T’puram: The future of several key development projects announced and initiated during the previous LDF govt’s tenure has become uncertain after the newly elected UDF govt’s first policy address made no specific mention of many of the flagship initiatives planned for the state capital.While the policy address outlined the new govt’s broader development priorities, it remained silent on a series of high-profile projects that were projected as game changers for Thiruvananthapuram’s transformation into a global knowledge, technology and innovation hub. The absence of any reference to Digital Science Park, Space Park as well as the proposed Emerging Technology Startup Hub and the expansion of Life Sciences Park and Genome Valley at Thonnakkal has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, investors and urban development experts.The projects were among the most ambitious initiatives announced by the previous LDF govt. Many of them have moved beyond the planning stage, with land acquisition, infrastructure development, funding arrangements and institutional partnerships already under way. Digital Science Park, envisioned as India’s first integrated science and technology innovation ecosystem, was expected to attract global research institutions, startups and technology firms working in frontier sectors. Likewise, Space Park was conceived as a dedicated ecosystem leveraging the presence of India’s premier space and aerospace institutions in Thiruvananthapuram.Expansion of Life Sciences Park and the development of a larger Genome Valley ecosystem were intended to position the capital as a leading destination for biotechnology, healthcare research and pharmaceutical innovation. The proposed Emerging Technology Startup Hub was expected to complement the city’s growing technology ecosystem anchored by Technopark and other research institutions.Infrastructure expert Anil Kumar Pandala said the omission of these projects from the policy address has naturally created uncertainty regarding their future.“These are long-gestation projects that require sustained policy support across govts. Investors, developers and research institutions need clarity on whether the projects will continue in their present form and what timelines the new govt envisages. Continuity is critical for projects of this scale,” Pandala said.Industry leaders also believe that clarity from the govt is essential to maintain investor confidence in the capital region.Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) president S N Reghuchandran Nair said the capital’s competitive advantage lies in its unique combination of technology infrastructure, research institutions, higher education centres and scientific establishments. He said the new govt should go with “fact findings” instead of “fault findings”.“Projects such as Digital Science Park, Space Park and Life Sciences Park expansion were expected to create a new growth trajectory for the capital. The business community is keen to know how the new govt plans to take these initiatives forward and whether they remain a part of Kerala’s long-term development vision,” he said.However, a senior govt source sought to allay concerns over the projects’ fate. A senior govt official told TOI that the projects announced by the previous govt were not being abandoned and would be taken forward after a review by the new administration.“The policy address is not intended to provide project-wise details. The govt is examining all major ongoing and proposed projects. None of the key projects for Thiruvananthapuram have been discarded. They will continue, with modifications wherever necessary, to align them with the new govt’s priorities and implementation strategy,” the official said.The assurance may provide some relief to stakeholders. Nevertheless, with no explicit mention in the policy address, investors and industry observers are likely to continue seeking greater clarity on timelines, funding mechanisms and implementation plans. Until detailed announcements are made, questions will remain over how the UDF govt intends to shape the next phase of Thiruvananthapuram’s ambitious knowledge economy and infrastructure projects.
