing corridor, backed by an allocation of ₹10 crore. The project includes government support for a gold exchange hub and a jewellery manufacturing park, aimed at positioning Kerala as a key player in gold trade and value addition.

In a major cultural initiative, the Budget proposes to establish the Johnson Master Music Academy in Thrissur in memory of the legendary composer. An allocation of ₹5 crore has been earmarked to preserve his legacy and promote contributions to the music sector.

The historic Thekkinkadu Maidan will undergo renovation with an outlay of ₹10 crore, while the Government Medical College, Thrissur, will be granted constituent college status under the university system as part of a ₹60 crore initiative. The Budget also allocates ₹19 crore for the expansion of the Muziris project and ₹1 crore for setting up a memorial for Congress leader and Thiru-Kochi Chief Minister Panampilly Govinda Menon at Chalakudy.

Tourism and heritage projects include the implementation of an eco-friendly dynamic lighting project at Athirappilly and the proposed development of Guruvayur temple on the lines of Tirupati. A revenue tower at Chalakudy has also been announced.

Flyover project

Road and mobility infrastructure receive a substantial push, with a ₹150 crore flyover project connecting key junctions including Aswini, Patturaikkal and Punkunnam in its first phase. Other projects include the development of the St Thomas College Road–Kizhakkumpattukara PWD stretch, comprehensive upgrading of Mundupalam junction with modern traffic signalling (₹5 crore), a model road from Thrissur to Mannuthy, and phased development of Punkunnam junction (₹10 crore).

Urban development initiatives include ₹15 crore for the modernisation of MG Road with widened carriageways, pedestrian facilities, drainage and street lighting, and ₹10 crore for a dedicated flood mitigation project in the city. With the relocation of the Thrissur zoo to Puthur, the existing zoo premises will be conserved as a botanical garden and park without new concrete structures or tree felling, with an allocation of ₹20 crore. Another ₹20 crore has been earmarked for the long-pending Puzhakkal mobility hub, seen as crucial for the city’s future transport planning.