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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.
The Killippalam-Attakulangara stretch, part of Thiruvananthapuram's Smart City Mission, costing INR 33.02 crore, was dug up months after completion following a major sewage line leak. Residents reported foul smell and water seepage along the road, leading the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to confirm a serious leakage in the old underground pipeline. Advertisement
Despite the road's design including underground utility ducts intended to prevent surface excavation, engineers determined that the damaged section of the decades-old sewage line required direct access. Excavation involved removing portions of the paved road, with traffic being diverted in the affected stretch.
The road project had included redesigned drains, underground ducts, LED lighting, footpaths, and cycle tracks. However, residents expressed disappointment that a high-cost road required digging so soon after opening, raising concerns about planning and coordination between agencies like SCTL, KWA, Kerala Road Fund Board, and the city corporation.
A senior SCTL official said the public's frustration is understood and confirmed that the repairs are being coordinated with KWA to restore the road promptly. Corporation officials also stated that work would proceed on a priority basis with minimal further damage to the surrounding infrastructure. A departmental meeting is planned to finalize the repair approach and prevent similar issues in future urban projects.
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