Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Water Authority's (KWA) inordinate delay in fixing and repairing the pipelines in various parts of the city has hampered the final layer of tarring of roads that were completed under the Smart City initiative recently. The deadline for the final layer of tarring is now fixed for Nov 30. However, it is unlikely to meet the deadline as the KWA is yet to cover the dug-up portions in many areas.The continuous rain over the past few weeks also led to delays in the tarring process.
"We are waiting for the KWA's intimation on completing the pipeline works. There were instances of pipe bursts and leakages reported in some parts of Vazhuthacaud. The repair works are in progress. If we start the final layer of tarring, then the cutting of the road will be difficult. So, we ensure that all the pipeline work is done before the final layer of tarring. In addition, we need sunny weather conditions for at least three consecutive days to do the BM and BC standard tarring. However, all the remaining works are over, and we expect to complete the final layer of tarring this week," said a Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) official.
Meanwhile, when contacted, KWA officials were unavailable for comment.
The KRFB and Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) are the implementing agencies of the project. Althara-Chenthitta via Vazhuthacaud and Thycaud is the longest smart road that is being constructed in the city. Since there are many institutions like police headquarters, Tagore Theatre, schools and colleges, Trivandrum Club, Sri Mulam Club, and commercial establishments along this stretch, the construction activities have caused difficulties for motorists and daily commuters alike. The refurbishment of the road started in full throttle in Feb this year.
The widening and beautification of the Althara-Attakulangara is a long-pending demand of the public. 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. Earlier, the SCTL proposed the smart road from Althara to Attakulangara as a single stretch. The 4.2-km road is the longest proposed smart road in the city. Later, it was divided into two stretches: the first from Althara to Chenthitta, which is 3km, and the second from Killipalam to Attakulangara, which is 1.2km, for ease of work.