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Thiruvananthapuram's Smart City projects now have their deadline extended until December. The new timeline will allow for the completion of key initiatives including the renovation of the Palayam Connemara Market, development of Chalai Market, construction of multi-level car parking facilities at Vaniyamkulam and Putharikandam, and the redevelopment of Rajaji Nagar Colony. Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) reports that 95 percent of funds have already been utilised, and the extended deadline will enable timely project completion, further enhancing urban infrastructure and sustainability in the capital.
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is set to witness a significant boost in its urban development as the Smart City projects now have their deadline extended until December. This extension comes as a strategic move by the Union Government to address delays and complete major pending projects that are vital for improving the city's infrastructure. The revised timeline is expected to help finalise several key initiatives that have been on hold due to repeated delays since 2021. Advertisement
Among the major projects benefiting from the extension are the renovation of the Palayam Connemara Market and the development of the Chalai Market. These projects are critical not only for preserving the heritage and commercial vibrancy of the city but also for providing modern facilities that meet current urban demands. Additionally, the construction of multi-level car parking (MLCP) facilities at Vaniyamkulam and Putharikandam is set to alleviate long-standing issues related to parking and traffic congestion in densely populated areas.
A focal point of the redevelopment is the Rajaji Nagar Colony, which is prioritised for comprehensive redevelopment under the Smart City initiative. This project aims to transform the area into a modern residential and commercial hub that aligns with the city's long-term urban planning goals.
The implementing agency, Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), has been proactive in managing the various projects under the Smart City programme. SCTL General Manager Krishnakumar S confirmed to The Times of India that the National Smart Cities Mission has approved the extension, setting December as the new deadline for project completion. He emphasised that 95 percent of the funds allocated for these projects have already been utilised, a figure that surpasses many other states, and expressed confidence that the remaining work would be completed within the revised time frame.
Krishnakumar S stated that since the majority of funds have been effectively utilized, there is confidence in completing the pending projects on schedule. He noted that each project has a designated timeline-for instance, the MLCP at Putharikandam is expected to be finished by May, while the redevelopment of Rajaji Nagar Colony is slated for completion within the year. Renovations at both the Palayam Connemara Market and Chalai Market are also scheduled for completion by December. His remarks underscored the agency's commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure and ensuring timely delivery.
In addition to these projects, SCTL has secured a two-month extension for the Smart Road projects. These projects, which are in their final stages, only require the completion of road markings and the installation of signage. The additional time provided is expected to ensure that these essential improvements are made without compromising quality or safety.
Another notable development under the Smart City programme is the progress on Shanghumugham Beach. Although the major construction work has been completed, the relocation of vendors to dedicated kiosks remains pending, a responsibility that falls under the purview of the city corporation. Several projects, including the renovation of Captain Lakshmi Park and Sree Chitra Park, the installation of pop-up tents and open-air auditoriums at Putharikandam, drinking water kiosks, and the development of Charithra Veedhi and Manaveeyam Veedhi, have already been completed. Many of these projects have now been handed over to the city corporation for ongoing maintenance.
Launched in 2016 with an initial project outlay of INR 1,538 crore, the Smart City initiative was designed to modernise urban infrastructure and integrate IT-based solutions into city management. SCTL took up a total of 43 projects under this scheme. However, repeated delays led the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to extend the deadline multiple times, with the most recent extension now setting December as the deadline for pending projects.
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