Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has taken a decisive step towards advancing the long-awaited Bliss City project in Kakkanad by appointing the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) as its implementing agency. The project, envisioned to enhance Kochi’s urban infrastructure significantly, aims to mitigate Kochi Metro’s financial deficit while fostering economic growth through strategic development.
Spanning across 31.43 acres near the collectorate at Kunnumpuram, Bliss City is poised to become a transformative urban hub comprising diverse commercial and residential spaces. With 17.43 acres already allocated by the government to KMRL, NBCC will commence master planning and development initiatives in the initial phase. An additional 14 acres are expected to be allotted soon for the project’s comprehensive second phase.
According to KMRL sources, NBCC will conduct a thorough feasibility study to ensure the project’s viability, with an empowered committee chaired by the KMRL managing director overseeing the implementation. This committee, comprising representatives from KMRL and NBCC, will provide necessary approvals for design modifications, cost estimates, and other crucial aspects of the project.
The first phase of Bliss City, estimated at Rs 700 crore, will be financed through a combination of residential area leases, land parcel mortgages, and other sustainable funding mechanisms as determined by the empowered committee. KMRL plans to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) based on feasibility assessments, outlining a comprehensive cost and revenue plan to guide further development.
Initially conceived to include a medical city, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities, Bliss City aims to diversify Kochi Metro’s revenue streams beyond transit operations. Despite earlier challenges in garnering investor interest, KMRL remains steadfast in its commitment to realizing a project that benefits the public at large, emphasizing employment generation and community development.
“KMRL’s decision to revise the project approach underscores its dedication to creating a project that enriches the urban landscape while stimulating economic vitality,” stated a KMRL spokesperson. “By partnering with NBCC, renowned for its expertise in infrastructure development, KMRL aims to set new benchmarks in urban planning and sustainable growth.”
As Kochi embarks on this transformative journey with Bliss City, stakeholders anticipate a paradigm shift in urban development, positioning the city as a beacon of progressive infrastructure and economic resilience.
