Fresh Delays Hit Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road Project

31 Jul 2025 CW Team

The progress of Thiruvananthapuram’s Outer Ring Road (ORR) project, aimed at decongesting the city and improving access to the Vizhinjam International Seaport, has hit another roadblock as compensation to landowners is unlikely to be disbursed by the promised July 31 deadline, according to a report by The New Indian Express.

This comes despite earlier assurances by PWD Minister PA Mohammad Riyas, who had announced following a meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) would receive final approval by the end of July.

Senior officials revealed that a team from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is expected to visit Kerala in the coming week to review unresolved issues. The NHAI has reportedly proposed revisions to the alignment of the ORR, especially where it passes through hilly terrain.

Meanwhile, opposition from landowners continues to mount. K Raveendran Nair, a landowner affected by the project, alleged that the DPR remains incomplete, which has delayed the compensation process. He also claimed procedural violations in land acquisition.

“For PPP projects, it is mandatory to obtain consent from 70 per cent of the landowners. This has not been followed in the ORR project. The 3A notification issued is illegal,” he said, adding that he holds RTI documents proving a lack of progress over the past two years.

The ORR project, valued at Rs 47.67 billion, has witnessed repeated delays. In December 2024, the Centre directed the Kerala government to revise the DPR, incorporating SGST exemptions and amendments to mining laws. The revised report was submitted in January 2025, but final approval is still pending.

News source: Swarajya

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..