In an effort to support the growth of sports in the state, the Kochi  Corporation has mooted some major projects this year which will give a boost to the sports infrastructure of the city. The civic body is planning to implement the projects with the support of MLAs from Ernakulam and the State Government.

Among the proposals, the long-pending demand of Fort Kochi to have a good    ground for organising various competition will be fulfilled this year as the state government had given the administrative sanction for remodeling the Fort Kochi Veli Ground into an advanced Track and Field-cum-Football Ground. 

The plan is to set up a 400 metres track at the stadium along with an improved turf for organising football matches. The project is being carried out by utilising the Asset Formation Fund of the State Government through Dominic Presentation MLA. The estimated cost for restructuring the ground is `5 crore.

“We have already entrusted PWD and Kochi Corporation to come up with the  design which is expected to be completed soon. We hope that the tender for the work can be floated by next month,” said Dominic Presentation MLA.

Football Ground at Palluruthy

The civic body is also planning to set up a cricket and football ground at Palluruthy. The facility would be set up at the land owned by Kochi  Corporation there. According to Kochi Corporation authorities, Excise and  Port Minister K Babu has already expressed his support to the project. The expected cost is estimated at Rs 2 crore.

Sports Training Centre

With the help of Benny Behnan MLA, the civic body will also launch a project for setting up sports training centre for school students.

The Elamkulam  West UP School will be developed into a sports training centre which will  give students an opportunity to sharpen and develop their athletic skills.

 A total of Rs 1 crore from the Asset Formation Fund is expected to be utilised for the facility.

In its annual budget for 2013-14, the Kochi Corporation also said that the construction works of Valummal Stadium at Thoppumpady is expected to be completed this year.

The work of the Valummal Stadium is progressing for which the MP fund of Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K V Thomas is being utilised.