State Higher Education Minister Roji M. John, who has been given charge of Ernakulam district, said the United Democratic Front (UDF) government would pay special attention to the district’s overall development. He said the government would identify the district’s development requirements and expedite key infrastructure projects.
Addressing the media at the Ernakulam Press Club, the Minister said the extension of the Kochi Metro would be among the government’s top priorities.
Work on Kochi metro Phase II, connecting JLN Stadium and Infopark, is currently under way, and steps have begun to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for Phase III, which proposes extending the corridor to Angamaly. The Minister said the government hoped to complete the project during its current term.
The Minister blamed the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government for failing to realise the proposed GIFT City project in Kochi, which has remained under discussion for more than six years. The Minister said the LDF government could not acquire even a cent of land for the project despite having the approval of the Union government.
“The UDF government would initiate fresh steps to secure the necessary approvals from the Centre and move the project forward. GIFT City could become a major driver of economic growth and investment in the district, just like Infopark,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted the long-pending Angamaly-Kundannoor Bypass project. Describing it as one of the most important projects for providing a lasting solution to the district’s traffic congestion, he said the government had already initiated preliminary procedures to take the project forward. He added that the possibility of developing the proposed bypass into an eight-lane road was being explored.
Published – June 06, 2026 09:42 pm IST
