The two-century-old Chala heritage market and street will be restored to its former glory, Minister for Tourism Kadakampally Surendran has said.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Chala market heritage street project here on Thursday.
Once a prominent commercial centre of the erstwhile Travancore, the market is a shadow of its former self.
Business itself is shifting to other places in recent times.
Beautification
The heritage project aims at beautification of the market and increase in amenities so that it bounces back to its bustling days.
It is being implemented after discussions at various levels and making necessary changes to the suggestions that arose.
The Habitat Technology Group led by architect G. Shankar will implement the project.
An amount of ₹10 crore has been sanctioned in the first phase.
With a ₹40-crore project too being implemented as part of the Smart City project, the Chala market will get a facelift.
Once tourists start flocking to the market in large numbers, the businesses too will get a boost, Mr. Surendran said.
V. S. Sivakumar, MLA, presided over the function. Mayor V.K. Prasanth was the chief guest.