Aluva, Kochi

India is set to launch its first scheduled commercial seaplane service connecting Kochi with the Lakshadweep Islands within days. Operated by SkyHop Aviation under the UDAN scheme, the service aims to significantly improve connectivity to the remote islands and offer a unique travel experience.

A delegation from the Kochi Corporation,, has submitted a list of nine priority projects to CM. These projects are transport development (Thammanam–Pullepady Road, Goshree–Mamangalam Road with a new bridge, Palluruthy 40 Feet Road, Atlantis RoB, Mattancherry Halt RoB), a drinking water project for western Kochi, an integrated waste management and waste-to-energy project, and Vembanad Lake rejuvenation.

Kochi's real estate market is expected to see strong growth in mid-segment luxury apartments, priced between ₹90 lakhs and ₹2 crores, in 2026. Areas like Kakkanad, Edappally, and Marine Drive are experiencing increased demand due to ongoing developments and business activities. This trend indicates a shift towards value-driven luxury.

Prestige Properties is set to launch several luxury residential projects in Kochi, including Prestige Eden Garden in Kalamassery, Prestige City scape in Kundanoor & Prestige Hillside Gateway in Kakkanad.These projects will offer modern amenities, spacious apartments, and are strategically located in good Neighbourhoods.

The Punjathodu canal in Kochi is facing severe pollution due to the accumulation of plastic waste. Despite previous clean-up efforts and High Court directives, residents allege that waste is being released back into the canal without proper disposal, leading to blockages and potential health hazards.

The Kochi Corporation's surplus budget for 2026-27 prioritizes infrastructure development, social welfare, and environmental protection. It projects a surplus of ₹132.96 crore, with a total revenue of ₹1,388.13 crore and expenditure of ₹1,255.16 crore.

Prestige Properties is actively developing luxury residential projects in Kochi, including 'Prestige Panorama' in Maradu and 'Prestige Eden Garden' in North Kalamassery. These projects offer modern amenities and are strategically located near IT hubs and metro corridors, aiming to cater to the growing demand for high-end housing. 'Prestige Eden Garden' is slated for possession by December 2026.

The broader real estate market in Kochi is poised for steady price appreciation, fueled by IT sector growth, Non-Resident Indian (NRI) demand, and infrastructure development, including Kochi Metro Phase II. Prestige Group is launching new luxury housing townships in Kakkanad and Kaloor, including apartments and villas, with some projects slated for possession in late 2026.

A new eight-storey super-specialty block with 842 beds and 16 operation theatres has been inaugurated at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kalamassery, Kochi. This upgrade to healthcare infrastructure, costing Rs 286.66 crore, aims to address the insufficiency of critical treatments and expand services, benefiting patients from Kochi and surrounding regions.

Villas in Kochi are experiencing increased demand in 2025, driven by a post-pandemic preference for privacy and space. Areas like Kakkanad, Aluva, and Vyttila are seeing development of gated villa communities with modern amenities.