Keralam’s Kochi Corporation to invite EoI for consultants to tap into ₹500-crore bond market

…Discussions were held with two such agencies on Thursday (September 3, 2026). “We have been in consultations with regulatory bodies such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a prelude to the process. The Kochi Corporation is eligible to issue bonds worth ₹500 crore. Initially, we are exploring the prospects of issuing municipal bonds worth ₹150 crore to finance development and infrastructure projects, along with green bonds worth another ₹150 crore to support environment-friendly…

…LDF government, noted that initial steps such as incorporating municipal bonds into the State government’s urban policy were taken during the previous administration, thereby providing political clarity on the matter. “ Credit rating is critical in issuing bonds, and the previous LDF council had taken steps to set its financial statements in order and implement a degree of financial discipline through measures such as regulating expenditure, reducing dues to contractors, and eliminating the concept of general funds. We had also held consultations with organisations of chartered accountants, which led us to realise that an experienced professional agency was required to assist in the process,” he said. New posts It was further…

…bonds could not be used for day-to-day expenses. V.A. Sreejith, LDF parliamentary party leader, said that while the Opposition was not against the concept, concerns remained about who would preside over the process. “ Our stand is that a team of Corporation officials led by the secretary should oversee the entire process to safeguard the interests of the Corporation ,” he said. Published - September 03, 2026 04:19 pm IST…