Dispute between Kochi Corporation and CSML over maintenance of CSML projects

A dispute has arisen between the Kochi Corporation and Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) regarding the future maintenance and operation of projects undertaken by CSML. According to a report by The Hindu, both organisations are adopting different stances on this issue.

Approximately 60 projects were completed by CSML between the years 2018 and 2025. The Smart Mission project period was set to end in December 2025. Following this period, after the completion of the defect liability period, the operation and maintenance of the projects were to be handed over to the respective agencies, during which time contractors remain responsible for any defects.

Mayor V.K. Minimol has claimed that the Corporation is being burdened with the maintenance of such CSML projects that fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies. Citing the example of traffic lights, she stated that the responsibility for maintaining traffic lights installed by CSML lies with the traffic police. According to the Mayor, this matter has become a major problem, and whenever complaints are received regarding CSML projects under the operation of other agencies, the Corporation writes to the concerned agencies to inform them. The Mayor and United Democratic Front (UDF) councillors have also repeatedly raised this issue in Council meetings.

In addition to the Corporation, CSML has also implemented projects for various agencies such as the Greater Cochin Development Authority, Kerala Water Authority, Public Works Department, Kerala State Electricity Board Limited, and the Police.

On the other hand, sources within CSML have dismissed the Mayor's allegations and clarified that the operation and maintenance of the projects are the responsibility of the respective agencies. According to CSML sources, it is unclear under what circumstances the Mayor is making such statements. CSML does not have any assets of its own and functions merely as an implementation agency; therefore, the projects were handed over to the concerned agencies after implementation.

V.A. Sreejith, the parliamentary party leader of the Left Democratic Front, blamed the UDF, stating that they are attempting to portray CSML projects as a burden on the civic body. He added that CSML is not a foreign agency, but has helped in creating assets through the contributions of the Centre, State, and the civic body. Sreejith also noted that despite these allegations, the UDF has not raised such matters in writing or presented them as an agenda before the Council.

Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) was an agency working for the implementation of various projects under the Smart City Mission. It was responsible for the implementation of projects, after which the projects were handed over to the concerned departments.