Cochin highrises, pictures and projects - II

[PLUS]

Emporis.com data says that about 85% of 20+ storey buildings under construction
in Kerala are at Kochi. Their data is not update, but estimate is reasonable.
The first 21 storey in Kochi (and also Kerala) is Panjos Gardens (2002)


Kent Glass House was launched in 2005.
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/5669/hail20010wj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/9497/2429756677781eef6260oam9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Photo : razzakosman (http://www.flickr.com/photos/razzakosman/)

[PLUS]

:notacrook: To be very honest, I was not expecting something so great from RDS. Awesome project.

I guess your unknown project is Dewa Royale. It was launched today. Check
tomorrows newspapers.

[elm07]

Great!!!
So by year end, kochi will touch 600 mark,I think only Mumbai and Delhi has..

I heard that British Airways,Air France ,Lufthansa and cathey Pacific is willing to land in kochi,but because of unavailability of radar system ,they are postponded.

Can somebody give a clear pitchure on this

There had been rumors about Lufthansa flying to Kochi for atleast 3-4 years now .... I hope the radar thing happens soon, big names like Lufthansa and British Airways really help!

[elm07]

:notacrook: To be very honest, I was not expecting something so great from RDS. Awesome project.

Yeah, its absolutely awesome, thanks for pics Bhasid.

[thunderboltz]

I guess your unknown project is Dewa Royale. It was launched today. Check
tomorrows newspapers.

Probably. Let's wait and see tomorrows paper. It is probably Dewa... but wouldnt it be exciting if it were a project that eluded us till now. ;)

[KMC]

Doubts settled :)

Dewa project launches 3000 cr MD project

Waaawww thats huge project . I guess launch is at Taj Residency , if some one have invitation , please see the launch and take pics.

See the price of each flats whopping 3.25 Crore , yes , Kochi has hit 10,000 / sq ft mark ..

[KMC]

RDS in tie up with Rajagiri to launch this
township at Kakkanad with a built up area
close to 900,000 sq ft.
It has a 36 storey twin tower of 540,000 sq ft
and a commercial complex of 340,000 sq ft
with a Hotel and a Mall cum Multiplex.
]

Atlast this got digged out , Projects are beating one another in Kochi .

The one which is still hiding is Forum Mall , wish some one could dig this out.

[JMen]

Waaawww thats huge project . I guess launch is at Taj Residency , if some one have invitation , please see the launch and take pics.

See the price of each flats whopping 3.25 Crore , yes , Kochi has hit 10,000 / sq ft mark ..

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9991/perspective0od3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.dewaprojects.com

[elm07]

Thanks JMen!



Source: www.dewaprojects.com

[PLUS]

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9991/perspective0od3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.dewaprojects.com

Wow...love the action.

Can comebody compile these projects...may be in a separate thread.
This is just another perspective of the earlier posted renderings. Looks awesome.

[PLUS]

Mega Electronic SEZ - preliminary works over

Exclusive SEZ for IT-related industries, says Kareem
Saturday April 26 2008 11:02 IST

ENS

KOCHI: The State Government is planning to set up an exclusive SEZ for hardware manufacturing and the preliminary works in this regard have been completed, said Industry Minister Elamaram Kareem.

He said that the government was working on developing an electronic manufacturing hub at Ernakulam and the finalisation of the site and project parameters would be done immediately.
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEX20080426004113&Page=X&Title=Kochi&Topic=0&

[sakrishna]

Hoysala will soon launch their 3rd apartment project in kochi @ kakkanad.
The've also another apartment project in th pipeline, the site of which is about 2.5 kms from the vallarpadom container terminal.

[PLUS]

:notacrook: To be very honest, I was not expecting something so great from RDS. Awesome project.

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9991/perspective0od3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.dewaprojects.com


Dewa projects has gone on an all India campaign for this project. I hope people
from Bombay have seen the project ads yesterday. The Hindu on saturday was carrying
a half-page ad in all its editions.

[PLUS]

I had been to Kochi last week. I found that there is a flyover being built on NH near Apollo
Junction Kalamassery. The area is about 200 mtrs from Apollo Jn towards Aluva.
They have fenced in the middle of the road and some piling preparation was going on.
Is this for Vallarpadam 4-lane road ? Can anyone confirm.

Also there is another flyover on NH at Aluva market for which pillar construction is almost
over. That is the logic behind this. How will this ease traffic to and from Aluva town ?

I drove past Trissur to Malabar and I noticed that there are several flyovers coming up
on the Kochi-Trissur stretch at many places as part of NH widening and upgradation.

[kunjumon123]

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/9991/perspective0od3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Source: www.dewaprojects.com

wow 3.25 crores- totally amazing- who would have thought just 5-7 years ago that apartments in kochi would go for over 3 crores...and the thing is that more and more big real estate players are just started coming in- more amazing projects mean more mind blowing price tags for apartments

[AbrahamVCherry]

Training centre for engineering units



Staff Reporter



Stakeholders form engineering cluster





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Proposal to set up oxygen plant

1,300 members pool their resources


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



KOCHI: Cochin Engineering Products Consortium Pvt. Ltd., representing nearly 2,000 industrial engineering units in Ernakulam district, has proposed the setting up of a general training centre and an oxygen plant as common facilities to suit the requirements of all engineering units in the State.

The detailed project report was prepared with help of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat). Besides, Friday Solutions, a project consultancy based in Chennai that conducted a benchmark study of the engineering clusters in Kerala, is also preparing project report, said K.T. Jose, Cluster Coordination chairman.

The Engineering Products Consortium has been built on the collective strength of its 1,300 members who have pooled their resources, know-how and good will to surmount odds in the path to realising their business potential. There are a total of 1,800 engineering units in the district. Some employ only four people and others as many as 40. The engineering clusters in the district — including the Ernakulam Engineering Cluster which has started a raw materials bank in North Paravoor — have become a reality to boost the business potential of the units.

The organisational network of The Kerala Industrial Engineering Workshops Federation came handy in establishing the engineering clusters.

The raw material bank in North Paravur, called Parur Iron and Steel Cluster Pvt. Ltd., is now in a position to supply construction materials such as shuttering plates, scaffolding materials, lifts, trolleys, modern gates, standard models of grills, garden furniture, roofing and piling materials, etc.

Mr. Jose said the proposed training centre would have sophisticated machinery that will enable the cluster members to take up specialised jobs for Cochin Shipyard, hydro-electric projects, etc.

The oxygen plant will help meet shortage of industrial gas supply. The capacity of the proposed unit will be 400 cylinders a day, which will just be enough to meet the requirements in Ernakulam district, said Mr. Jose.
http://cochinoverseasfundsociety.blogspot.com/2008/04/cochin-engineering-products-consortium.html#links

[bijugp]

I had been to Kochi last week. I found that there is a flyover being built on NH near Apollo
Junction Kalamassery. The area is about 200 mtrs from Apollo Jn towards Aluva.
They have fenced in the middle of the road and some piling preparation was going on.
Is this for Vallarpadam 4-lane road ? Can anyone confirm.

Also there is another flyover on NH at Aluva market for which pillar construction is almost
over. That is the logic behind this. How will this ease traffic to and from Aluva town ?

I drove past Trissur to Malabar and I noticed that there are several flyovers coming up
on the Kochi-Trissur stretch at many places as part of NH widening and upgradation.

Yes. The flyover work at Kalamassery is for Vallarpadom 4 lane. This the starting point of the 4-lane road.
I too saw the flyover work in Aluva. Not sure what it is. Didnt hear any plan about it also.

[PLUS]

Yes. The flyover work at Kalamassery is for Vallarpadom 4 lane. This the starting point of the 4-lane road.
I too saw the flyover work in Aluva. Not sure what it is. Didnt hear any plan about it also.

Thanks bijugp. It never crossed my mind then. Becoz I thought Vallarpadam
4-lane starts from present Apollo tyres jun. But they have moved it away from
Apollo jun. I feel they should have done it at Apollo jun. Otherwise they must close the junction to avoid traffic jams.

At Aluva also is it similar ? It is surely for a flyover as pillars are ready for everyone to
see. Are they planning to shift the junction towards Aluva market. Then it is worthwhile
to have a flyover there.

[PLUS]

DLF's multiplex in Kochi

Is this a part of the Marinedrive project or the MG Road project listed in their
webpage?

DLF plans Rs 1,250 cr to expand multiplex biz
Vikas Sharma / Chandigarh April 28, 2008

DLF, a leading real estate player in the country, plans to invest Rs 1,250 crore for the expansion of its multiplex business. The company has planned to add at least 500 screens in the next four to five years across the country.

DT Cinemas will also set up multiplexes in Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Goa and Kolkata.

[PLUS]

Terminal works apace at Vallarpadam :cheers:

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1963/vlrpdmdf6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
source : mathrubhumi (today)

[abhilash]

DLF is planning their second mega residential project at Kakkanad
Does anybody know more details?

What about their Hotel Projects??

[PLUS]

For local guys who travel in Aluva-Ernakulam-Tripunithra route.

You can easily identify the route of Metro rail. They are demarcated with YELLOW
stones along the road median in most of the places. Can someone take a few
snaps of these at different places. We can see the exact route from these.

[ashwinjoseph23]

DLF is planning their second mega residential project at Kakkanad
Does anybody know more details?

What about their Hotel Projects??

On my very recent visit to an expo which was held @ the International Stadium, i saw the DLF Stall which had a flex with details of their new project.. it is a township with huge greenspace...20 acres!!There was no pictorial details though....

Does anybody know why none of the new generation radio stations hav started broadcastin in kochi yet?!!
Does anybody hav a list of all da different stations coming up???

[PLUS]

On my very recent visit to an expo which was held @ the International Stadium, i saw the DLF Stall which had a flex with details of their new project.. it is a township with huge greenspace...20 acres!!There was no pictorial details though....

Does anybody know why none of the new generation radio stations hav started broadcastin in kochi yet?!!
Does anybody hav a list of all da different stations coming up???

So it is on sale. Then there will be an official launch soon. DLF riverside, Vyttila
had 37% of it sold out in just 5 days. So there is every reason for them to launch this
soon.
This is a copy of their review report
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/9361/dlfrivsa9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[elm07]

Thanks bijugp. It never crossed my mind then. Becoz I thought Vallarpadam
4-lane starts from present Apollo tyres jun. But they have moved it away from
Apollo jun. I feel they should have done it at Apollo jun. Otherwise they must close the junction to avoid traffic jams.

At Aluva also is it similar ? It is surely for a flyover as pillars are ready for everyone to
see. Are they planning to shift the junction towards Aluva market. Then it is worthwhile
to have a flyover there.

PLUS, the Aluva flyover was proposed about 3 years ago for reducing traffic congestion.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/06/18/stories/2005061814670300.htm



The BOT project involves converting two-lane roads into four-lane ones; re-laying and other maintenance work on the existing four-lane roads; construction of a flyover at Aluva and in four places in between Angamaly and Thrissur and two bridges. The flyover at Aluva, aimed at reducing congestion in the town, is expected to cost Rs. 16 crores." The Edapally-Aroor stretch will continue to be in the hands of the NHAI. Of this, the PWD is in charge of maintaining the Edapally-Vytilla stretch.

[elm07]

http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14658321

Hampshire Hotels



The hospitality major is planning to launch Hampshire Plaza in Cochin by the end of this year, which will be a 150-key, up-market property. It is also launching projects in Chennai, Noida, Navi Mumbai and adding to its existing projects in Cochin and Hyderabad.

[KMC]

http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14658321

Hampshire Hotels

This is hopefully the Hotel Project by Middleeast group at Elamkulam which Hampshire has partnered with.

The have another 5 Star Hotel " Dreams " coming at Silversand Island .

[KMC]

Update on Unitech's 42 Mn Sqft development in Kochi

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news_html_files/news_attachment/2008/Unitech%20Prime%207%20Apr%2008.pdf

[PLUS]

PLUS, the Aluva flyover was proposed about 3 years ago for reducing traffic congestion.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/06/18/stories/2005061814670300.htm

Good.

Actually after these flyovers are complete, traffic at Aluva Marthanda varma bridge
and Kalamassery Apollo jun will change completely. They will have to close the
junctions and let the traffic under the flyovers which are about 400 mtrs from the junction !!

[PLUS]

This is hopefully the Hotel Project by Middleeast group at Elamkulam which Hampshire has partnered with.

The have another 5 Star Hotel " Dreams " coming at Silversand Island .

Great. Didn't know Hampshire had partnered with Middleeast group.
the hotel is complete already, you can see the photos here.
http://vklholdings.com/middle_east.htm

[PLUS]

Somebody had a doubt about builders in Kochi - particularly Shwas Homes -
whether they will be able to sell a mega project like Aquacity. Here is the
availability data for the tower one which was launched 3 months back - 85% sold

Of course the doubter will not be interested in this - anyway his aim was to spoil
the thread by posting junk.

Availability Of Magic Lilly
Total Number : 175
Vaccancy : 29
http://www.shwashomes.com/Gallery/available.php?pr=Magic%20Lilly

[PLUS]

More info needed on these upcoming mega township projects


-- A2Z Builders

A2Z has acquired several properties in and around Cochin City with an intention of building high-rise residential and commerical complexes. It has also acquired 30 acres of prime river front land in kalamassery. the concept is a grand township that will be set in an idyllic environment. untouched by the modern humdrum, yet provivding all the blessing civilization brings. Once completed, it will be a self- sufficient township where residents can truly come home to comfort and calm. http://www.a2zgroup.biz/builders.htm




--Coral group Coral group plans a big township in Kochi. Details needed.
http://www.coralgroupindia.com/


--Patel Real Estate Developers (PRDPL), the real estate arm of 'House of Patels', one of India's leading business conglomerates is promoting 'Natasha Riverdale', a US$ 25 million plotted development project spread across 60 acres near Kochi, Kerala.

Over the years, Kochi has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most significant city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai). Kochi is proud of its world class port and international airport that links it to many major cities worldwide. News Source (http://www.arabianbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_pressreleases&view=detail&pr_id=17408&Itemid=77&ln=en)


The last one may be a giant one - it has 60 acres involved. It cant be just a Rs 100 cr
($ 25 million) project.


So far we have had several township projects alone running into abt Rs.6000 cr. And
bigger ones are yet to come.

[bhasidali]

--Patel Real Estate Developers (PRDPL), the real estate arm of 'House of Patels', one of India's leading business conglomerates is promoting 'Natasha Riverdale', a US$ 25 million plotted development project spread across 60 acres near Kochi, Kerala.

Over the years, Kochi has emerged as the commercial and industrial capital of Kerala and is perhaps the second most significant city on the west coast of India (after Mumbai). Kochi is proud of its world class port and international airport that links it to many major cities worldwide. News Source

Pls look here...
http://www.wallstreetestates.com/projects_in_cities_india.aspx?pCity=Kochi

[PLUS]

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/221/20080430at025102004lz4.th.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20080430at025102004lz4.jpg)

One ad of Gold souk from yesterdays manorama. Have they got environ clearance ?

[ashwinjoseph23]

Does nebody know which all radio stations are coming up in cochin soon?? i know dat Radio Mango & Club FM is going to be launched soon...ne other stations??

[PLUS]

This 27 story building of Joy alukkas at Kakkanad (Vazhakkala) is under construction.
Does anyone know the location (wikimapia will be useful)

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/6816/project6fk8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[thunderboltz]

This 27 story building of Joy alukkas at Kakkanad (Vazhakkala) is under construction.
Does anyone know the location (wikimapia will be useful)



Yes, Joy allukas has a plot facing the main road at Vazhakkala. It's on the right side when you go from palarivattom to kakkanad. There was a small office on the plot. Will check if there is any construction going on there. I'm not sure of the exact location to mark on wikimapia.

[thunderboltz]

Does nebody know which all radio stations are coming up in cochin soon?? i know dat Radio Mango & Club FM is going to be launched soon...ne other stations??

Sun FM (sun TV) and Best FM (Asianet) will be there too. I often see a club FM car in front of the Trans Asia Tower at kakkanad. Any idea if they have their office there?

[PLUS]

Yes, Joy allukas has a plot facing the main road at Vazhakkala. It's on the right side when you go from palarivattom to kakkanad. There was a small office on the plot. Will check if there is any construction going on there. I'm not sure of the exact location to mark on wikimapia.

Thanx boltz. Can u plse confirm next time you pass by and mark on wikimapia.
The architect's website says its under construction

[PLUS]

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/221/20080430at025102004lz4.th.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=20080430at025102004lz4.jpg)

One ad of Gold souk from yesterdays manorama. Have they got environ clearance ?


Ho Ho ... I guessed it right :notacrook: . Gold souk gets environ clearance



Subject: Construction of Commercial Complex ?The Souk? Shopping Mall at 536/3, 544/3, 545/1, 545/3 of Village Poonithura, Kanayannur, Ernakulam, Kerala by M/s. Sonia Farms Private Ltd. ? Environmental Clearance ? Reg.

Dear Sirs,

This has reference to your application No. NIL, dated 25.10.2006 and subsequent letters dated 04.01.2008 and 22.02.2008 seeking prior Environmental Clearance for the above project under the EIA Notification, 2006. The proposal has been appraised as per prescribed procedure in the lights of provisions under the EIA Notification, 2006 on the basis of the mandatory documents enclosed with the application viz., the Questionnaire, EIA, EMP and the additional clarifications furnished in response to the observations of the Expert Appraisal Committee constituted by the competent authority in its meetings held on 19th -22nd November 2007, 28th ? 30th January 2008 and 13th ? 14th March, 2008 and awarded ?Silver? grading to the project. http://164.100.194.13:8080/allied_envclr/showApprovedletters1994.do?projectCode=21-404/2007-IA.III

[abhilash]

Waaawww thats huge project . I guess launch is at Taj Residency , if some one have invitation , please see the launch and take pics.

See the price of each flats whopping 3.25 Crore , yes , Kochi has hit 10,000 / sq ft mark ..

Does anyboy Know??
3.25 Crore is minimum

Maximum is 8.00 Crore

[bhasidali]

EXPLORING new business possibilities relating to the upcoming Vallarpadam Container Terminal, Mini Muthoottu group plans to set up a comprehensive warehousing facility in Kochi.

First of its kind in Kerala, the Logistics Park will have the state-of-the-art warehousing system that would offer adequate storage facility for all kinds trans-shipment goods.

The project, to be at an investment of Rs 300 crore, is expected to be completed in two years.

source (http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEB20080502140849&Page=B&Title=Business&Topic=0)

[abhilash]

BOT model for cruise terminal

KOCHI: The feasibility report and business plan for the proposed international cruise terminal and public plaza on Willingdon Island has suggested setting up the world-class facilities on the tested Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) structure.

The study, submitted to Cochin Port Trust a fortnight ago, has set a debt-equity ratio of 68:32 for the project, establishing which will cost an estimated Rs. 375 crore.

The report has been prepared by Mir Projects and Consultants Pvt. Ltd, Kochi and TranSystems, Virginia of the USA.

The cruise terminal project is one with a long gestation period, the study said, as it suggested the PPP-BOT route for implementing it.

“Cruise Terminal is a project with a long gestation period and revenue from Terminal Operation, when compared to the investment, may not be attractive. Considering this fact, we propose a mix of commercial activities together with the main business.” The study said that the PPP structure can have a definite end period and the Port Trust could fix the lease period for the land which will be the operating period developer.

Inviting a developer through global tender and setting acceptable standards will be the Port Trust’s job. Once a developer is selected and an agreement signed, a Special Purpose Vehicle can be formed for implementing the project.

The report recommended a joint venture company, with a total of 26 per cent or more stake for the Cochin Port Trust.

The project comprises building a world-class cruise terminal, a ‘Kerala Village’ as a major tourist attraction, a 238-room hotel complex, shopping mall and office complex as well as a parking garage.

Cochin Port Trust has earmarked 6.71 hectares (16.59 acres) for the project of which 4.24 will bring in lease income while the rest of the area will be developed through a Special Purpose Vehicle.

The total construction cost will add up to more than Rs. 285 crore. The study has put the cost of building the cruise berth at Rs. 61.22 crore, cruise terminal building at Rs.40.94 crore, Kerala Village at Rs. 6 crore, shopping mall and office tower at Rs. 79.57 crore and the hotel complex at Rs. 83.53 crore. Walkways, a park and bus circuit will be additional facilities.

Though Cochin Port Trust has set an aggressive deadline — November 2010 — for completion of the project, the implementation is expected to take approximately 30 months between late 2009 and July 2011.

The project will have significant economic impact on Kochi and the cruise terminal projects will generate direct employment to 1,500 people.

Besides, the study has projected Rs. 23 crore in annual crew and passenger spending by 2015.

This can go up to Rs. 58 crore annually by 2025. Bunker purchases and ship services will be major activities that will come along with the implementation of the project. The report also projects that more than 50 per cent of the revenue will accrue from the hotel complex.

[KMC]

Does anyboy Know??
3.25 Crore is minimum

Maximum is 8.00 Crore

had it been 5 or 10 flats , it wud have been OK . But this one is 400 flats in phase 1 and ; phase 2 we dont know how many is gonna come. Is thr tat much demand in Kochi for these sort super luxury flats, I just cant digest this .

Well , you can expect similar one from Purva . Just wait for their turn .

[thunderboltz]

had it been 5 or 10 flats , it wud have been OK . But this one is 400 flats in phase 1 and ; phase 2 we dont know how many is gonna come. Is thr tat much demand in Kochi for these sort super luxury flats, I just cant digest this .


I remember reading somewhere that only 3% of the demand for super-luxury housing in Kochi is currently met.:sly:

[PLUS]

Big investment to follow LNG terminal

Plan for Rs.5,000-crore urea plant in Kochi

Staff Reporter

Efforts on to link Kochi to national gas grid: Paswan

KOCHI: The Union Fertilizer Ministry will consider setting up a million-tonne urea plant in Kochi at an investment of about Rs.5,000 crore once liquefied natural gas (LNG) is available here, said Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Saturday. http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/04/stories/2008050455800100.htm

[kunjumon123]

had it been 5 or 10 flats , it wud have been OK . But this one is 400 flats in phase 1 and ; phase 2 we dont know how many is gonna come. Is thr tat much demand in Kochi for these sort super luxury flats, I just cant digest this .

i dont think you realise how much demand there actually is... its not just local rich malayalis buying luxury but because kochi is growing extremely fast and also because of the natural beauty NRIs living abroad from all parts of india, malayalis from other parts of kerala and a significant number of north indians are all choosing to buy luxury flats in kochi.. the demand is quite frankly not met as of yet- and the better news is that demand for luxury apartments in kochi is expected to double in size in the next 3 years.

[KMC]

The Forum Mall - Its a 1.8 Mn Sqft Development
with saleable area of 1.05 Mn

This was forwarded to me by one of my frnd , I Think this is the one ..

wish some one can confirm this

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2278/5largepc0.jpg

[abhilash]

had it been 5 or 10 flats , it wud have been OK . But this one is 400 flats in phase 1 and ; phase 2 we dont know how many is gonna come. Is thr tat much demand in Kochi for these sort super luxury flats, I just cant digest this .

Well , you can expect similar one from Purva . Just wait for their turn .

Even the Duplex flat of Prestige group ,Which is coming up at Marine Drive costs between 7-8 Crores.
The group says all the flats have been sold out.

[abhilash]

The Forum Mall - Its a 1.8 Mn Sqft Development
with saleable area of 1.05 Mn

This was forwarded to me by one of my frnd , I Think this is the one ..

wish some one can confirm this

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2278/5largepc0.jpg

The Size seems to be bigger than Lulu International Mall !!!!!!!

[PLUS]

The Forum Mall - Its a 1.8 Mn Sqft Development
with saleable area of 1.05 Mn

This was forwarded to me by one of my frnd , I Think this is the one ..

wish some one can confirm this

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2278/5largepc0.jpg

Great discovery. It is the Forum perspective. You can easily check it out
by going to http://www.rspindia.net/
and then > Portfolio > Hospitality > Forum Cochin

One can see that the frontage is the same.


Abhilash

LuLu is still the biggest mall with more than 1.4 million sq ft on sale. Forum's
total 1.8 million sq ft includes the star hotel, am I correct KMC ?

[bhasidali]

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/2278/5largepc0.jpg

I personally feel bad about the structure of Forum Mall, it just like "Bus Stand":slob:

Even Forum HYD have better design...wat u think guys...?

[KMC]

I personally feel bad about the structure of Forum Mall, it just like "Bus Stand":slob:

Even Forum HYD have better design...wat u think guys...?

I think this is a best design they can have for 2 reasons

1. Forum plot is not a square plot , its a rectangular one.
2. Mall should not be vertical , it shud be horizontal , See Lulu Mall .

see the length of that structure , its really huge.

[puppuli]

I personally feel bad about the structure of Forum Mall, it just like "Bus Stand":slob:

Even Forum HYD have better design...wat u think guys...?

Hi,i couldnt stop commenting on this...

Just imagine if i had raised the same opinion here what would have been the result???

Dont underestimate anybody....

Keep going friends....

BTW thank you for the support viperpaul...

[elm07]

i dont think you realise how much demand there actually is... its not just local rich malayalis buying luxury but because kochi is growing extremely fast and also because of the natural beauty NRIs living abroad from all parts of india, malayalis from other parts of kerala and a significant number of north indians are all choosing to buy luxury flats in kochi.. the demand is quite frankly not met as of yet- and the better news is that demand for luxury apartments in kochi is expected to double in size in the next 3 years.

this isnt the first one at this scale in Kochi ... Prestige's Neptune Coutyard in Kochi was conceived before this, and its range is from 1 crores to Rs 7.25 crore - and the market is not necessarily Indians - when its luxury there are looking at a global market.

[kunjumon123]

this isnt the first one at this scale in Kochi ... Prestige's Neptune Coutyard in Kochi was conceived before this, and its range is from 1 crores to Rs 7.25 crore - and the market is not necessarily Indians - when its luxury there are looking at a global market.

very true- neptune wen it was announced was the mother of all real estate- but very fast bigger projects are coming along

[PLUS]

I personally feel bad about the structure of Forum Mall, it just like "Bus Stand":slob:

Even Forum HYD have better design...wat u think guys...?

Bhasid

It does look dull compared to LuLu design. But I feel its due to the perspective from this South-East angle. The one from North-East would offer a great view.

[PLUS]

Sterling - HDFC project in Kochi

Does anyone know details

HDFC Property Fund, Sterling take up Rs 4,000 cr project in Whitefield
BS Reporter / Chennai/ Bangalore May 06, 2008

Sterling Urban Developments, a joint venture floated by HDFC Property Fund (a subsidiary of Housing Development Finance Corporation) and Bangalore-based Sterling Developers will take up development of 150 acres in Whitefield at a cost of Rs 4,000 crore.

Along with the Bangalore project, the company is also into expansion. As part of expansion the company has commenced property development in Pune and Kochi. The company is actively considering to acquire two infrastructure companies to aggressively enter infrastructure sector.
http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=lmnu1&subLeft=1&autono=322045&tab=r

[PLUS]

Iran services from Kochi

Iran increases flights to Turkey, India
ANKARA, May 2 (MNA) – Presidents of the Civil Aviation Organizations of Iran and Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the number of air vectors between the two neighboring countries, here on Wednesday.
Hossein Khanlari and his Turkish counterpart agreed to increase Tehran-Istanbul flights from 10 to 14 and the flights to other Turkish cities from 9 to 15, reported Mehr.

According to the MOU, the number of cargo flights between the two countries is unlimited.
Elsewhere in another MOU, Iran agreed to increase flights to India.
After two days of negotiations in New Delhi, representatives of the Civil Aviation Organizations of the countries sealed an MOU on Thursday, IRNA reported.

According to the MOU, 23 weekly flights will pass the Iran-India corridor.

Flights will be to the Indian cities of New Delhi, Kochi, and Amritsar.

Also, Iran has asked for weekly flights to Hyderabad. Meantime, India is mulling over the response. http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=675947

[PLUS]

Sahara Grace gets Env clearance


http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7265/2008041688251oj3.th.jpg (http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7265/2008041688251oj3.jpg)

Sahara's first ever project in south India takes off at Kakkanad, Kochi

Subject:- Construction of residential township ?Sahara Grace? at village Kakkanad, Seaport Airport Road (NH-47 by-pass road Vytilla), Thrikkapara Panchayat, Ernakulam District, Kerala by M/s. Sahara India Commercial Corporation Ltd.? Environmental Clearance ? reg.

Sir,

This has reference to your application No. SICCL/SCH/EIA/COR/91 dated 10.07.2007 and subsequent letter dated 01.01.2008 seeking prior environmental clearance for the above project under the EIA Notification, 1994. The proposal has been appraised as per prescribed procedure in the lights of provisions under the EIA Notification, 2006 on the basis of the mandatory documents enclosed with the application viz., the Questionnaire, EIA, EMP and the additional clarifications furnished in response to the observations of the Expert Appraisal Committee constituted by the competent authority in its meetings held on 19th -22nd November, 2007 and 10th ? 11th January, 2008 and awarded ?Silver? grading to the project.
It is, interalia, noted that the project involves construction of residential apartment complex on a plot area of 5.96 ha. The total build-up area proposed is 1,63, 664.45 Sq.m. with 728 units ( 2 BR-208, 3 BR-422 & 4 BR -98); Commercial area; Mall & Multiplex and Hotel-50 rooms; Club & community centre. http://164.100.194.13:8080/allied_envclr/showApprovedletters1994.do?projectCode=21-762/2007-IA.III

[PLUS]

FACT is planning to open up its land holdings for big time
investment

From Mathrubhumi 05-05-2008
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2439/fact1lw0.jpg

[KMC]

30 Acre township near Smart City .

"Matching the contemporary industry standards and customer response, Jairaj Builders has its seventh project fast progressing. The proposed project is a residential township, comprising of villas and apartment homes ranging from economy to super-luxury. To be launched in an expanse of over 30 acres, the township will promote the following features, including a fully-equipped private club with a thousand-seater auditorium, a banquet hall, health club, swimming pool and other recreational facilities. The site located within 2 km from seaport-airport road will also boast of well-planned layout and excellent sewage system. Having completed 6 projects - 5 deluxe residential apartments at Padamugal, Kakkanad and one commercial building complex at NH-47 by-pass Edapally, this residential township from Jairaj Builders too will be a promising deal to home buyers!"

http://www.jairaj.in/MoreNews.aspx?Nid=39

[elm07]

More on the Hampshire Hotels projects ........

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Hampshire-Hotels-to-develop-2-new-projects-in-Kochi/306391/



Kochi, May 6 Hampshire Hotels and Resorts (HHR), owned by the NRI Sant Singh Chatwal, is developing two properties in Kochi, one of which is in a privately owned island in the heart of the city. Sources told FE that the island property would be developed jointly with its owners, a Kochi based architect firm, which had forayed unsuccessfully into real estate business way back in 90s.

Spread over 50 acres, the island also has the distinction of having necessary infrastructure connecting it to the mainland. Sources further said that the island hotel could be in the seven star super luxury category.

HHR sources from Bangalore refused to comment on the development but confirmed that they are looking for more than one property in the city.

Meanwhile, HHR has taken over a completed but not functioning property hardly one kilometre away from the island. The 150-room hotel owned formerly by Middle East Hotels (P) Ltd. will be refurnished before its launch in October, sources said. The hotel project was languishing for many months after its completion because of internal squabbles between its NRI directors, sources said.

"The hotel will be in the five star premium category under the Hampshire Plaza brand with multi-cuisine restraints and other amenities," sources said.

HHR, which owns luxury boutique brands 'Dream' and 'Night' is looking to develop new brands in the Indian market to be introduced worldwide. It had earlier been reported that the company would pump in Rs 4,500 crore by 2009 for setting up a chain of hotels, including super luxury hotels in India.The super luxury brand to be launched would have 300 rooms and the group intends to create convention centres in every hotel.

[Diku]

hi everyone,
Can anybody provide me a list of all the commercial projects coming up in Kochi?

[PLUS]

hi everyone,
Can anybody provide me a list of all the commercial projects coming up in Kochi?

Diku,

Its a tedious work. Just search the 134 odd pages in this Cochin forum and compile.
I have all but given up - if someone could share the work I can compile.

[PLUS]

Guys

I was going to list the projects that will soon apply for Env clearance. TCG biotech was
the first in my list as I read 2-3 months back in Manorama that they are going to apply
for EC.

And they have :)

Project No:21-254/2008-IA.III
Project Name: EC for proposed biotech SEZ at cochin, Kerala
District:xx
Village:xx
Company:TCG Real Estate


There is one more new entry

Project No:21-221/2008-IA.III
Project Name: EC for dream hotel, at silversand island, ennakulam district
District:xx
Village:xx
Company:Backwater Hotel and resort Pvt. Ltd.

EC application is an interesting parameter as it tells us that all land acquisition are
over and the designs are ready. As on date out of 17 projects pending Environ
clearance in Kerala 13 are in Kochi. The other 4 are in Trivandrum.

Soon we can expect SmartCity, Dewa projects, Nitesh Estates, Aquacity and may be
Signature tower. Last four projects are already under construction but EC can be applied
for after the start of construction (Gold Souk got EC only this month while the construction
is 60% complete)

[positron]

Spread over 50 acres, the island also has the distinction of having necessary infrastructure connecting it to the mainland. Sources further said that the island hotel could be in the seven star super luxury category.

Sorry to be bearer of the bad news, but looks like a bit of lofty reporting from FinancialExpress, or a classic case of falling for the hype. There is no such official label of 'Seven-stars' rating and the idea itself against the traditional sense of rating in 1 to 5 stars. Or in other words, marketing mumbo jumbo (yes, including Burj Al Arab).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_(classification)#Controversy

First post, and negative. Apologies!

[Diku]

Thanks Plus

[Diku]

HI positron,
do u have idea about any big projects coming up in kochi?

[Diku]

I do have the list with me, but i m not sure, in which stage they are?

E.g. IT projects coming up in Kochi are
Infopark
Smart city
Cyber city
Sobha hitech city

[PLUS]

Infopark to build 6 million sq ft in phase II. Currently has 2 million sq ft ready/under construction. There will be another 2 million in the present phase I. The expansion will start soon as most of the land to be acquired are vacant land and only 14 families
are to be rehabilitated.

This would mean 100,000 employed at Infopark alone.

Land acquisition work to be quickened
Wednesday May 7 2008 02:08 IST

Express News Service


KOCHI: District Collector M Beena said that the district administration will speed up all activities for the acquisition of 167-acre land for the comprehensive second phase development of the Infopark, Kochi.

As part of the move, the Collector paid a visit to the Infopark and held discussions with its CEO Siddardh Bhattacharya at his office on Tuesday. "Beena, also a general body member of the Infopark, promised all help for the speedy acquisition of the land," said senior Infopark technical advisor Kuriyan.

The land has been identified on both sides of Kadambrayar at Puthencruz and Kunnathunadu villages and it is near to the land identified for the Smart City Kochi.

The 4(1) notification for the land acquisition was issued in 2007 and survey works have also been completed. Now the Infopark has 101 acres of land in its possession where it has a 20-lakh sq-ft building. It will soon set up another 20-lakh sq ft building in the rest of 101 acres of land.

"We are planning to construct 60- lakh sq ft building in 167 acres of land which is going to be acquired," said Kuriyan.

The 167-acres of land include mainly water bodies and paddyfields. It also includes around 14 houses to be acquired. http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEX20080506154632&Page=X&Title=Kochi&Topic=0&

[PLUS]

Sutherland exceeds target

Once the state govt okays Sutherland SEZ at Kalamassery they wil have one of their
biggest centres in the world there. Our CM Achuthanandan however seems to want to
delay it along with 10 other SEZs to give TECOM a good start. Realpolitik :shrug:


The company, which has 6 facilities in Chennai and one each in Kochi and Mumbai, announced that it hired over 3000 employees in India in 2007, thus taking its India headcount to over 11000 employees. Globally, Sutherland now has over 21,000 employees across its 22 delivery centers in India, the United States, Philippines, Canada, Eastern Europe, and Mexico.


Within 18 months of its launch in Kochi, Kerala, Sutherland has increased its headcount to over 1500 against its original target of 750 employees. Sutherland expects to double its headcount in Kerala over the 18 months to over 3000 employees. http://www.cxotoday.com/India/News/Sutherland_Looking_for_Indian_Expansion/551-89109-908.html

[ktm_boy]

Sutherland exceeds target

Once the state govt okays Sutherland SEZ at Kalamassery they wil have one of their
biggest centres in the world there. Our CM Achuthanandan however seems to want to
delay it along with 10 other SEZs to give TECOM a good start. Realpolitik :shrug:
please dont add nonsense here. Sutherland did not gave proper explanation and details about queries from Indutsry ministry. And its its still with the consideration of same department. It has not gone to IT department. If proper details are handed over to the department, they will forward it to central agency. This was clarified by Mr kareem in an interview with Amrutha TV. dont pull VS into this controversy

[ktm_boy]

Sutherland exceeds target

Once the state govt okays Sutherland SEZ at Kalamassery they wil have one of their
biggest centres in the world there. Our CM Achuthanandan however seems to want to
delay it along with 10 other SEZs to give TECOM a good start. Realpolitik :shrug:

Infopark to build 6 million sq ft in phase II. Currently has 2 million sq ft ready/under construction. There will be another 2 million in the present phase I. The expansion will start soon as most of the land to be acquired are vacant land and only 14 families
are to be rehabilitated.

This would mean 100,000 employed at Infopark alone.

Nik, Both of these comments/reports are contradicting. is int?

[Santhosh]

Whatever it may bem sutherland decided to move out of Kochi and setting up the campus in Chennai.

See the link http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/05/08/stories/2008050851780400.htm

==
Chennai, May 7 The US-based Sutherland Global Services, a BPO company with offshore operations in Chennai, Kochi and Mumbai, plans to set up a new global campus in Chennai. When fully operational, the campus will occupy over 10,000 people.

The campus will also house the ‘Sutherland Academy of Excellence’, a global training and development centre for all Sutherland employees. Construction of Phase I of the campus will commence in the second half of this year, says a company press release.

=======

[PLUS]

Whatever it may bem sutherland decided to move out of Kochi and setting up the campus in Chennai.

See the link http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/05/08/stories/2008050851780400.htm


=======

Santhosh

According to the link you posted they are not moving from Kochi but doubling
the employees.
Within 18 months of its launch in Kochi, Sutherland has increased its headcount
to over 1,500 against its original target of 750 employees. The Kochi facility is becoming
the hub of back office processing work in the financial services sector, and Sutherland
expects to double its headcount in the city over the 18 months.

This is at their Kakkanad centre. The SEZ application is for their Kalamassery
campus where they plan to house a huge number. This is now uncertain due to Chief
minister's sinister games.


He can't do much with Infopark expansion because

(1) politically he would be exposed for blocking development of public sector Infopark
(2) Not all of the Infopark has SEZ status, and it will take time for them to
acquire land and apply for SEZ.

His problem is with companies like Parsvnath, Unitech, TCG etc who have already
got formal approval and just need notification. Formal approval means they have
fulfilled all criteria including land documents.

This is not to say that only Achuthanandan is like this. Even if it were Ummen Chandy
this cud have happened. In fact Chandy's smart City agreement prevented govt from
investing in IT infrastructure. It is only a matter of guess that he would have done what
VS is doing now with other SEZ applications - delaying. They are doing it because thats
the only thing they can do. If an application is not complete even after 2 years of
applying govt usually rejects it. But here they dont - because they will have to give
reason for rejection. Hence they put it on back-burner. This provides them with a ready
made answer. We are "contemplating" "studying" "mulling" and such phoney responses.

In fact there is no policy or ideological issue here. Companies bought land at market rate
- unlike Nandigram or Singur where land was acquired by govt and given to TATA or Salim group
by paying peanuts to farmers. Industry dept forwarded this application long time ago - 2 years
back precisely. Most important, Chief minister has cleared the policy on IT SEZs according to
which these SEZs should get sanction. (click on the image below). But he does not
forward it !! For no reason !! This is nothing but another example of all pervading corruption.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3853/20080418af006102036lq1.th.jpg (http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3853/20080418af006102036lq1.jpg)
This is not a question of VS vs Chandy vs any other politician. Its a question of
accountability. A chief minister can do many things which are technically legal
but against mores and ethics. This is precisely one such case.

[Santhosh]

Then why the news media or public or opposition is not talking anything about this issue.. I never hear any news in Asianet or other channel regarding this issue.

[PLUS]

Then why the news media or public or opposition is not talking anything about this issue.. I never hear any news in Asianet or other channel regarding this issue.

Recently it had become an issue in news papers Mathrubhumi, Manorama and
New Indian Express. I dont know about TV - I'm not a regular watcher

Manorama editorial 21-04-2008
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2492/20080421ah051100013ct8.th.jpg (http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/2492/20080421ah051100013ct8.jpg)

Mathrubhumi 07-04-2008
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8905/sez1gy8.th.jpg (http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8905/sez1gy8.jpg)

From New Indian Express January 30 2008
Now he is worried that if a Cyber City of the magnitude launched by Elamaram Kareem comes up in Kochi, much before Smart City takes final shape, then it would mean trouble for his dream project.

The same must be the concern of his office in giving clearance to nearly 13 proposals for SEZs, many of them for IT parks in Kochi.

While every other state is submitting hundreds of applications for SEZ status, securing clearance for these 13 from Kerala at the first sitting of the Board itself is nothing but a procedural and technical matter, sources point out. http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEO20080130002357&Page=O&Title=Thiruvananthapuram&Topic=0

Another news (also reported in The Hindu)
Achuthanandan attacked over pending SEZ applications (http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/achuthanandan-attacked-over-pending-sez-applications_10029562.html)


Santhosh

I hope it is crystal clear to you that it is dirty foul play. The Chief Minister has not replied to any of these
reports. Obviously so. What will he reply ? That it needs time ? It has been there for two years on his table.
Or there is a policy issue ? Or there is discrepancy in application ? Then he should reject them.
He does not. No action, no answer ! Shameful ostrich attitude

[PLUS]

There... this is what I had requested for one month back.

KMC, hope you remember Infopark had tendered 5 acres - 4.97 acres to be precise -
and the last date was Feb 15, 2008. I had posted this query long ago - now the answer
comes :) Brigade seems to have won it.
I guess there is a residential project by Brigade in Kochi. Has anybody got info on that.


Brigade gets 5 acres at Infopark in Kochi
Anil Urs / Chennai/ Bangalore May 08, 2008

Brigade Enterprises, a Bangalore-based real estate developer, has bagged five acres in Kochi to develop IT office space. The company got the land in the processing area of Kochi's InfoPark Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

Infopark Kochi is the IT Park developed by the Government of Kerala. For the project, the government has transferred 100 acres of land which is now under the ownership and possession of Infoparks Kerala, an independent society owned by the state government.

"We have just won the bid and it is under the planning stages to determine the cost of the project. The built-up area is likely to be around four to five lakh sq feet of IT office space and Brigade will co-develop the space along with InfoPark, Kochi," a senior Brigade company official said.

IT office project investment in Kochi is part of the company's expansion plans in South India. The company all these years had been concentrating only in Bangalore and Mysore, catering to IT and BPO sectors. http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?leftnm=1&autono=322288

[abhilash]

Bomb detection system at airport

System to cost Rs. 50 lakh

NEDUMBASSERY: In the wake of growing security threats faced by the strategic installations in the country, the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is considering the proposal for setting up an active bomb detection system at the airport.

“We have already given orders for the purchase of equipment, including metal detectors. Nearly Rs.50 lakh is the expected cost for setting up this system,” said a senior official at the airport. He also said that the airport had been waiting for the approval of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and added that the equipment purchased should be according to the specifications of BCAS. A couple of weeks ago, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) set up by the CISF on a temporary basis was withdrawn from the airport. The trained personnel were deployed at other airports. There were also reports that the airport had to depend on the BDDS unit of the Kerala police at Thrippunithura in case of any emergency. The average reaction time calculated was at two hours.

[PLUS]

Abhilash, always please post news link
http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/09/stories/2008050959660300.htm

[PLUS]

Anybody seen a hoarding as you reach Edappally signal - across the road in front
of the Lulu construction site. It says "Mereena developers" or something like that.
The hoarding is huge. Does anyone know details or weblink.

Of course, I found this http://www.mereena.com/ there is nothing here.

[PLUS]

Kochi, the Queen of Kerala's art scene

9 May, 2008, 0352 hrs IST,P K Krishnakumar, TNN

KOCHI: One is yet to know how well Randeep Hooda has portrayed the character of popular Kerala-born artist Raja Ravi Varma in Ketan Mehta's new movie Rang Rasiya. But whatever it is, the film couldn’t have come at a better time considering the boom in the art sector of Kerala, Kochi in particular.

Art galleries have mushroomed in Kochi in the last few years exhibiting paintings of local artists as well as those from other states. There are at least ten galleries functioning in and around Kochi now and almost all of them host exhibitions regularly.

The contemporary art gallery of Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademy in Kochi now has four halls for exhibiting paintings. Earlier it had just two halls, but with rising demand from the artists, the art gallery has been expanded.

As artist T Kaladharan, who runs perhaps the oldest art gallery in the city, Orthic Creative Centre, said: “Art galleries flourish because there is demand. The younger generation, particularly those in IT sector with high incomes, are buying more paintings.’’

The non-resident Keralites too have taken a fancy to paintings. Earlier they used to splurge on palatial houses and swanky cars. But now with growing awareness on art, they are showing keen interest in paintings. The new trend is benefiting the local artists who are getting attractive prices for their works. The works of local artists, who have attained national recognition, are in great demand.

Apart from the individuals, the corporates too have been instrumental in promoting artists. “More local companies are coming forward to invest in works of an artist. They are prepared to buy a group of paintings of a single artist,” said Dilip Narayanan, who operates Gallery OED (Open Eyed Dreams). The companies are willing to spend lakhs on such paintings.

As a result, several young painters are coming to the fore. Earlier there were only some popular names like K C S Panikker, Yusuf Arakkal, C N Karunakaran etc. But now the works of young artists like Bose Krishnamachari, Zakkir Hussain, Bhagyanathan, Rajan M Krishnan are becoming a big draw. There are clients who are willing to shell out Rs 1 to 2 lakh for a painting.

Anoop Skaria—one of the owners of Kashi Art Cafe—feels that rising demand for art works represents the changing aesthetic values of people in Kochi. “Instead of building a showcase, these people are willing to hang a painting,” he said. Ishka, an air conditioned art gallery started by the young artist Joseph Chakola, is the latest one to enter the scene.

Mr Chakola wants it to be much more than an art gallery. He is planning to conduct art camps and wants to make it the centre of boutique art tourism in Kochi. Perhaps as Mr Anoop says, like its films and literature, it is time for the art works of Kerala to get due recognition outside. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Kochi_the_Queen_of_Keralas_art_scene/articleshow/3023460.cms

[PLUS]

Rakindo to develop hotel too in Kochi. I had posted earlier their land holdings in Kochi
which come to about 500 acres

Rakindo Developers has raised Rs 4,000 crore ($1 billion) from Lotus Investment fund to develop hotel properties across India under the brand name Millennium and Copthorne Hotels.

It has begun construction in Hyderabad and Bangalore, and plans to set up hotels in Vizag, Kochi and other south Indian cities. http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=14669989

Muthoot group's project - is there any info on this ? location ?

Muthoot to have 40 properties in next 10 yrs

Kerala-based hospitality chain, Muthoot Leisure & Hospitality, a subsidiary of The Muthoot Group, is looking at having 40 premium and budget properties in the next ten years under its umbrella. George M George, executive director of The Muthoot Group, reveals,

The company is currently in the process of developing a 250-room five-star business hotel in Kochi and a premium beach resort in Mararikulam (Kerala) with an investment of Rs 290 crore. http://www.expresshospitality.com/20080515/market25.shtml

[PLUS]

21 floor residential tower at Kadavantra from Vijaya group

http://www.vijayaliving.com/images/magnum-logo.jpg

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/1341/magnumelerh1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


See, when Dewa is asking 8 crores these smaller players are not left
far behind

The price range is from Rs. 75 lakhs to Rs.1.25 crores

[KMC]

21 floor residential tower at Kadavantra from Vijaya group

See, when Dewa is asking 8 crores these smaller players are not left
far behind

City is too costly these days ,
What ever said and done , DEWA has sealed the show .

Nice to see Brigade taking the Infopark Land . The only problem now is , how fast govt will act to acquire the 167 acres of Infopark expansion . Hope this will not follow the same path of other IT projects as the rehabilitation needed is only for 14 families. But still , since it is Kerala govt , I put a time line of 2 years .
Smart City was lucky enough as the project is a matter of prestige for LDF , hence they rush thru the acquisition . same momentum , we can just rule out for other projects like infopark or anything else.

Yesterdays Economictimes had supplements on South India projects .
There was a one full page ad by Sobha Group mention , " Coming soon to Cochin" ..
Brigade's ad shows they have projects in Kochi.
in another supplement on Retail , it was mentioned that there is one builder based in calicut " Hi Lite " group , they will be launching a Mall project in Kochi .

[AbrahamVCherry]

MUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - Kirloskar Pneumatic Co. Ltd. has won an order worth 800 million rupees to design, supply and install an air conditioning plant from Cochin Shipyard Ltd.

With this order -- expected to be completed by March 2009 -- the company's order book stands at 5 billion rupees.

http://cochinoverseasfundsociety.blogspot.com/2008/05/indias-kirloskar-pneumatic-gets-800-mln.html

[AbrahamVCherry]

More greenfield projects for Navy: Mehta

Press Trust of India / New Delhi May 09, 2008



To strengthen Indian Navy, more greenfield projects were needed to enhance production of vessels, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta said today.



"The Ministry of Shipping is setting up one ship building yard on each of the two coasts (east and west). Somebody must set up more greenfield projects for ship building as operational yards as the Mazgaon Docks Limited have limitations (of capacity)," Admiral Mehta said, after the conclusion of a two-day Naval Commanders Conference.


"We will also see more of private partnerships in the area", he said, adding that construction major L&T has expressed interest in putting up such a project and have plans to place orders with the company in the near future.


Ideally, the country needs two operational aircraft carriers and other ships. Efforts are on to have three aircraft carriers in the fleet while 34 ships and six submarines are already being constructed to take the total number of ships to 160, he added.


He further said that right now the country does not have an operational aircraft carrier and the situation could have been averted, had aircraft carrier 'Vikramaditya' arrived on time. The ship is expected from Russia in three years' time.


The indigenous carrier building project at Cochin is on as per the schedule and the ship is expected in 2012. "The facility is expected to be used as a permanent carrier building line and will produce a carrier after the completion of the first ship. One more will be ready by the time 'Vikramaditya' retires," he said.


The Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov (re-christened as Vikramaditya) is currently undergoing refurbishment and the project was delayed due to cost escalation factors.


Meanwhile, Admiral Mehta also endorsed the use of the time-saving block-wise system of ship building as compared to the "keel-up" concept traditionally adopted by India yards.


"Ships are divided into five blocks and built simultaneously at different locations, thereby saving time. During a visit to UK, I saw each block was of around 1,500 tonnes but I will ask the Cochin yard making the aircraft carrier to consider building blocks of 350-400 tonnes each," Admiral Mehta said.


Admiral Mehta also said that the Navy will be implementing the "Network Centric Operations" programme under which platforms under sea, on it and in the air are integrated with a single communications platform.


The implementation of the project which gives a clear picture on the surroundings will start by this year-end on one platform per time. The programme is being carried out in-house and with the help of companies like Satyam Technologies and Tata Consultancy Services can be sought for developing software for the system, Mehta said.


Meanwhile, the chief of naval staff also said that in the wake of increased economic prosperity, the country also needs to enhance the numbers of merchant ships for transportation of civilian goods and tankers for energy security.
http://cochinoverseasfundsociety.blogspot.com/2008/05/navys-indigenous-carrier-building.html#links

[PLUS]

City is too costly these days ,
What ever said and done , DEWA has sealed the show .

Nice to see Brigade taking the Infopark Land . The only problem now is , how fast govt will act to acquire the 167 acres of Infopark expansion . Hope this will not follow the same path of other IT projects as the rehabilitation needed is only for 14 families. But still , since it is Kerala govt , I put a time line of 2 years .
Smart City was lucky enough as the project is a matter of prestige for LDF , hence they rush thru the acquisition . same momentum , we can just rule out for other projects like infopark or anything else.

Yesterdays Economictimes had supplements on South India projects .
There was a one full page ad by Sobha Group mention , " Coming soon to Cochin" ..
Brigade's ad shows they have projects in Kochi.
in another supplement on Retail , it was mentioned that there is one builder based in calicut " Hi Lite " group , they will be launching a Mall project in Kochi .


Brigade's 5 acres is part of the present phase of Infopark. Phase II expansion is
separate.

Also very exciting to hear about ad campaign in Bombay newspapers like ET.
Wish we cud have a look

[PLUS]

This is a two year old news. It shows how much we are lagging in infrastructure.

Kochi roads became saturated for its traffic 4-5 years ago according to NHAI Project
Director Srinivasulu Naidu. Edappally-Airport stretch of NH has become the first that
exceeds 40,000 PCU limit that 4-lane can handle. Actually the traffic according to
Srinivasulu Naidu was 50,000 PCU two years ago. Today its unimaginably large.

Till day this is the only stretch of any NH in Kerala that has such a high traffic.

When will the state govt wake up to acquire land ? When will it be six-laned ?



Edapally-Airport Junction stretch unable to handle heavy traffic

John L. Paul

Highways authority official says it has to be widened to six lanes

KOCHI: With the number of passenger car units (PCUs) on the Edapally-Airport Junction stretch exceeding 50,000 a day, there is an urgent need to widen the road from four lanes to six lanes.

The PCU is a conversion based on speed of vehicles and the area occupied by them. The PCU of a car is 1 and a two-wheeler 0.5. A bus has 3 as the PCU. Srinivasulu Naidu, Project Director of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), says that four-lane roads have a carrying capacity of 20,000 to 30,000 PCUs a day.

"Once it reaches the figure of 40,000 PCUs a day, steps must be taken to convert the stretch into six lanes. Now, it is up to the Central Government to decide on widening the stretch."

A survey undertaken by the Public Works Department has found that the number of PCUs has exceeded 50,000 on the stretch. The authority will have to provide land for widening the road. http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/12/stories/2006041225690300.htm

[Santhosh]

Hi

Atleast now our opposition wake-up and started asking to CM regarding the IT SEZ in Kochi..

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?articleType=Malayalam+Home&contentId=3960769&tabId=0&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@

[tonapz]

The Emaar MGF has opened their office in kochi!
I Think they are planning to start their Kochi project soon.

[PLUS]

Hi

Atleast now our opposition wake-up and started asking to CM regarding the IT SEZ in Kochi..

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?articleType=Malayalam+Home&contentId=3960769&tabId=0&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@


Yes, this is the first focussed expose of this issue. See the highlighted portion in the
Hindu news below. Industries dept gave nod for the applications while Chief Minister
tries to block it to illegitimately favor TECOM.

But this news is incomplete - Industries dept has not given nod to all the 18 applicants.
But only 12 of them who have already purchased land at market rates. I think that is only
fair. To set up private SEZs govt should not acquire land by paying peanuts.

Meanwhile, all of them are not in Kochi. 9 in Kochi, 2 in Trissur, 1 at Trivandrum
have their own land and deserve clearance


SEZ application of 18 IT firms blocked: Chandy

Special Correspondent

‘To help Smart City project promoters’

Says Industries Department has given green signal

‘Chief Minister giving priority to market Smart City’

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy has accused the Chief Minister’s office of blocking the proposals of 18 information technology (IT) companies for Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status to help the promoters of Smart City project.

In a statement here on Sunday, Mr. Chandy said the applications of these companies had been pending clearance for the past several months. He said the Industries Department had given the green signal for the proposals and the Chief Minister’s stand was to give priority to the marketing of Smart City before these companies got the SEZ status. He wanted to know the reasons for blocking the proposals and whether such a stand would be beneficial for the development of IT sector.


By the way, if you are thinking Chandy is the Mr.Clean see this accusation in the same news
After the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government came to power, it had sold 22 acres to
Tata Consultancy Services, IBS, and L&T at a rate of Rs.69,000 a cent.

Outright nonsense, how can opposition leader say such a lie. None of the land in Infopark has
been sold. Everything is developed under lease. Now you see political color hardly
makes any difference. Personally, I dont think if Chandy were in power he would have
cleared SEZs. Just switching roles of hypocrisy - this is all we can say about politicians
in Kerala (as in most places).

[PLUS]

The Emaar MGF has opened their office in kochi!
I Think they are planning to start their Kochi project soon.

Is their first project the IT-SEZ ? It is among the 9 firms reportedly waiting
for clearance in Kochi - owning land.

[PLUS]

Kochi to have cricket homestay


Kochi (PTI): After Bangalore now its is turn of Kochi to get a cricket homestay.

'Bat and Ball Inn' -- as it is called, will have a collection of cricket memorabilia from across the world and is expected to come up in June.

A brainchild of former Ranji player J K Mahendra, the homestay has Indian cricketers S Sreesanth and Robin Uthappa and commentator Charu Sharma as co-partners.

Installed on a 3000 square feet of rented land in the heart of the city, the homestay would have five suites and four of them would be named after Sunil Gavaskar, Sir Richard Hadlee, Dennis Lilee, Sir Vivian Richards.

One would be named as 'Legend suite'.

It will also have four suites named after Ranjit Singh, Sir Gary Sobers, Sir Donald Bradman and Sir Colin Cowdrey.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200805091657.htm

[PLUS]

Coral Utopia, Aluva
A 25 storey township. I had mentioned about this couple of weeks back.

http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/4550/luxuryvillasapartyb7.gif (http://imageshack.us)

[positron]

PLUS, call me a cynic but there is only one reference to this 'Coral Utopia' in the whole world wide web and google, and thats the post above. Is that not a bit unusual? :rolleyes:

Here, try it yourself: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22coral+utopia%22+aluva&btnG=Search

[thunderboltz]

PLUS, call me a cynic but there is only one reference to this 'Coral Utopia' in the whole world wide web and google, and thats the post above. Is that not a bit unusual? :rolleyes:

Here, try it yourself: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22coral+utopia%22+aluva&btnG=Search

Google doesn't index new sites often. Certain sites like this one are however indexed into its database within minutes. This is done mainly on sites that google things is newsworthy and/or updates often, I think.

Coral group has its own website: http://www.coralgroupindia.com/home.html.

[KMC]

The Emaar MGF has opened their office in kochi!
I Think they are planning to start their Kochi project soon.

Lets not go gung ho about Emaar , due to some very Obvious reasons surrounding it ....

Any way DEWA has seperated Mens from boys atleast in Kerala. Now let see if any of these can catch up with them . Certainly I wont count on Emaar.

[kunjumon123]

Yes, this is the first focussed expose of this issue. See the highlighted portion in the
Hindu news below. Industries dept gave nod for the applications while Chief Minister
tries to block it to illegitimately favor TECOM.

But this news is incomplete - Industries dept has not given nod to all the 18 applicants.
But only 12 of them who have already purchased land at market rates. I think that is only
fair. To set up private SEZs govt should not acquire land by paying peanuts.

Meanwhile, all of them are not in Kochi. 9 in Kochi, 2 in Trissur, 1 at Trivandrum
have their own land and deserve clearance




By the way, if you are thinking Chandy is the Mr.Clean see this accusation in the same news


Outright nonsense, how can opposition leader say such a lie. None of the land in Infopark has
been sold. Everything is developed under lease. Now you see political color hardly
makes any difference. Personally, I dont think if Chandy were in power he would have
cleared SEZs. Just switching roles of hypocrisy - this is all we can say about politicians
in Kerala (as in most places).


this is very bad by the cm- at first when he modified the agreement with tecom and made it more kochi friendly it was all good- but now he is doing bad to the development of kerala
just out of curiousity- if these projects dont get sez status granted does this mean that they wont happen altogether or they will operate, but not as an sez