After a two-decade-long journey, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the state-of-the-art Kochi corporation office near Marine Drive on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the city’s administrative infrastructure. Spanning 1.75 lakh square feet and constructed at a cost of ₹61 crore, the modern facility symbolizes Kochi’s progress and the state’s commitment to efficient governance. The event, attended by dignitaries including Minister for Law and Industries P. Rajeeve, MLAs T.J. Vinod, Uma Thomas, K. Babu, K.J. Maxy, K.N. Unnikrishnan, and former mayors Soumini Jain, Tony Chammany, C.M. Dinesh Mani, and K.J. Sohan, underscored the collaborative effort behind this achievement.

In his address, Chief Minister Vijayan emphasized the pivotal role of local bodies in Kerala’s socio-economic advancements, particularly in eradicating extreme poverty. “Kerala is set to be declared free of extreme poverty on November 1, a rare global achievement. Local bodies, including Kochi corporation, have been instrumental in identifying beneficiaries and implementing welfare projects,” he stated. He commended Kochi corporation for its transformative initiatives, such as Samridhi, She Lodge, G Smarakam, Ernakulam Market, and the P&T Colony rehabilitation, which align with the state’s vision for inclusive development.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Kochi’s strides in addressing waste management challenges, particularly at Brahmapuram. “The compressed biogas (CBG) plant construction is nearing completion, and biomining efforts are progressing, thanks to the corporation’s efficiency,” he noted. These advancements reflect Kochi’s commitment to sustainable urban development and improved civic services.

Also Read: "CM Pinarayi Vijayan Knew About Sabarimala Gold Theft!" Says BJP Leader

The new corporation building, a project initiated in 2005 with land acquisition during former mayor C.M. Dinesh Mani’s tenure, faced delays but was completed through the collective efforts of successive councils and mayors. Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar acknowledged this shared legacy, stating, “This is not the success of the current council alone but a result of contributions from past mayors and councils, including Tony Chammany and Soumini Jain.”

Mayor Anilkumar urged corporation officials to uphold their responsibilities with integrity, emphasizing that the facility was built with public funds. “This building represents the trust of Kochi’s taxpayers. I call upon officials to serve the public diligently and without fault,” he said. The new office is expected to streamline administrative operations and enhance service delivery, reinforcing Kochi’s position as a model for urban governance in Kerala.

Also Read: Kochi Water Metro Becomes Model for Countries Worldwide Says CM