The Kochi Municipal Corporation is reviewing a ₹270 crore proposal to establish 25 modern resto cafes across the city, aimed at enhancing public amenities and urban aesthetics. The project, presented by Urban Solutions, a private town-planning consultancy, was discussed during the latest council meeting and is currently under detailed examination by the Corporation Secretary.
🏗️ Project Overview
- Model: Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
- Duration: 20 years before handover to the Corporation
- Total Investment: ₹270 crore (including operations and maintenance)
- Land Requirement: 75 cents across 25 locations
- Facility Size: Each unit approx. 900 sq. ft.
Each resto cafe will feature public restrooms, food kiosks, workspaces, charging stations, and Instagrammable design elements to encourage community interaction and tourism.
🧾 Key Features and Revenue Model
- Three-tier cafe categories, with premium versions offering CCTV, Wi-Fi, solar panels, sanitary pad incinerators, and water conservation systems
- Revenue to be generated through workspace rentals, restroom usage fees, and advertising rights
- Proposal includes 3,500 sq. m. of advertising space in exchange for infrastructure development
🗣️ Political Reactions and Next Steps
While Mayor M. Anilkumar suggested piloting one or two cafes before full rollout, BJP councillor Priya Prasanth criticized the plan as elitist and lacking clarity on location selection. The LDF called for profit regulation, and the UDF urged a cautious but open-minded approach.
The Corporation Secretary has been tasked with evaluating legal, financial, and operational aspects, including contracts, site feasibility, and public benefit metrics, before the next council meeting.
Stay tuned for updates on pilot implementation and council decisions.
