The retrofitting-based development proposed by the Kochi Corporation for the Central Government’s 100 Smart Cities project will cover around 1,700 acres in the city with the focus on Fort Kochi, Kalvathy, Iraveli, Karippalam, Mattanchery and Amravathy in West Kochi area. In the central city area, Durbar Hall, MG Road, and Banerji Road would come under the project.

The preference of the city was made known to the newly-elected civic representatives at a special session of the council. The local body should submit its detailed project report to the State government before Dec 18.

ICRA, a Chennai-based consultancy agency empanelled by the Ministry of Urban Development, made the presentation before the new council members.

Apart from the modernisation of West Kochi and the comprehensive development of the entire Central Business District, water transport will be a major focal point of the Smart City proposal.

An IT-driven pan-city smart solution, e-wallet and Kochi City application, a solar-powered energy-efficient street-lighting system, Wi-Fi hotspots, security surveillance cameras and recharging points for electric vehicles are also included in the project.