Althara-Chenthitta road: KRFB invites tenders

04 Oct 2023 CW Team

The development of the first stretch of what is slated to be the longest smart road in the capital city, as part of the Smart City Mission project, faces potential delays due to a lack of bidders. The project, spanning from Althara near Vellayambalam to Chenthitta near Killipalam via Vazhuthacaud and Thycaud, failed to attract bidders even after the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), the project's executing agency, initiated e-tender processes five times.

The most recent e-tender, issued last month, received no participation during the opening process held last week. Consequently, the KRFB has initiated a sixth tender and established a new deadline, which is set for October 7. In an effort to encourage bidder participation, the agency has structured the tender as a 'composite tender,' combining both construction and electrical works. The tender is scheduled to open on October 9.

Sources have revealed that contractors have now expressed interest in the project, primarily due to a change in the original plan from constructing a concrete road to a black-topped road, conforming to Indian Road Congress standards. The project entails the use of BM (Bituminous Macadam) and BC (Bituminous Concrete) tarring methods.

The proposed 4.2-kilometer road stands as the longest planned smart road in the city, to be constructed in two segments: a 3-kilometer section from Althara to Chenthitta, and a 1.2-kilometer stretch from Killipalam to Attakulangara. Initially scheduled for completion in June 2023, the project faced delays that prompted the cancellation of the contract by KRFB. The new deadline for project completion has been extended to June 2024.

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..