Delay by KSEB hinders smart city road completion

Thiruvananthapuram: The completion of the much-anticipated smart city road from Althara to Attakulangara in the city has been delayed due to KSEB's slow progress in removing electric posts and overhead cables.
While the posts and cables have been removed up to the Sri Mulam Club junction, the work has stalled midway. The Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd. (SCTL) and the Kerala road fund board (KRFB), the implementing agencies, have directed the KSEB to remove the remaining posts and cables by Oct 15.Once this is done, the final layer of tarring can proceed, with the road expected to be completed by Oct 31.
According to a senior KRFB official, the footpath works are nearing completion, and the installation of new LED streetlights will follow once the electric posts are removed.
Although the first layer of tarring was finished, delays were earlier caused by the laying and interconnection of water pipelines.
The govt has extended the deadline for all smart city projects across India to March 31, 2025.
Among the key projects, the Althara-Chenthitta stretch is progressing rapidly and is expected to be the first road completed under the smart city initiative. While the road is currently usable, officials emphasize that retarring is necessary for long-term durability.
The public has long demanded the widening and beautification of this stretch, which is a major focus of the project. Originally proposed as a single 4.2km stretch, the road was divided into two segments for easier implementation: the 3km Althara-Chenthitta stretch and the 1.2km Killipalam-Attakulangara segment. Most of the road will be expanded to four lanes, with some sections remaining two-lane.
The project will also focus on the development of Vazhuthacaud Junction, which will receive a significant upgrade with footpaths and the electric cables being laid underground.