Renovated Kozhikode Town Hall inaugurated

Tourism Minister announces budget projects for Kozhikode, including Canal City and road improvements, urging public to ignore rumors.

Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas has said that several projects announced in the recent Budget for Kozhikode were set to be realised, contrary to criticism and that funds have already been allocated for them. Claiming that this Budget had the highest-ever allocation for Kozhikode in the State’s history, the Minister urged the public to take a stand against the rumours.

Inaugurating the renovated Kozhikode Town Hall on Sunday (February 9), Mr. Riyas maintained that the Canal City project, with Conolly Canal as its centre, would soon become a reality. “A total of ₹1,118 crore had already been allocated for the inland water transportation network from Kovalam to Bekal. Funds have also been allocated for several roads under the City Road Improvement Project, as well as for the flyovers at Chevayur and Meenchanda,” he said.

He added that Kozhikode would be a major beneficiary of the ongoing urbanisation in the State and that 70% of Kerala’s population would live in urban areas by 2031.

The Town Hall was renovated over five months at a cost of ₹30 lakh. Wood panelling in and around the stage, an LED wall as the backdrop, new curtains, and new chairs are the main features of the renovation, which also included fresh electrification and painting.

In her presidential address, Mayor Beena Philip said that though Kozhikode is being developed fast, it was being done with compassion. “The Tagore Centenary Hall, currently being renovated at a cost of ₹63 crore, would have a seating capacity of 2,000 and would be developed as a permanent venue for theatre, where plays of national and international repute would be staged,” she said.

MLA Ahammad Devarkovil was the chief guest on the occasion. The inaugural session was followed by various cultural programmes.