Thiruvananthapuram's INR 400 crore Vilappilsala mini-township project, initially intended to revitalize the old waste treatment plant grounds, faces suspension due to financial constraints and council disagreements. The development, which envisioned a comprehensive township with residential towers, a convention center, and an urban forest, has stalled since early this year, despite groundwork efforts and a foundation ceremony by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. With limited time for the current administration and lapsed tenders, officials remain cautious about prioritizing resources for a project outside city limits. The project's revival depends on securing funds and achieving council consensus.Read more

The Kerala government is fast-tracking the Special Investment Region (SIR) Bill for legislative approval in the upcoming assembly session, aiming to implement land pooling in Thiruvananthapuram amid growing investor interest linked to Vizhinjam Port. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed the revenue and local self-government departments to provide feedback on the proposed Bill, which will be reviewed by the law department before reaching the state cabinet. Plans also include the Outer Area Growth Corridor (OAGC) and the development of logistics and health tourism hubs, paving the way for industrial expansion and economic growth in the region.Read more

The much-anticipated redevelopment of the Rajaji Nagar colony in Thiruvananthapuram is finally moving forward, with the tender for the project being awarded. The INR 9 crore project is expected to be completed within nine months and will involve the construction of 248 units, along with infrastructure improvements. However, the project has faced delays due to allegations of some residents not being the true beneficiaries, leading to protests. While the initial plan was to relocate 189 families, only a few are being relocated now due to resistance from the residents.Read more

In Thiruvananthapuram, Local Self-Government Minister MB Rajesh has announced a policy change allowing the renewal of commercial licences for establishments in buildings constructed before current regulations. This decision follows challenges faced by business owners under the K-SMART system, which previously barred licences for non-compliant older buildings. The update aims to benefit numerous small businesses and includes plans to overhaul the K-SMART system for easier licensing. Rajesh also noted that 66% of 10,000 complaints have been resolved and emphasised simplifying 106 rules to improve governance and support economic growth.Read more

Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram is set for a new development with the introduction of a 50,000 sq ft prefabricated office facility at the main campus (Phase 1). The initiative is inspired by the success of the Taurus Downtown project and aims to redefine workspace solutions. The tender for the project is expected to be released soon. Colonel Sanjeev Nair (Retd), CEO of Park Centre at Technopark, highlighted the significance of prefabrication for accommodating parking companies, offering time-saving benefits and potentially reducing the load on the queue system. The project aligns with Technopark's focus on optimizing existing infrastructure and enhancing marketability.Read more

The Flat Owners' Association of City Plaza, facing structural stability concerns, has decided to take legal action against the city corporation. The association plans to submit a petition to the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) principal director as the initial step. The civic body recently revoked 84 building numbers for both commercial and residential structures within the City Plaza building due to worries about its stability. Despite an eviction notice, residents are refusing to vacate. The association, having received a favourable structural stability certificate, is pursuing legal recourse to address concerns and hold the corporation accountable for ensuring safety.Read more

The Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation is taking action to cancel building numbers and trade licenses for residents and shop owners in City Plaza, a residential-cum-commercial building in Ulloor. Concerns over structural stability arose after a portion of the building's retaining wall collapsed during heavy October showers. The civic body issued an eviction notice, directing residents to vacate within three days. Despite reminders to reconstruct the retaining wall, there was no concrete response. Residents cite the corporation's failure to address unauthorized constructions, urging temporary accommodation. The corporation cancelled building numbers and trade licenses, awaiting a stability assessment report from the public works department.Read more

In the wake of implementing new tax regulations, a city with around 4.8 lakh property taxpayers received just one complaint during the objection period. This singular complaint, submitted via email, expressed general concerns about increased tax rates. The revised tax structures primarily affect larger residential properties, commercial establishments, shopping complexes, and other entities. The state government mandated a five percent annual property tax increase for five years, along with adjustments based on revised foundational tax rates. Notably, government office buildings witnessed a significant reduction in basic tax rates, while commercial real estate faced varying adjustments. This comprehensive revision marks an increase in the city's annual property tax demand.Read more

Thiruvananthapuram's Municipal Corporation is set to undertake a transformative Rs 20-crore housing initiative, targeting residents of Vikalanga Colony and those enlisted under the LIFE Mission. The project, located at Muttathara, aims to relocate approximately 100 families currently enduring substandard conditions. This move, coupled with the upcoming housing for the fishing community, underscores the city's determination to improve living standards for its marginalized communities.Read more

The Thiruvananthapuram High Court has issued an interim stay, pausing the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) decision to revoke the environmental clearance for Dragonstone Realty Private Limited's mixed land use project at Technopark phase 3. The NGT's order not only cancelled the clearance but also imposed a Rs 15 crore penalty on the project. The stay, granted for a month in response to Dragonstone Realty's writ petition, provides relief against the NGT's verdict. The NGT had cited a project split violation in its decision, prompted by an appeal from environmentalist Thomas Lawrence. The stay offers temporary relief while further legal proceedings unfold.Read more

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has finalized new property tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year. Government office buildings will see a substantial 72.5% reduction in basic tax rates, while larger residential, commercial, and hospitality properties will face increased tax burdens. The proposed revisions, based on existing slabs, await approval in an upcoming civic body council meeting. Additionally, property tax calculations will include a 5% annual increment over five years, following state government directives based on finance commission recommendations.Read more

Thiruvananthapuram authorities have given the go-ahead for an innovative land swap agreement between Technopark and private landowners. This historic decision aims to facilitate the expansion of Technopark, a leading technology park in India, while revitalizing the entire region's landscape. By exchanging strategically located land parcels, Technopark can attract more technology companies and startups, generating employment opportunities and bolstering the state's IT sector.Read more

According to the master plan, the corporation secretary can grant approval for apartments in the core area zone with a maximum of 150 units, eliminating the need to involve the district town planner. This proposal aims to streamline the building approval process in Thiruvananthapuram, allowing quicker decision-making for smaller residential projects. By empowering the corporation secretary with this authority, it reduces bureaucratic hurdles and expedites the approval process, benefiting both builders and residents. This move reflects an effort to enhance efficiency and decentralize decision-making in urban development.Read more