Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Orders Joint Site Visits for Smart City Works

12 May 2026 CW Team

The mayor reported that SCTL presented details of completed and ongoing projects with progress updates and timelines, but the corporation identified gaps in many completed works. He instructed that a team comprising the superintending engineer, secretary, ward councillors and traders would participate in on-site assessments to ensure effective decision making. Discussions will be held on site to resolve complaints about poor implementation and lack of usability.

The Smart City initiative was launched in 2016 with a project outlay of Rs 15.38 billion and a total of 43 projects were taken up by SCTL. The mayor noted that a row of shops constructed under the smart vending zone had flawed design that failed to benefit traders or the public. Around 36 modules accommodating 46 vendors were set up at a cost of Rs 20 million.

Several facilities developed under the Smart City project, including e-toilets and water kiosks, were reported to be non-functional at present. SCTL officials replied that all completed projects had been handed over to the corporation and attributed the water kiosk failures to unpaid bills to the Kerala Water Authority, saying letters had been issued requesting payment. The officials maintained that payment delays were the corporation's responsibility and that SCTL remained one of the better performing special purpose vehicles.

The mayor emphasised that reliance on presentations alone would not suffice and that on-ground verification was crucial to restore usability and public benefit. He urged prompt cooperation from the corporation to clear dues and facilitate remedial action.

The first review meeting of Smart City Thiruvananthapuram (SCTL) after the BJP took control of the corporation highlighted sharp differences over completed and ongoing works. Mayor V V Rajesh raised serious concerns about several key infrastructure projects and announced joint site visits to identify and address issues. He said the corporation was dissatisfied with many outcomes, particularly the smart vending zone at RKV Lane near Napier Museum and the redevelopment of Palayam Connemara Market. The mayor reported that SCTL presented details of completed and ongoing projects with progress updates and timelines, but the corporation identified gaps in many completed works. He instructed that a team comprising the superintending engineer, secretary, ward councillors and traders would participate in on-site assessments to ensure effective decision making. Discussions will be held on site to resolve complaints about poor implementation and lack of usability. The Smart City initiative was launched in 2016 with a project outlay of Rs 15.38 billion and a total of 43 projects were taken up by SCTL. The mayor noted that a row of shops constructed under the smart vending zone had flawed design that failed to benefit traders or the public. Around 36 modules accommodating 46 vendors were set up at a cost of Rs 20 million. Several facilities developed under the Smart City project, including e-toilets and water kiosks, were reported to be non-functional at present. SCTL officials replied that all completed projects had been handed over to the corporation and attributed the water kiosk failures to unpaid bills to the Kerala Water Authority, saying letters had been issued requesting payment. The officials maintained that payment delays were the corporation's responsibility and that SCTL remained one of the better performing special purpose vehicles. The mayor emphasised that reliance on presentations alone would not suffice and that on-ground verification was crucial to restore usability and public benefit. He urged prompt cooperation from the corporation to clear dues and facilitate remedial action.

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