| Work Detail |
The Kerala government has issued a final ultimatum to Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), demanding the completion of all ongoing smart city road projects by August 31. Despite challenges such as intermittent rains and a shortage of labor, SCTL has pledged to meet this new deadline.
The final layer of tarring is set to be completed between August 25 and 31, along with the removal of electric posts and overhead cables. Installation of streetlights and beautification work will start by August 15. The deadline for these road projects had previously been extended to June 30, 2024, following earlier postponements from May 31 and June 15 due to weather disruptions.
Although the central government has extended the deadline for all smart city projects nationwide to March 31, 2025, the state government is insistent on finishing the Thiruvananthapuram projects by August 31, 2024. An SCTL official expressed confidence in meeting the deadline, noting that most of the work is nearing completion.
“We did experience delays due to rain and a shortage of laborers, but we are making up for lost time. The work has picked up pace, and by August 15, we will be operating at full capacity. The final tarring will begin on August 25, and we are on track to complete it by August 31,” the official stated.
The official also highlighted that 80% of the funding for Thiruvananthapurams smart city projects has already been utilized, a notable achievement compared to other states where less than 50% of allocated funds have been used. Key projects, including the Althara-Chenthitta stretch, are progressing quickly and are expected to be among the first to be completed.
The Killipalam-Attakulangara stretch has also advanced significantly, with main drainage work finished and bitumen laying scheduled to start this week. However, several other critical roads, such as Thycaud-Model School Junction, Vanchiyoor-General Hospital Junction Road, Upidamoodu-Overbridge Road, and Forest Office-Bakery Junction Road, still require substantial work.
The completion of these road projects is crucial for improving the citys infrastructure and alleviating traffic congestion. While the roads are currently usable, officials stress the importance of retarring to ensure long-term durability and safety. Public demand for the widening and beautification of the Althara-Attakulangara stretch remains high.
Additionally, the development of Vazhuthacaud Junction will include footpaths and underground electric cables. Initially proposed as a single 4.2 km stretch, the smart road project was later divided into two segments: a 3 km stretch from Althara to Chenthitta and a 1.2 km stretch from Killipalam to Attakulangara for more efficient execution. |
