The smart roads under the Smart City project in Thiruvananthapuram have encountered significant setbacks, casting doubt on the revised completion deadline of June 15.
The project, aimed at modernising the state capital’s infrastructure, has been plagued by frequent sewerage line bursts during the excavation process, crucial for laying underground utilities. A major setback occurred on Friday night when a significant sewerage line burst in the Vazhuthacaud area, halting the construction and compounding the challenges faced by contractors. This incident is just one of many that have disrupted the project’s schedule, making it increasingly difficult to meet the revised completion targets. Earlier, incessant rains had also hampered progress, prompting authorities to extend the original deadline to June 15.
Despite these challenges, Smart City officials remain focused on ensuring that the roads are at least navigable by the revised deadline. “We are working around the clock to ensure that the roads are at least navigable by June 15,” a project spokesperson stated. Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) and the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) are collaborating closely with the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to repair and replace the broken sewerage pipelines promptly. The collaborative efforts, however, have not fully mitigated the frustrations of residents and local business owners, who have been dealing with prolonged construction-related disruptions. The ongoing delays have exacerbated concerns among the community, highlighting the challenges of integrating new systems with the city’s existing infrastructure. Each sewerage line burst necessitates immediate attention, repair, and sometimes a complete overhaul of the affected sections, leading to significant delays.
In response to the ongoing issues, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty convened a meeting last month with district administration, KRFB, and Smart City officials. During this meeting, a revised deadline of June 15 was set for the completion of all smart road projects under the Smart City initiative. However, given the recurring disruptions, meeting this deadline remains uncertain. The Smart City project in Thiruvananthapuram aims to modernise the city’s infrastructure through the development of smart roads equipped with advanced utilities and services. Yet, the frequent sewerage line bursts have exposed the underlying difficulties of modernising an aging infrastructure. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the successful completion of the project, which promises to significantly enhance the city’s infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its residents.
As the deadline approaches, the focus remains on making the roads navigable, but the broader goal of full project completion continues to face hurdles. The authorities and stakeholders involved in the project are under increasing pressure to find solutions to expedite the remaining work while ensuring quality and sustainability.
