Cochin is all set to leap into a metro city status this coming November as the authorities have decided on having shopping facility in the night.
According to a report:
"Kerala’s port city of Cochin took another step towards the metro city status by paving the way for much needed night life.
The process was kicked off yesterday by traders by keeping the shops open during the night. Though the present night shopping facility will be available only during the Onam festival season till August 30, it will be made a permanent feature from November 1
The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry is trying to bring together various agencies like police, transport, residents associations, traders’ bodies and different wings of the administration to make the night shopping safe and smooth.
The district administration has extended total support to the move as it would ease the traffic congestion in the city during the day hours considerably. District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish has promised to provide all facilities for shoppers and traders.
The transport authorities have made arrangements to ensure adequate bus, taxi and auto rickshaw services for the night shopping. The bus operators and taxi drivers unions have extended full support to the night operations.
The city police have deployed about 800 police personnel to ensure safety for the night shoppers and traders. Besides, the police have also installed close circuit cameras at important spots along M.G. Road, Broadway and entry points to the city like railway stations and bus stands.
The traders’ bodies have created a shopping ambience on M G Road and Broadway to attract the public. Apart from decorative lights and fireworks on a few days, game zones, street bands, cultural programmes by cultural associations of other states and celebrity visits have been arranged to add glitter to the festival.
Attractive prizes will be given to consumers by issuing coupons through the shops. These will be continued in November, when the night shopping will become a permanent feature.
All agencies agree that Cochin cannot do without night shopping as it is emerging as a key destination for mega investments. The techies, mostly the youngsters, look for relaxation during night after a hard day’s work. In fact, the traders have mooted the night life after the Smart City project took off the ground. The traders feel that the Smart City being set up by Dubai-based TECOM would attract techies from all over the world, who are used to vibrant night life."
PS: One hopes such facilities open up in Coimbatore also pretty soon!
Source: Khaleej Times
Pic: Bay Pride Mall, Cochin (taken last time I went)
Wow you have brought the thing out....
ReplyDeletecoimbatore can never be like kochi buddy!!! kochi was always a miniature bangalore, with its cosmopolitan and huge spending population with deep pockets. And it always accepts its visitors with open arms unlike kovai, which is too regionalistic to its core. It treats even its 3rd generation settlers like me with suspicion even today!!!
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