Housing with dignity: Kochi’s vision for an equitable and resilient future
A message from V. K. Minimol, Mayor of Kochi, India
Dear cities and partners in development,
Housing remains an important priority in Kochi’s urban development journey, not just as a means for providing a roof over someone’s head, but ensuring that citizens have dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging.
As a rapidly growing coastal city shaped by migration, informal jobs, and climate vulnerability, Kochi continues to engage with questions of affordability, inclusion, and access to basic services. These experiences continue to shape the city’s vision for equitable urban development.
Over the past several years, the Kochi Municipal Corporation has facilitated nearly 7,000 houses for the underprivileged as part of our larger mission to become a homeless-free city. To strengthen this effort, the city established a dedicated department focused on housing and homelessness. A detailed survey was carried out under the “Life Mission Housing Scheme” to identify vulnerable households and understand the different aspects of housing deprivation. In the first phase, families who owned land but lacked adequate housing were prioritized. The next phase will focus on supporting residents who have neither land nor shelter.
Kochi’s understanding of housing also extends beyond permanent homes. We recognize that equitable housing must be connected to livelihoods, mobility, and access to basic services. Kochi has adopted a street vending policy and is allocating dedicated spaces for vendors, while new legal measures are being prepared to strengthen their rights and protections.
The city is also working towards affordable housing for migrant labourers, who are essential to Kochi’s growth and economy. Through initiatives such as the ‘She Lodge’ programme, women are provided with safe and affordable short-stay accommodation facilities within the city. Community-led initiatives such as Samridhi@Kochi and Indira Canteen ensure access to hygienic, nutritious, and affordable meals, with food available at under INR 10. Importantly, the Samridhi@Kochi initiative is community-led and women-run, linking affordable food access, local livelihoods, and women’s economic participation within the city.
Kochi also operates night shelters for homeless individuals and migrant workers, alongside six institutions, currently supporting nearly 1,000 persons. These initiatives reflect our belief that cities must care for their most vulnerable residents if they are to become truly resilient and inclusive.
As a coastal city increasingly vulnerable to climate impacts, Kochi understands that housing resilience and climate resilience are deeply interconnected. Canal restoration through nature-based solutions, implementation of the Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and regular plantation drives are helping strengthen flood resilience and improve environmental sustainability in the city.
The challenges Kochi faces are not unique. Across the world, cities are grappling with affordability, informality, climate vulnerability, and growing inequality. Our experience shows that equitable housing cannot be addressed in isolation—it must be linked to social protection, livelihoods, gender inclusion, and environmental resilience.
As the global community prepares for World Urban Forum 13, Kochi remains committed to building a city where development is both inclusive and sustainable, and where every resident has the opportunity to live with dignity, safety, and hope.
In partnership and solidarity,
V. K. Minimol
Mayor of Kochi, India
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