
Smart City roads to be inaugurated by chief minister in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday
Thiruvananthapuram: After several delays and shifting timelines, the smart road project in the state capital is finally nearing completion.
is set to inaugurate the newly developed roads on Friday.
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The launch will coincide with the fourth anniversary celebrations of the state govt. The event will be held at Manaveeyam Veedhi at 4.30pm.
PWD minister PA Mohamed Riyas will preside over the function.The
, a flagship initiative under the Smart City Mission, aims to modernise the city's core road infrastructure with advanced urban mobility features, improved public amenities and integrated utility management.
The project is being implemented by Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), a special purpose vehicle formed for the initiative. A total of 24 roads, spanning approximately 40km, across the city were developed in this phase.Among them, the Vellayambalam–Althara–Chenthitta stretch is the longest smart road in the state capital.
A dedicated cycle track is also nearing completion on this stretch.Other prominent smart road stretches include the Killipalam–Attakulangara Road, which links eastern city regions to the central zone and the Vanchiyoor–General Hospital Road, a crucial stretch providing access to medical and administrative institutions. The Palayam-Ayyankali Hall smart road, which is the second nightlife spot after Manaveeyam Veedhi, is likely to be opened soon.Many other roads in high-density areas like Palayam, Forest Headquarters-Bakery Junction Road, and Statue-General Hospital have also been upgraded with smart infrastructure. Each smart road is designed with features such as underground utility ducts, energy-efficient LED streetlights, pedestrian-friendly footpaths, cycling tracks, organised parking bays and advanced drainage systems to prevent waterlogging."The CM will officially open the completed roads on Friday. It's a proud moment that reflects the city's move toward smarter, more sustainable infrastructure," an SCTL official said.Despite the state-of-the-art planning, the project endured repeated delays due to a range of factors, including slow contract awarding, shifting deadlines, challenges in relocating utilities and seasonal monsoon disruptions. Some stretches paused work several times due to water stagnation and poor inter-agency coordination.The smart roads are expected to significantly ease traffic, enhance commuter safety and improve the overall urban experience for residents and visitors alike.

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