Kochi: Annual budget of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will be presented on February 13.
The main focus of the budget will be timely completion of projects announced in the previous budget and as part of the Vision 2030 programme, said GCDA chairman N. Venugopal.
“Focus will be on completing infrastructure development, transport and other projects announced in the previous budget and in Vision 2030 programme. Except one or two, other projects have been progressing satisfactorily. However, there will be a couple of major proposals in this year's budget,” said Venugopal.
Exhibition-cum-international convention centre at Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, first phase of the Ring Road, indoor stadium and sports complex in West Kochi, Thevara-Thykoodam Bund Road, laser show, helium balloon and cable car services at Marine Drive, shopping mall at Manappattiparambu, developing land banks and satellite townships are some of the major projects that found mention in last year's budget.
GCDA's previous budget put the income at Rs. 161.72cr and expenses at Rs 155.75cr with a surplus of Rs 5.97cr.
Designing and other preliminary works of the international convention centre have been completed and GCDA is waiting for a formal note from the state government to start the construction works.
The authority had allocated Rs 30cr for the convention centre in last year's budget.
Work on the 3.5km long Bund Road had started though a few more plots remain to be acquired.
Projects announced as part of the Marine Drive entertainment zone are in progress.
A Bangalore-based firm has been organising the laser show project while the Cochin Port Trust has given its nod for helium balloon and cable car.
Meanwhile, during his Kochi visit, Union Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna held discussions with GCDA chairman and offered support to hasten the process for the formation of metropolitan development authority and also for the Authority's developmental projects.
