Latest news with #CochinSmartMissionLimited
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Cochin Smart Mission Limited pitches smart solution to rid city of parking troubles; trials on
KOCHI: Goodbye, parking woes! That's easier said than done in a bustling city like Kochi. To address the parking challenges, including illegal parking on roads and footpaths, the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) is set to launch its Smart Parking Management Solution by September. The facility will be launched at 15 metro stations, parking areas owned by the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), and at four locations owned and managed by Kochi corporation. The trial run of the smart parking system — being implemented at a cost of Rs 4.41 crore, inclusive of two years' operation and maintenance — is progressing at several of the 30 locations proposed. 'The system is fully automated,' CSML general manager Clipson Mathew told TNIE. 'Point of sale machines and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for vehicle number plate identification will detect the number of vehicles entering and exiting the facility, and prepare the bill according to the parking duration. Boom barriers and slot identification cameras are installed in each location to identify slots. Also, the number of vacant slots in each will be displayed on LED boards to help passengers.' CSML is also working on a mobile application that would help pre-book parking slots. 'Once the smart parking system becomes fully operational, we will be launching the pre-booking app. The public can log in, find vacant slots, and book parking once the app is live,' the CSML official said. Clipson said smart parking will help save time and manage space in the city. 'Space constraints and accidents resulting from illegal parking can also be avoided once the facility is launched,' he said. The system will also help in location-based monitoring. 'The authority that manages the area can generate a monthly report on the number of vehicles, fees collected, and the slots. We will be able to assess the traffic and rush in every location and the fund flow. In the long run, we'll be able to assess mobility trends in the city, which will help in the planning and development of our mobility infrastructure as well,' the official added. Fully automated system
New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi's pothole patching machine stalls as roads remain in disrepair
KOCHI: For the past few months, the pothole patching machine hired by the Kochi Corporation to expedite road repairs, has not been operational, claiming that the work on the specified area (kilometres) mentioned in the agreement for a year has been completed. The pothole patching machine bought using Rs 1.76 crore from the Cochin Smart Mission Limited fund was commissioned in November 2024. Mayor M Anilkumar said that the quantum of work the company had agreed to do in the first year of commissioning has been completed. Hence, discussions will be held to decide on deploying the machine for a further period. Antony Kureethara, the leader of opposition, said that when the common people are struggling due to potholes on roads, the corporation should utilise the machine to improve the condition of roads. 'In the monsoon season, the corporation should use the machinery to ensure a safe commute. Even now, there are numerous potholes on roads. Several two-wheeler riders, especially women, are struggling owing to potholes on roads. When we have a facility, we should utilise it to solve the issue,' he said. The Kerala High Court, too, recently criticised the civic body for the poor condition of roads in the city and directed the officials to inspect roads to identify potholes. Seena Gokul, chairperson of the Works Standing Committee, said that the corporation would have to pay an extra amount and enter into an agreement with the company for using the machine for an extended period and covering additional stretches.
Time of India
4 days 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 !
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Streetlight woes continue in Kochi city
Kochi: Despite claims that the LED streetlight project in Kochi is nearing completion, several parts of the city continue to remain in darkness, with both new and old streetlights lying dysfunctional for months. While the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) is implementing the project, the lack of timely repairs and poor inter-agency coordination have left many residents frustrated. The Rs 40-crore LED project aims to replace all existing streetlights within the corporation limits with energy-efficient LED lamps to improve illumination and reduce electricity bills. Initially scheduled for completion in Dec 2023, the deadline was extended to Dec 2024. CSML now claims that the major implementation work will be completed by the end of July 2025. However, on the ground, lighting failures persist across multiple areas—both where new lights were installed and where old ones remain unreplaced. According to residents and councillors, maintenance has been poor, and repairs often take months. CSML blames the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) for not cooperating, particularly when it comes to power connections and maintenance support. "I've been raising the issue of defunct streetlights on the Ponnurunni overbridge for over a year and a half," said RTI activist TN Prathapan. "Despite notifying the corporation, CSML, and even the LSG minister, the area remains unlit. A fatal accident involving a father and son happened here, and poor lighting was a factor." Councillors have raised similar concerns with the corporation and CSML. "In many areas like Manappattipparambu Road, Girinagar, Fort Kochi, Eravely, Karippalam, Mattancherry, Moolamkuzhy, Edakochi and Palluruthy, streetlights are not functioning. CSML keeps citing lack of KSEB support," said Antony Kureethra, opposition leader in Kochi Corporation. UDF parliamentary party secretary MG Aristotle pointed out that the project was expected to slash electricity bills. "Earlier, before switching over to LED lights, the monthly bill was Rs 1.5 crore. In April 2025, it was Rs 1.24 crore and in May and June, Rs 1.33 crore and Rs 1.29 crore, respectively. The goal was a 40% reduction," he said. Public figure CICC Jayachandran added that lights in even key areas like MG Road and SA Road have not been functioning. "After I raised the issue, the mayor intervened and got some lights repaired on SA Road," he said. CSML officials said they will focus on repairs next month. "As of now, our aim is to complete the project. We've procured 1,500 smart meters, of which 850 are installed. Once fully operational, they will help streamline maintenance and reduce electricity costs," an official said.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi corporation starts distributing kiosks to rehabilitate street vendors
Kochi: As part of a move to rehabilitate street vendors in the city, the Kochi corporation started distributing kiosks, designed and procured by Cochin Smart Mission Limited, to them. On Tuesday, 56 vendors in Fort Kochi received kiosks. "The corporation is conducting the activities according to the 2014 Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act. The act specifies the identification, registration of vendors and establishment of vending zones. The elected town vending committee plays a crucial role in implementing the law. As per the law's recommendation, a survey was conducted with the help of various agencies, identifying 2,351 street vendors within the corporation limits. A total of 69 vending zones have been approved to rehabilitate them," mayor M Anilkumar said. By law, it was mandatory for municipalities to have a specific vending bylaw. Councillors P S Viju, Priya Prashanth, Antony Kureethra and Minimol V K were tasked with preparing the bylaw. The draft bylaw was then submitted to the govt with the approval of the town vending committee and the corporation council and received govt approval on Oct 9, 2023. The vending plan was approved by the govt on June 27, 2024. "It is a matter of pride that Kochi is the first in Kerala's urban local bodies to have an approved street vending bylaw, vending plan and recognised vending zones. The bylaw prepared by the corporation now serves as a guide for other municipalities," Anilkumar said. The distribution of kiosks was inaugurated by the mayor at a ceremony presided over by deputy mayor K A Ansiya.
