The much-anticipated redevelopment of the Rajaji Nagar colony in Thiruvananthapuram is finally moving forward, with the tender for the project being awarded. The INR 9 crore project is expected to be completed within nine months and will involve the construction of 248 units, along with infrastructure improvements. However, the project has faced delays due to allegations of some residents not being the true beneficiaries, leading to protests. While the initial plan was to relocate 189 families, only a few are being relocated now due to resistance from the residents.
The long-awaited redevelopment of the Rajaji Nagar colony in Thiruvananthapuram is set to begin next month, and the tender for the project has been awarded, according to an official from Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), the project's implementing agency.
The refurbishment of Rajaji Nagar has been a long-standing proposal, with a total project cost of INR 9 crore. The project is expected to be completed within nine months. Currently, 18 families have been shifted to a temporary facility, and they will be rehabilitated to the revamped facilities as the construction progresses. Once these 18 families are relocated, another 18 families will be shifted to the temporary units.
The project was delayed due to allegations that some of the colony's residents are not the true beneficiaries of the project. This sparked protests from the residents, further delaying the project. The initial plan was to relocate around 189 families to facilitate the project, but now, due to resistance, only a few families are being relocated.
Earlier, the SCTL had invited e-tenders for the project, but only two bidders participated. One of the bidders had to opt out as they could not meet the qualification criteria. Since the SCTL could not proceed with a single bidder, the agency had to re-tender the project. The first e-tender was floated in early March this year, and the re-tendering process began after the model code of conduct, which was in place due to the Lok Sabha elections, was lifted.
At present, around 2,000 families reside in the 1,100 housing units of the colony. Phase I of the project proposes the construction of 248 units, along with a proper stormwater network, access roads, a parking facility, a community, and a recreational facility.
The project aims to transform the living conditions of the 2,000 families residing in the colony, providing them with modern amenities and improved infrastructure. Despite the challenges faced during the planning and procurement stages, the authorities are determined to ensure that the project is completed as per schedule and that the residents are adequately accommodated. As the redevelopment progresses, the authorities will need to address the concerns of the residents and work towards a fair and inclusive outcome for all stakeholders.
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