Now, Kazhakkoottam roads to become ‘smart’

Thiruvananthapuram: Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) is set to undertake beautification works and upgradation to smart roads in areas around Kazhakkoottam railway station, Technopark and adjoining areas. The project will be executed at Rs 4.17 crore. It involves upgrading to smart roads by providing footpath to Technopark, underground ducting conduits, solar street lights and camera surveillance along Sreekariyam-Kazhakkoottam via Kulathur road and approach road to Kazhakkoottam railway station.
The duration of completion of work is three months.SCTL has invited bids to execute the project.
The project document notes that these roads have strategic importance due to their proximity to Technopark, Kazhakkoottam railway station, Kazhakkoottam HSS, VSSC, several places of worship, nationalized banks, and government offices.
The stretch from Kazhakkoottam railway station to Technopark experiences very heavy traffic during office hours. Hence it is necessary to upgrade this portion.
At present the road has no footpath and proper stormwater drainage system. Waterlogging damaged the road surface extensively. As a permanent solution, a drain and footpath will be constructed from near Kazhakkoottam railway station to Technopark's front gate and towards Kazhakkoottam HSS.
A provision for profile correction and resurfacing of approach road to Kazhakkoottam railway station has also been included in the estimate. Also, the smart city provisions for solar street light, UG cable duct, CC camera surveillance and landscaping have been incorporated in this estimate.
Development of urban roads as smart roads with pedestrian footpath/safe pathways, junction improvements, stormwater drains, utility conduits and underground ducts for electrical and communication lines, landscaping, streetscaping, place making along the roads, beautification, provision of smart street furniture, creating and developing basic conveniences along the roads will be executed as part of the project.