T’puram: A flagship Rs 100-crore urban rejuvenation and city beautification scheme, conceived to transform some of city’s busiest corridors into vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public spaces, has slowed considerably, with several key components yet to take off amid funding and policy-related uncertainties.The ambitious project, announced under state’s urban rejuvenation and beautification scheme, is being implemented by Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) in association with Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA), with financial support from Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). It was designed to improve city’s urban landscape through landscaping, flowering plants, public art, graffiti walls, seating spaces, better pedestrian infrastructure, cultural installations and enhanced public amenities.Major corridors identified under the scheme include Chackai–Shanghumugham beach stretch, LMS Church–Vellayambalam, Kowdiar–Peroorkada Road and airport corridor connecting domestic and international terminals. The project also envisages redevelopment of Jawahar Balabhavan at Vellayambalam into a modern recreational space for children and families, besides development of V S Achuthanandan Park at Palayam.However, except for limited progress at Jawahar Balabhavan and pairing pillars of Chackai flyover, work on most of the proposed components remains pending.Sources said financial constraints, coupled with administrative developments following the change in the state govt, have slowed the pace of execution.A senior SCTL official said nearly half of the work at Jawahar Balabhavan has already been completed, while the remaining projects are awaiting further direction.“About 50% of work at Jawahar Balabhavan has been completed. However, KIIFB instructed us to slow down the execution of the remaining components for the time being. With the new UDF govt assuming office, there could be policy-level changes regarding ongoing infrastructure projects. Until further clarity is received from KIIFB, we have been asked to proceed cautiously. We expect the uncertainty to be resolved soon, after which remaining works under the beautification project can be taken forward,” the official said.Jawahar Balabhavan redevelopment, one of the project’s first works, includes a children’s playscape, landscaped gardens and improved recreational facilities intended to convert the campus into a major family-friendly public space.The city beautification initiative was envisioned as a comprehensive urban renewal programme aimed at improving capital’s visual identity, walkability and public spaces while creating welcoming gateways for residents and visitors alike. Officials remain hopeful that once policy clarity emerges and funding decisions are finalized, the remaining corridor development works will resume, allowing the long-delayed project to regain momentum.
