The Chalai Heritage Street project in Thiruvananthapuram is set for a significant overhaul, following the decision to drop its initial plan to mirror Kozhikode’s SM Street model. Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas is slated to chair a high-level meeting this month to finalize the revised project features, addressing concerns of shop owners and traders.
Modifications to the Original Plan
The initial plan, which was part of the Smart City project, faced a significant setback due to a shortage of funds. However, Minister Riyas intervened, combining resources from the tourism department with smart city allocations to bridge the funding gap.
Road Renovations and Meeting the Deadline
Eight roads leading to the market are currently undergoing renovation and are expected to be completed by mid-January. The implementing agency, Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), has been directed to prepare a revised plan ensuring completion before March 31, 2025.
Funding and Contractor Search
The government is actively seeking an efficient contractor to complete the smart road development. MLA Antony Raju emphasized that the heritage project hasn’t been scaled down and that efforts are being made to secure additional funding from the tourism department.
Road Connectivity and Octagonal Shape
The revised plan aims to enable smooth road connectivity to the market by renovating the adjoining roads. The market will have eight access points and an octagonal shape, ensuring pedestrian-friendly access. The major work pending includes restructuring the street to make it pedestrian-friendly and modifying the buildings to enhance their aesthetics.
History and Upcoming Plans
Launched in 2018, the project aimed to transform Chalai into a commercial and tourist destination. While the vegetable market renovation is the only work executed so far, the second phase will introduce the core heritage street elements. The revised project is expected to complete all smart city projects by March 31, 2025, meeting the government’s deadline.
