Kochi Construction Begins on Homes for 197 Families Under LIFE Mission
Kochi construction work has officially begun on a vital redevelopment project in Shanthipuram Colony, located in the 44th division of the Kochi Municipal Corporation. This initiative aims to replace unsafe and aging homes with modern apartment-style housing units for 197 beneficiary families. These new residences are being constructed using the “Pocket Homes” model, which involves building compact clusters of eight residential units per block on 0.75-cent plots allotted to each family, optimizing space and promoting community engagement.
Each housing unit in this project is estimated to cost around ₹10 lakh. Of this, ₹4 lakh per unit is being provided by the Kerala state government under its flagship LIFE (Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment) Mission scheme, a comprehensive housing campaign. To cover the remaining financial gap for the project, the Kochi Corporation has successfully mobilized Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. Notably, BPCL Kochi Refinery has extended financial assistance amounting to ₹1 crore, while Sobha Group has contributed ₹50 lakh. A significant aspect of this project is that each beneficiary will receive a registered title deed for their land, ensuring long-term security and formal ownership for the families.
The redevelopment project is being executed with technical support from the Architecture Engineering College, which is run by the Azadi Group. This firm has a track record of being active in community-focused infrastructure development throughout Kerala. Phase I of the project includes the construction of 16 homes, marking a significant initial milestone in the Kochi Corporation’s broader effort to revitalize vulnerable housing clusters within the city. This phased approach allows for gradual progress and demonstrates commitment to the beneficiaries.
In addition to these new housing constructions, the Shanthipuram area has already benefited from earlier infrastructure improvements. These prior works include the establishment of proper drainage lines and the construction of new roadways, funded under local development projects and ward-level schemes. These crucial improvements have effectively laid the necessary groundwork for the successful implementation of the current redevelopment plan. The colony, which had previously been classified under Kochi’s list of unsafe dwellings, is now set for a complete transformation into a safe, modern, and inclusive neighborhood, significantly improving living conditions for its residents.
