Work on Chala heritage street project to take off next month

Thiruvananthapuram: The Chala Heritage Street Project is all set to take off in the state capital, giving a face-lift to the medieval market boulevard and surrounding areas in the heart of the city. Modification will begin by mid-October in a stretch from East Fort to Aryasala in the first stage.

An entry gate will be built on the model of the East Fort at the entry point to Chala opposite Gandhi Park. Painted walls that portray history, roofed walkways and rain shelters with seating are also on the anvil. Tiles will be laid on some roads. Supply lines of electricity and water and the drainage system will be laid underground. The plan also envisages a series of drains to ensure that waterlogging does not happen.

Other areas that will be beautified are Sabhapathy, Aryasala, Marakkada, Kothuval, Malakkadikada, Karuppattikada and Valiyasala. The modification will be done without hurting heritage. All heritage buildings are to be modernised without loss of their heritage features.

Centralised parking areas are also planned to address the notorious parking chaos in the market. Vehicles will be allowed into Chala only at fixed timings in the morning and at night. The main entry will be from East Fort.

Capital projects at a glance

Refurbishing of Akkulam tourist village- Rs 9.34 crore

Chala Heritage Street plan- Rs 9.98 cr

Development of Kanakakkunnu Palace- Rs 9 cr

Modernisation of Kovalam Samudra and Grove beaches- Rs 9.90 cr

Varkala beach tourism development- Rs 8.99 cr

Development of the urban park at Veli Tourist Village- Rs 4.99 cr

Veli Eco Park project- Rs 4.78 cr

Modernisation of Shangumugham Beach and development of Urban Plaza- Rs 4.62 cr