12 smart roads inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram city as part of infrastructure boost
Thiruvananthapuram: A total of 12 smart roads, developed as part of a major infrastructure development initiative in the city, were inaugurated on Friday.
The event, held at Manaveeyam Veedhi, was presided over by minister for general education
V Sivankutty
, who formally opened the roads in the absence of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The chief minister cancelled all scheduled public events by Friday noon.
Along with the event, 60 roads renovated by the public works department (PWD) across all 14 districts were also inaugurated virtually, marking a significant step in the state's infrastructure goals.
Meanwhile, the BJP councillors staged a protest during the event, alleging that the state govt was claiming credit for a project that is fundamentally a part of the
Union govt's Smart City initiative
.
They demanded due recognition for the central govt's financial and administrative support in implementing the smart city features.
Speaking at the function, minister V Sivankutty described the roads, developed under the
Kerala Road Fund Board
(KRFB) for smart city initiative, as lifelines of the state. "These roads are not just physical infrastructure, but pathways to a vibrant, more energetic future," he said.
The minister emphasised that under state govt, road construction is being carried out with a long-term vision, transforming mobility across Kerala.
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Calling it a proud and historic day for the state, Sivankutty lauded the combined efforts of the public works department (PWD) and KRFB in delivering world-class infrastructure. He said that these improvements will ensure smoother travel, enhanced safety and better civic amenities.
In the state capital, 12 smart roads have been completed with features that reflect Kerala's vision for a technologically integrated and sustainable future.
These roads include modern street lighting, tiled footpaths, upgraded stormwater drains, underground ducts for electrical cables and separate chambers for water and sewage lines. Cycle tracks have also been included to promote green mobility. The roads have been built considering future urban growth, including the integration of upcoming buildings over the next five years, the minister said.
PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas said that these roads have been designed with long-term urban planning in mind.
He stressed that smart road infrastructure will no longer require repeated digging for utility repairs. "Dedicated ducts and special maintenance chambers have been installed to carry out works without damaging the roads," he noted.
The event was also attended by food and civil supplies minister G R Anil, forest minister A K Saseendran, mayor Arya Rajendran, MLAs Antony Raju, V K Prasanth, V Joy, ward councillor Rakhi Ravikumar, PWD secretary K Biju and chief engineer Ajith Ramachandran.
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