The Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala is moving towards becoming a key transshipment hub for India, with officials noting that it is gradually positioning itself to handle cargo that currently moves through ports such as Singapore, Colombo, Salalah and Dubai. The port's location near major international shipping routes and its strong road, rail and air connectivity give it a significant operational advantage. Officials noted that once the port attains full capacity, it is expected to offer notable savings in ship and navigation costs for Indian cargo. The project aims to strengthen India's presence in global maritime trade.Read more

The long-awaited redevelopment of Rajaji Nagar in Thiruvananthapuram is set to begin its first phase under the National Smart Cities Mission. The initial block, costing INR 9 crore, features 32 two-bedroom apartments of about 600 sq ft each and is ready for opening next month. Designed for expansion up to six floors, the project will eventually house 48 families. Spread across 12.6 acres, the larger redevelopment will upgrade drainage, roads, parking, and community spaces. Despite earlier delays and relocation challenges, around 20 families have already moved into temporary housing. The project marks a key step toward modernising Rajaji Nagar while preserving its long-established community fabric.Read more

The Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation has revived the long-delayed Poonkulam housing project, which had been stalled since 2008 due to financial constraints. Originally planned to deliver 120 houses under the BSUP scheme, only two floors were completed at a cost of INR 2.96 crore, with total expenses later estimated at INR 9 crore. The revised plan now targets 32 families, fully funded by the Corporation. Following a structural and stability audit by the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, a fresh tender will be issued. With an expected completion timeline of 18-24 months, the initiative aims to provide affordable housing and restore confidence in the city's ability to deliver long-pending BSUP projects.Read more

The construction of a new fishing harbour at Vizhinjam is scheduled to begin in November, running alongside the ongoing expansion of Vizhinjam International Seaport. The total project cost is INR 271 crore and is divided into two packages. Package 1, handled by Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd (AVPPL), includes a 235-meter breakwater, a 500-meter fishery berth, and other related facilities. Package 2, managed by the Harbour Engineering Department (HED), involves a 250-meter angled seaward breakwater. The project addresses the concerns of local fishermen and will provide modern amenities for traditional fishing vessels.Read more

A Smart City road in Thiruvananthapuram, built at a cost of INR 33.02 crore, had to be excavated shortly after completion due to a serious sewage line leak beneath the surface. Residents noticed foul smell and water seepage along the Killippalam-Attakulangara stretch, prompting inspection. Though the road was designed with underground utility ducts, the old sewage pipeline required direct access for repairs. Authorities, including Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) and Kerala Water Authority (KWA), are coordinating to repair the damage quickly, highlighting ongoing challenges in planning and coordination among city agencies.Read more

Thiruvananthapuram is set to revamp underutilized spaces beneath the Chackai-Enchakkal flyover, turning them into safe, visually appealing, and culturally reflective public areas. The INR 6.1 crore Smart City project covers 14,694 square meters and includes art installations, decorative lighting, landscaping, and streetscape enhancements. Spatial zoning will guide the use of narrow, medium, and wide sections, with features ranging from shade-tolerant plants to sculptural landscaping and vertical art walls. The initiative aims to blend functionality, aesthetics, and Kerala's cultural identity while improving public safety and urban experience.Read more

Vizhinjam International Seaport has received customs clearance to operate as a gateway cargo terminal, enabling it to handle both import and export consignments. The port has implemented the Indian Customs Electronic Data Interchange System (ICES) version 1.5 for processing documentation and clearance. While this marks a significant regulatory milestone, key supporting infrastructure such as road connectivity, container yards, freight stations and warehouses are yet to be completed. Trial operations are being targeted for December, with full-scale operations dependent on the readiness of these facilities.Read more

Thiruvananthapuram's Karimadom Colony Housing Complex, with 128 new flats, was inaugurated this week by Minister V Sivankutty in the presence of Mayor Arya Rajendran. Built at a cost of INR 27 crore, the project is the first phase of a plan to provide 200 homes in the colony. The civic body has already delivered thousands of homes under various schemes, including 318 flats at Kalladimukham, 542 at Mathippuram, and over 12,000 units through the LIFE project. Costford will soon begin construction of an additional 105 units under the BSUP rehabilitation initiative, with completion targeted in a year, further strengthening affordable housing delivery.Read more

Thiruvananthapuram has led Kerala in residential project registrations under K-RERA for the first half of 2025, recording 1,068 units and surpassing all other districts. This performance reflects increased investor confidence and the city's appeal as a residential hub. The growth is driven by the operational Vizhinjam Port, upcoming IT projects, and demand from NRIs and tech professionals. While major cities like Ernakulam and Kozhikode also show robust trends, some districts recorded no registrations, highlighting varied development across the state.Read more

Thiruvananthapuram has emerged as Kerala's fastest-growing real estate hub, surpassing even Ernakulam in residential unit registrations under the Kerala Real Estate Regulatory Authority (K-RERA). The city registered 2,987 units in the past year, driven by increased demand from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), IT professionals, and those returning to settle in their home state. Strong infrastructure, a thriving IT sector, accessible healthcare and education, and upcoming mega projects like Technocity and K-Space Park have made the capital city a preferred destination. Urban rejuvenation projects like the Smart City redevelopment are further enhancing liveability, offering both housing and long-term investment appeal.Read more

Adani Ports will invest INR 13,000 crore in the second phase of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, expanding its capacity to 5 million TEUs by 2028. Located near Thiruvananthapuram, the port's development is expected to reduce reliance on foreign transshipment hubs and spur growth in logistics, warehousing, and real estate along Kerala's southern coast. The Kerala government is contributing INR 1,637 crore for infrastructure, including an extended breakwater. As Vizhinjam becomes a strategic trade gateway, experts anticipate a rise in industrial parks, port-linked housing, and commercial zones, mirroring growth seen around other major ports like Mundra and Krishnapatnam.Read more

Thiruvananthapuram's Smart City projects now have their deadline extended until December. The new timeline will allow for the completion of key initiatives including the renovation of the Palayam Connemara Market, development of Chalai Market, construction of multi-level car parking facilities at Vaniyamkulam and Putharikandam, and the redevelopment of Rajaji Nagar Colony. Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) reports that 95 percent of funds have already been utilised, and the extended deadline will enable timely project completion, further enhancing urban infrastructure and sustainability in the capital.Read more

The Kerala government is moving closer to approving the final alignment for the Thiruvananthapuram Metro, with the finance department clearing the proposed route. A final presentation will be made before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan before cabinet approval. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has urged expedited decision-making to secure central funding. Two potential routes have been identified, with the final choice shaping the project's reach. Infrastructure work, including the Sreekaryam flyover, has already begun. Once operational, the Metro aims to ease traffic congestion and improve urban mobility in Kerala's capital.Read more

Technopark is set to issue a tender for the QUAD project this month, developing 8.5 lakh sq ft of IT space in Phase-IV, Pallipuram, with an investment of INR 381 crore. Initially planned as a co-developer model, Technopark will now execute the project independently due to a lack of bidders. The 5.5-acre facility is expected to generate 6,000 IT jobs upon completion. The QUAD project is part of a larger 40 lakh sq ft integrated township, incorporating residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. With construction set to begin soon, the initiative aims to strengthen Thiruvananthapuram's IT ecosystem.Read more

The Neopolis IT Township in Thiruvananthapuram has secured initial central government approval, advancing its development within the Outer Area Growth Corridor (OAGC). Spanning 390 acres in Technopark Phase IV, Pallipuram, the INR 1,000 crore project integrates IT, aerospace, and advanced tech sectors, creating a self-sustaining urban center. Challenges remain, particularly in land acquisition for the Outer Ring Road project, crucial for connecting the industrial corridor to the Vizhinjam International Seaport. A high-level meeting in January will focus on these issues under the Capital Region Development Programme-II. Successful implementation promises economic growth, infrastructure enhancement, and job creation for Kerala.Read more

Vidhi Sangoi

The Thiruvananthapuram Metro, a 42.1-kilometre light rail system with 37 stations, is set to revolutionize public transport in Kerala's capital city. With two primary lines connecting key hubs like Technocity, Kazhakoottam, and Karamana, the metro aims to tackle traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and offer a modern commuting experience. Approved at a cost of INR 4,219 crore, construction begins in 2025 with completion expected by 2030. Managed by KRTL, the metro features modern amenities and seamless integration with existing transport networks. This transformative project promises to enhance connectivity, drive economic growth, and position Thiruvananthapuram as a model for sustainable urban development.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Neopolis IT township project in Thiruvananthapuram, a major initiative under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is set to be officially launched, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to unveil the INR 1,000 crore project. This development is part of the Outer Area Growth Corridor (OAGC) and will focus on aerospace, electronics, software, and IT sectors. It will include residential complexes, shopping malls, recreational areas, and five-star hotels, creating a self-sustaining urban ecosystem. The project will be executed through a Special Purpose Company (SPC), involving multiple stakeholders, and is expected to drive technological innovation and economic growth in the region.Read more

The Thiruvananthapuram metro rail project's revised alignment is under active review by the state government, with a final decision expected soon. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) conducted a preliminary study on the updated alignment, running from Kazhakkoottam to East Fort via Sreekaryam and the Medical College, which aims to improve practicality and reduce disruption. Once approved by the finance department and cabinet, KMRL will revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for state and central approvals. The project prioritizes heritage conservation by avoiding elevated lines in central areas. Concurrently, Sreekaryam flyover construction is set to start soon, contributing to the city's infrastructure development.Read more

The redevelopment of the Rajaji Nagar (Chenkalchoola) colony in Thiruvananthapuram has officially begun, led by Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL). With a budget of INR 9 crore, the first phase aims to construct 248 housing units and develop infrastructure, including drainage and recreational spaces. Initial groundwork has commenced, and construction is expected to accelerate soon. Although the project faced delays due to various challenges, it marked a significant step towards improving living conditions for the colony's approximately 2,000 residents.Read more