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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Smart City seeks central aid for Chalai heritage street project
1 2 3 4 5 T'puram: The long-awaited Chalai heritage street project under the Smart City Mission is moving closer to reality, with the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) seeking central assistance of Rs 50-60 crore. Modelled on the transformation of SM Street in Kozhikode, the project aims to give the historic Chalai market a facelift while preserving its traditional charm. SCTL, the project's implementing agency, submitted a detailed proposal to Centre, seeking the required funding. A bustling commercial hub with a legacy spanning centuries, Chalai market is set to be redesigned with a focus on infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly amenities and heritage conservation. The plan involves upgrading the main market street into a smart corridor, installing modern streetlights and completing the smart renovation of eight feeder roads that connect to the market. Work on these access roads is reportedly nearing completion. "Chalai heritage project is a long-cherished vision. We are now in an advanced stage and with the support of the tourism and the public works departments, we expect to move forward rapidly once central funding is approved," said a senior SCTL official. "This redevelopment will transform Chalai into a vibrant, walkable heritage street while boosting local commerce and tourism," the official added. Originally launched in 2018, the project remained stagnant for several years due to a lack of adequate funding. However, a renewed push from the tourism department, which has now pledged partial funding, put the plan back on track. A high-level meeting chaired by tourism and PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas is expected to be held later this month to finalise the roadmap and streamline interdepartmental coordination. According to the revised blueprint, the market, designed in an octagonal layout with eight strategic access points, will undergo phased upgrades. They include smart paving, dedicated pedestrian zones, improved drainage, beautification and signage systems, all aimed at improving both the visual appeal and functional aspects of the area. Local traders, who have long demanded better infrastructure and amenities, have welcomed the project's revival. "We have waited for years to see Chalai get the attention it deserves. This market is not just a business zone; it's part of the city's soul," said Salim Shah, a member of the Chalai Traders Association. "If done properly, this project will enhance business and attract more visitors," he added. In the second phase, key heritage elements will be incorporated. They include permanent uniform arches at all entry points, wall graffiti that showcases the market's historical significance, roofed walkways adorned with benches and flowers and tiled footpaths. Electric cables will be laid underground, and the entire stretch will be Wi-Fi-enabled, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The remodification of the heritage street project will take place without any evacuation of traders from the market. As per the new decision, the foremost priority will be to enable smooth road connectivity to the market by renovating the adjoining roads. The new proposal is to make the market road pedestrian-friendly and there will be dedicated spaces nearby for vehicle parking. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Chalai heritage street project gains momentum as Smart City seeks central funding
T'puram: The long-awaited Chalai heritage street project under the Smart City Mission is moving closer to reality, with the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) seeking central assistance of Rs 50-60 crore. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Modelled on the transformation of SM Street in Kozhikode, the project aims to give the historic Chalai market a facelift while preserving its traditional charm. SCTL, the project's implementing agency, submitted a detailed proposal to Centre, seeking the required funding. A bustling commercial hub with a legacy spanning centuries, Chalai market is set to be redesigned with a focus on infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly amenities and heritage conservation. The plan involves upgrading the main market street into a smart corridor, installing modern streetlights and completing the smart renovation of eight feeder roads that connect to the market. Work on these access roads is reportedly nearing completion. "Chalai heritage project is a long-cherished vision. We are now in an advanced stage and with the support of the tourism and the public works departments, we expect to move forward rapidly once central funding is approved," said a senior SCTL official. "This redevelopment will transform Chalai into a vibrant, walkable heritage street while boosting local commerce and tourism," the official added. Originally launched in 2018, the project remained stagnant for several years due to a lack of adequate funding. However, a renewed push from the tourism department, which has now pledged partial funding, put the plan back on track. A high-level meeting chaired by tourism and PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas is expected to be held later this month to finalise the roadmap and streamline interdepartmental coordination. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to the revised blueprint, the market, designed in an octagonal layout with eight strategic access points, will undergo phased upgrades. They include smart paving, dedicated pedestrian zones, improved drainage, beautification and signage systems, all aimed at improving both the visual appeal and functional aspects of the area. Local traders, who have long demanded better infrastructure and amenities, have welcomed the project's revival. "We have waited for years to see Chalai get the attention it deserves. This market is not just a business zone; it's part of the city's soul," said Salim Shah, a member of the Chalai Traders Association. "If done properly, this project will enhance business and attract more visitors," he added. In the second phase, key heritage elements will be incorporated. They include permanent uniform arches at all entry points, wall graffiti that showcases the market's historical significance, roofed walkways adorned with benches and flowers and tiled footpaths. Electric cables will be laid underground, and the entire stretch will be Wi-Fi-enabled, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The remodification of the heritage street project will take place without any evacuation of traders from the market. As per the new decision, the foremost priority will be to enable smooth road connectivity to the market by renovating the adjoining roads. The new proposal is to make the market road pedestrian-friendly and there will be dedicated spaces nearby for vehicle parking.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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 , 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 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 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 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 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 smart roads are expected to significantly ease traffic, enhance commuter safety and improve the overall urban experience for residents and visitors alike.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Medical college multi-level car parking to open by May-end
: The multi-level car parking (MLCP) facility at the Govt Medical College is finally nearing completion and is expected to become operational by the end of May, offering major relief to the congested Medical College Junction and hospital campus. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), the implementing agency, final works are underway. "We are giving the finishing touches and expect to complete all tasks within two weeks. A trial run is likely by mid-May, and full operations should begin in the first week of June," said a senior SCTL official. The MLCP is an automated system, similar to existing facilities at Palayam and the corporation office complex. It can accommodate around 202 cars and aims to significantly ease parking woes in one of the busiest areas of the city. Once the medical college project is completed, workers will be shifted to expedite work at the Putharikandam Ground MLCP, which is expected to be completed in June and opened in July. That facility will serve the East Fort area, offering parking for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The medical college MLCP was built at a cost of Rs 16.58 crore, while the Putharikandam project is valued at Rs 20 crore. Both are being executed under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model, which includes design, supply, installation, and maintenance of the automated systems. Originally proposed in 2016 under the Amrut-I (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme, the three MLCPs at the corporation office, Putharikandam Ground, and the medical college saw years of delay. While the corporation office facility was completed earlier, the other two projects were later handed over to SCTL for faster execution.
