COCHIN: At Present

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Urbanization: Current Scenario in Cochin




Cochin is the commercial capital of Kerala. It is the most promising growth-oriented development region in the state of Kerala. A collection of small islands, a large peninsula, and the mainland collectively made up the modern city of Kochi. The city of Kochi is located along the central coast of Kerala in Ernakulam district.

Developments in the city and the surrounding area have taken a fast stride in the last two decades. The Information Technology Institutions at Kakkanad, the International Airport at Nedumbassery, the new bridge linking Vypeen islands to the mainland, and the high impact residential and commercial developments in the city and the surrounding areas have caused direct and indirect development impacts in many sectors. The newly proposed metro project, the high-speed rail corridor, smart city project, and the Vallarpadam container terminal project will enhance the growth of Kochi. Fort Kochi, located on a peninsula in the southwest corner of the city, is where Portuguese colonists established the first European colony in India during the 16th century. 


Urban Growth and its trends

In the year 1870 colonial settlement started from Mattanchery. In 1920, Wellington Island was formed. In 1940 road connection to the mainland on the west and road-rail connection to the east from the island completed post-Independence surge in economic activities and urbanization. The main reason for urban growth towards the east (Kalamassery region) is because of the sector and the special economic zone.

·       The development of satellite towns like Aluva and Ankamaly are the main reason for the urban growth towards north. A peculiar phenomenon of the urbanization trend in Kerala is that a major percentage of this urban population is within 17 urban agglomerations (UA).

·       Kochi UA has the greatest number of constituent units (25) with Kannur in the second place with 16 constituent units and Kozhikode in the third position with 14 constituent units. All the other UA s have only 10 or less than ten constituent units

·        Urban population to total population is greater in Ernakulum district than that in any other district in Kerala or in the state as a whole or in India. Ernakulum district is highly urbanized with Kochi UA acting as a magnet attracting economic investments in many sectors.

In recent years due to many large-scale development projects, especially in the construction sector and information technology, substantial employment opportunities are generated in Kochi and this is a positive factor for migration. The sharp increase in land values and scarcity of developable land prevent lower- and middle-income group families from buying land within the city for residential purposes. This has made a good percentage of people opt for residences in the outskirts of the city. Though the trend reduces migration, it increases the floating population in the city. The large-scale investment proposals and infrastructure requirements in and around Kochi city will attract more people to the city in the future. Kochi City Region has a higher population growth rate compared to the state average. In the coming two decades it is expected to touch two million marks. Most of the growth is taking place just outside of the Kochi city area but within the Kochi City Region. This coupled with the 2001high level gradual decreasing trend in the Population growth from 1981 to the shows a of floating population necessitates integrated planning.


 Factors influencing the urban growth


The Port of Cochin, one of India’s twelve major ports, has ambitious plans for infrastructure development over the next 5 years. The Vallarpadam container terminal, future oil exploration projects, cruise terminal, etc. It Will acts as a catalyst for future economic growth. Cochin International Airport is the only airport in the country besides Mumbai and Delhi that can handle large commercial aircraft. This has served not only to boost tourism within Kochi but has also had a positive impact on the number of companies that have launched operations within the city. Three national highways (NH-47, NH-17, and NH-49) pass through or near the city. This allows commercial traffic from both the airport and seaport to connect easily to the national grid. The Cochin Seaport-Airport Highway – is being constructed. The proposed seaport airport highway, container terminal corridor, will connect many of the industrial and commercial zones of the Kochi area and bodes for the Kochi’s excellent internet connectivity reduce well travel time from the seaport to the airport by half. The city is better connected than most cities in India, such connectivity has helped in attracting IT & ITES firms. two new technology-focused SEZs, Infopark and Smart City will be completed in the short to medium

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