Renovated Ernakulam Town Hall inaugurated

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal has said that the State government is willing to extend support for Kochi city’s development projects.

He was speaking after inaugurating the renovated Ernakulam Town Hall on Monday. “Kochi’s development plays a crucial role in the overall progress of the State. That is why funds were allocated for the KSRTC bus terminal even though there was no budgetary provision. An additional ₹5 crore was sanctioned for Fort Kochi beach at the Mayor’s request,” he said.

Mr. Balagopal noted that the annual allocation of ₹10 crore to Operation Breakthrough had, to some extent, helped resolve waterlogging in the city. “The State government has allocated ₹500 crore for the Smart City project, and separate funds have been earmarked for Water Metro. He added that without the State government’s financial support for the Kochi Metro Rail project, the city’s traffic problems would have become unimaginable,” he said.

Kochi’s development is now extending beyond city limits. Mr. Balagopal urged local bodies to formulate projects that raise funds through municipal bonds to invest in public assets and construct buildings on their own land to boost revenue.

The Town Hall has undergone a complete renovation. The interiors have been upgraded, and all basic infrastructure, including lighting and flooring, has been improved. New chairs have been installed, and the stage has been refurbished with an LED wall. Modern sound systems have been added, and ramps have been constructed. Beautification works, including a fountain outside, have also been undertaken. The renovation was completed at an investment of around ₹3.50 crore. The hall has been air-conditioned considering widespread complaints about heat during the summer.

Mayor M. Anilkumar presided over the function.