Chalai Market Revamp May Get Boost From Urban Challenge Scheme

15 May 2025 CW Team

The long-delayed redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram’s historic Chalai market could soon gather momentum, as the Kerala government seeks funding under the Union government’s newly launched Urban Challenge Scheme. Authorities aim to secure one-third of the project’s estimated Rs 2 billion cost through this Central initiative, recently introduced in the Union Budget.

Spearheaded by Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), the redevelopment is planned in four phases. Phase I, which involves upgrading the internal road network, is nearing completion. However, financial constraints have stalled subsequent phases.

“We’ve been exploring funding avenues, and the Centre has responded favourably. Discussions are at an advanced stage, and we are optimistic about receiving support,” said an official. A notable feature of the upgrade will be the installation of umbrella-style covers along the market’s main thoroughfare.

The project was adopted in 2022 as a contingency measure when other redevelopment efforts—such as the Palayam market and Rajaji Nagar upgrades—faced delays. To avoid forfeiting already sanctioned funds, authorities pivoted towards Chalai. However, as the original projects resumed, funding for Chalai became limited, prompting a fresh search for financial backing.

SCTL has already spent around Rs 150 million upgrading internal roads, with the final cost of Phase I expected to reach Rs 300 million. Work on the main arterial stretch is set to begin shortly. Another central component of the project is a proposed multi-level car park on corporation-owned land within the market area.

The state hopes that funding under the Urban Challenge Scheme will ensure steady progress, helping to restore one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant commercial hubs while easing congestion and enhancing infrastructure.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..