Veli tourist village in Thiruvananthapuram gets a makeover

Thiruvananthapuram: The Veli Tourist Village close to the state capital has put on a new look to attract tourists. The renovation project was completed by the tourism department utilising different agencies. A tourism complex will also come up at Veli as part of further expansion. It will be located on a 1.8-acre land across the main gate of the tourist zone.

The following are the new and upgraded features:

32 CCTV cameras

These cameras have been installed for better surveillance. Its control unit has been installed at the Shangumugham Police Station.

Solar lights

To brighten up the tourist village, 37 solar lights have been installed. This was done spending over Rs 28 lakh and with the assistance of the Kerala State Industrial Enterprises.

Fun toys

VIP benches that can seat three people is a new arrival, apart from the four-seater swing, triple-wave slide, merry-go-round, spiral slide and circular swing.

Beautified pond

The pond with a huge sea shell has been cleaned up and beautified. The work was carried out by the Nirmiti Kendra. The pond is a main attraction at the tourist village.

Safety barricades

The walkways have been secured with security barricades. It was done at a cost of more than Rs 6 lakh.

Floating restaurant

Administrative sanction has been given for a Rs 25 lakh project to modify the floating restaurant in the village. The KTDC has been entrusted with the job.

Tourism complex

The tourism complex planned on a 1.8-acre land across the main gate of the village will have a Rs 3-crore plus facilitation centre with a public lounge, visitors' lobby, ticket counter, service room, first-aid room, cloak room, and wash rooms. A convention centre planned there at a budget of Rs 10 crore will have an auditorium with a capacity of 800 seats, a stage, and cafeteria.

The tourism complex will also have a 3-star hotel with 25 rooms and other facilities.

Master plan

A master plan is also being finalised to modernise the swimming pool and park at the tourist village as also the Chacha Nehru Park on the Shangumugham Beach.

Land will be provided soon to those who lost it on account of the development projects. The government has found 1.07 acre of land for it.