KOCHI: The Conference on Development and Improvement of Urban Transport (CODATU), an international non-profit agency based in France, has adopted Kochi as a model city for climate-friendly urban mobility programmes.
An associate of the French agency AFD which funds Kochi Metro project, it adopted the Kerala port city along with 99 other major cities across the world.
A team of CODATU is already associating with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited for urban transport development. It selected the cities ahead of the World Climate Summit to be held in France next year.
“Being a pilot model city, Kochi will get technical assistance for capacity building and financial assistance for programmes in less carbon emission and integration of urban transport,” KMRL sources said.
One of the major objectives of the programme is to accelerate implementation of climate-friendly, inclusive and sustainable urban mobility for passengers and freight.
The agency will also help strengthen urban mobility planning and related policies.
“A delegation from CODATU will be visiting the city by the month end. During the visit, discussions will be held with various stakeholders on climate-friendly urban mobility plans. The agency will also support in raising funds for capacity building and other programmes,” they said.
Recently, Ernakulam legislator Hibi Eden attended World Summit on Climate and Territories held in Lyon. While addressing the meet, he requested CODATU to include Kochi in its 100 model cities.
The urban mobility experts of the French agency were in Kochi last month to study Metro related urban transport development. The agency has submitted a detailed proposal and design for developing major city areas like Edappally, Vyttila and MG Road.
