KOCHI: British consultancy major Atkins International, supported by the British High Commission, will provide technical assistance to Kochi Corporation to develop a concept plan and project proposals under the prestigious smart city programme.
During a function held here on Monday, a memorandum of understanding was signed between mayor Soumini Jain and British deputy high commissioner Bharat Joshi. Atkins will provide technical consultancy services worth Rs 1.5 crore free of cost.
The agency will also help the corporation in attracting more investments in addition to the Rs 500 crore seed money each from the state and Union governments.
Addressing the gathering after the MoU signing ceremony, Mr. Joshi said annually, nearly 1.5 lakh British citizens visit Kerala, which is one of the motivating factors for the interest to have a tie up with Kochi.
“Apart from the Rs 1.5 crore worth consultancy services, an additional '50 lakh will be provided to the civic body,” he said.
“With the technical support of Atkins, which has a presence in cities around the world, the city’s efforts to get included in the first 20 smart cities would get a big push,” Ms Jain said.
Smart city mission director A.P.M. Mohammed Haneesh said the concept plan would be ready in two days. The Union government will announce the list of first 20 cities during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
During their three-day stay in Kochi, the UK team will hold discussions with the civic administration, district administration and Greater Cochin Development Authority on smart city plans.
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