Latest news with #CSML
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi corporation's pothole-filling machine remains unused amid road woes
Kochi: Despite navigating through city roads remaining a challenge for commuters, the pothole-filling machine purchased by Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) for Kochi corporation has been sitting unused in its yard for two months. The contractor responsible for the machine claims the machine was no longer needed because they have already filled the total area of potholes specified in the agreement. The corporation is bound to pay around Rs 1 crore as operation and maintenance cost of the machine for one year. "Most of the city roads are damaged. But the machine, which was procured by CSML by spending crores of rupees, is not available for filling potholes. Despite several councillors seeking the machine for filling potholes in their areas, the authorities fail to respond," said Antony Kureethra, corporation opposition leader. "Many roads in the city, like SA Road and KK Road and roads in Thoppumpady and Fort Kochi areas, are in a pathetic condition. Still, the authorities are unable to avail of the pothole-filling machine for repair works for the past two months," Kureethra added. The corporation authorities, meanwhile, cite that the total area of potholes to be repaired within a year was already over. "So, the contractor has shifted the machine to the CSML yard at Kalamassery. The issue is that the machine is lying idle at a time when it is most needed," said works standing committee chairperson Seena. "The private firm which is entrusted with the operation of the machine has not signed an agreement with the corporation. However, the private firm and CSML have signed the agreement. It is the corporation which has to give operation and maintenance costs every year, however it doesn't have any role in the operation of the machine," she said. "As per an explanation given by mayor M Anilkumar, many councillors availed the machine for relaying roads, whereas the use of the machine should have been limited to pothole filling. The relaying of roads should have been done by other contractors using paving machines. Excessive and unnecessary use of pothole-filling machines resulted in exceeding the set total area to be filled even while many roads remain pothole-ridden," she added. Opposition councillors also alleged that the silt pusher brought for desilting drains has become a significant liability for the civic body. "Despite spending crores to purchase silt pusher, officials report that it is ineffective in removing silt. Due to the lack of progress, new contracts have been awarded for desilting the drains. Not only is the machine unable to alleviate waterlogging, but it also incurs substantial operational and maintenance costs. A bill over Rs 5 lakh was given for removing approximately 502 cubic metres of silt in 63 hours. Thus, the corporation had to give Rs 1,016 per cubic metre. In contrast, the municipality pays only Rs 247 per cubic metre while private contractors are deployed through tender processes," Kureethra said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
31-07-2025
- The Hindu
Kochi Corporation allocates ₹5 lakh per zone to repair roads on war footing
The Kochi Corporation has allocated ₹5 lakh to each of its seven zones to repair potholed roads under its jurisdiction in the next couple of weeks, while other agencies have also been asked to follow suit with regard to roads under their control. The decision was taken at a meeting convened by Mayor M. Anilkumar and District Collector N.S.K. Umesh here on Thursday (July 31, 2025) to discuss ways to address the pitiable state of roads in the city under the Corporation and other agencies. The move comes a day after the Kerala High Court expressed dissatisfaction at the shoddy state of arterial roads in the city, even as the court asked engineers of civic and other agencies that own roads whether they alone were not seeing gaping potholes that had developed on innumerable roads. Unscientific and damaged manhole covers and undulating paver blocks are the other problems that motorists face. The situation is such that road users dying in pothole-related accidents is not news any more, the court observed. 'We have already started repairing potholed roads, including Stadium Link Road, Pachalam Road, and other select roads. Once the rain subsides, we will completely resurface the affected roads dug up for various projects. Besides, Cochin Smart Mission Limited [CSML] has been asked to intervene and ask the contractors concerned to repair roads, which it had restored but had developed potholes before the expiry of the Defect Liability Period,' said Mr. Anilkumar. The Public Works department (PWD) has also been asked to do the needful in the case of roads under its control. The Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) has been asked to repair the Goshree bridges and the potholed road near the High Court for which it had deposited funds with CSML. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) were among the other agencies asked to restore roads at the earliest. Officials of the Kerala Water Authority have also been asked to repair roads dug up as part of the Jal Jeevan project. The meeting held in the Collector's chamber was attended by representatives of the PWD, GIDA, GCDA, NHAI, Motor Vehicles department, and the police.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ernakulam KSRTC bus terminal project gets funding assurance from CSML
Kochi: Amid reports that the Ernakulam KSRTC bus terminal project has hit funding roadblock, hopes have been rekindled with Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) informing the state govt that funds for the construction have already been earmarked. Recently, CSML board noted that fresh approval from the Union housing and urban affairs ministry is required to provide financial support to the project, as the deadline for Smart City projects officially ended in March 2025. The expiry of the deadline prompted a section of board members to demand fresh approval from the ministry. The state govt then sought clarification on whether CSML had earmarked funds before the cutoff. "If the agency hadn't allocated money, no fresh allocation would be possible since the project period ended in March. That's why the govt asked CSML if the funds were already set aside," said T.J. Vinod, MLA. In its response, CSML confirmed that Rs 12 crore had been earmarked for the terminal's construction. Now, only official clearance from the Union ministry is needed to use the funds as intended. The state govt has started preparing a formal request for this approval. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "I've learned that the letter is ready. Once the concerned official returns from Delhi and signs it, the letter will be sent. We hope the issue will be resolved without much delay," Vinod added. The current KSRTC terminal near Karikkamuri in Kochi is in a severe state of disrepair. The old, crumbling structure offers poor amenities, unhygienic washrooms and limited passenger facilities, making it one of the most commuter-unfriendly terminals in the state. To revamp the facility, the Vyttila Mobility Hub Society (VMHS) signed an MoU with CSML and KSRTC for constructing a modern terminal based on the mobility hub model. The foundation stone was laid on Feb 24, 2024. CSML will provide funding, while VMHS will execute the construction. The land adjacent to the existing terminal, owned by KSRTC, will be handed over to VMHS for the project. However, ownership will remain with KSRTC. Waterlogging in the area has been a persistent issue. The govt tasked the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management with studying the site. Based on the findings, a high flood line (HFL) was marked. The site and surrounding roads will be elevated above the HFL before work begins.
The Hindu
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kochi to get 300 CCTV cameras for round-the-clock monitoring of waste dumping, crime hotspots
Crime hot spots within the Kochi City police limits are set to come under round-the-clock surveillance, with at least 150 CCTV cameras to be installed within the next three months. The cameras, connected to a centralised control room in Thevara, will receive live footage. The installation of cameras for the Kochi City police marks the second phase of the project, under which Thalassery-based Southern Electronics and Security Systems has agreed to install 300 CCTV cameras — 150 for the Kochi Corporation to track and penalise illegal waste dumping, and 150 for the Kochi City police to monitor crime. The company has already installed 120 of the 150 cameras meant for the Corporation, with a minimum of two cameras proposed in each of the 74 divisions. 'Cameras are being installed in areas identified as waste dumping hot spots and are connected to a centralised control room set up at the Corporation's Yatri Nivas. In return, the company will be allowed to generate revenue by advertising on Cochin Smart Mission Limited [CSML] poles,' said T.K. Asharaf, health standing committee chairperson. The project will be inaugurated shortly. Pradeep Kumar, managing director, Southern Electronics and Security Systems, said the company would be responsible for the maintenance of the cameras and the operation of the control room for seven years, as per the project being implemented under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. 'The remaining 30 cameras will be installed shortly. We have already set up the control room, which is equipped with six 55-inch monitors and manned by two persons in three shifts,' he added. Action is already being taken based on CCTV camera footage. Where vehicles are involved, the Motor Vehicles department is contacted to collect the owner's address, which is then passed on to the health inspectors and the councillors concerned. The company, he said, will be allowed to advertise on 600 CSML poles. However, Mr. Asharaf put the total number at 400, with advertising on the first lot of 200 poles to be permitted once the commitment of installing 150 cameras for the Corporation is fulfilled, and the rest upon the completion of camera installation for the Kochi City police. Senior Congress councillor Antony Kureethara said that the number of poles permitted for advertising should be restricted, especially in the wake of the High Court's direction against the disfiguring of public spaces. 'Two cameras in a division will be inadequate since the number of waste dumping hot spots has gone up. Ideally, the Corporation should have directly implemented the project with better coverage, considering how much funds are otherwise being wasted. Also, rather than a centralised control room, it would have been more efficient if the CCTV cameras were monitored across the seven Corporation zones,' he added.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kochi corporation, CSML meeting to sort out streetlight issues fails
Kochi: A joint meeting convened by Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) and Kochi corporation on Friday failed to take any key decision on addressing issues related to streetlights in Kochi. Another round of meetings will be convened in the presence of mayor and deputy mayor. The opposition said that the meeting was a farce, as neither mayor nor deputy mayor attended. Councillors expressed dissatisfaction, stating that no effective measures were taken for maintenance of CSML LED lights in the city. Councillors criticized CSML officials for not repairing the lights. CSML officials said that LED lights are yet to be installed along 2,500m as part of the project and that no operation and maintenance contract was signed with the contractors. Opposition leader Antony Kureethara stated that inability to complete the project, which cost Rs 40 crore, is unjustifiable. A UDF councillor suggested providing toll-free numbers to public to report faulty lights, but CSML stated that this is not feasible under current circumstances. The meeting ended with an assurance that another meeting would be called in the presence of mayor, who is an executive member of CSML. Mayor M Anilkumar couldn't attend the meeting as he is under treatment.
