Kerala Budget 2026-27: Kochi Infrastructure Gets Minimal Allocation; Political Reactions Split

The revised State Budget for 2026-27, presented by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on June 19, has allocated only ₹1 crore for initial steps of the Goshree–Bolgatty Parallel Bridge and land acquisition for the Goshree–Mamangalam Road. Major infrastructure projects in Kochi have received scant attention in the budget.

An appendix to the budget document lists several proposals, including renovation of the Ernakulam Boat Jetty, Udayamperoor-Koorikkad Road, drainage and footpath along MG Road, and construction of the Thuthiyoor-Eroor bridge. However, specific financial allocations for these projects have not been detailed. A parallel railway overbridge at Kalamassery is also mentioned without funding details.

While the budget allocates ₹20 crore for activities related to proposed Light Metro projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, no specific allocation has been made for the Kochi Metro. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) welcomed the ₹20 crore, calling it an encouragement for the metro network's growth and future expansions.

Political reactions to the budget have been divided. Kochi MLA and District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas stated that the budget announcements would boost development in the port and tourism sectors. In contrast, CPI(M) district secretary S. Sathish criticised the budget for ignoring key projects such as the second and third phases of Kochi Metro expansion, the Water Metro, and major road projects including the Angamaly-Kundannoor Bypass and Aluva-Munnar four-lane. He noted that the previous LDF government had allocated ₹79.03 crore for Kochi Metro.

CPI district secretary N. Arun also expressed disappointment over the absence of the Angamaly-Erumely Sabari rail project in the budget, accusing the government of cheating the people. The budget's focus on infrastructure in Kochi remains a point of contention among local political leaders.