In his parting statement, Mr. Pillai said his team had sought to transform the GCDA into an active and trusted urban development authority. He claimed that several projects were revived, new interventions were initiated, and a long-term vision for urban planning was presented. The ‘Bodhi’ urban development conclave, he noted, played a decisive role in giving the GCDA a new direction.
The development of Rajendra Maidan, renovation of Changampuzha Park, construction of neighbourhood parks in various areas, and creation of nine public spaces in nine municipalities were part of efforts to make urban life more people-friendly by focussing on open spaces. Mr. Pillai also cited the renovation of the Kaloor market, food street project, and the She Hostel ensuring safe accommodation for women among the notable achievements of his tenure.
He emphasised that the GCDA must in future focus on land pooling as a model enabling development through public participation, rather than relying on traditional land acquisition methods. “We had begun serious discussions and preliminary activities on land pooling for the third-phase development of Infopark. It was a significant intervention in Kochi’s future development and must be diligently followed up,” he said.
Published – May 15, 2026 08:53 pm IST
