Thiruvananthapuram's INR 400 crore Vilappilsala mini-township project, initially intended to revitalize the old waste treatment plant grounds, faces suspension due to financial constraints and council disagreements. The development, which envisioned a comprehensive township with residential towers, a convention center, and an urban forest, has stalled since early this year, despite groundwork efforts and a foundation ceremony by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. With limited time for the current administration and lapsed tenders, officials remain cautious about prioritizing resources for a project outside city limits. The project's revival depends on securing funds and achieving council consensus.
The ambitious mini-township project at Vilappilsala, proposed by Thiruvananthapuram's city corporation, now faces potential shelving due to financial constraints and ongoing disagreements among council members. The INR 400 crore project, initially planned on the grounds of an old waste treatment plant, has remained at a standstill since early this year, casting doubts on its revival.
Designed to transform Vilappilsala, which has seen its share of controversy, the project envisioned a comprehensive township to revitalize the area. However, with numerous other projects pending within the corporation's jurisdiction, officials are wary of committing resources to a development in a panchayat outside the city's immediate limits. While Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran acknowledged the project's current hold, she suggested a potential revival if conditions improve.
Sources close to the project indicate that limited time remains for the current corporation administration, making consensus and funding approvals difficult. Initial tenders issued last year have since lapsed, adding further setbacks. Despite a foundation stone-laying ceremony by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, only preliminary work-such as constructing compound walls, ground clearing, and internal road networks-has been completed to date.
Given the scale of the project, each module within the township needed to be tendered individually. Initially, the corporation sought expressions of interest (EOI) from structural consulting firms or independent consultants for the design of the first phase of the township development. Four firms responded, and one was ultimately chosen as the project consultant. After several rounds of discussions, the corporation approved the proposed design.
According to the proposal, the 36-acre township will feature five towers and 11 multi-storey residential buildings, designed to accommodate 500 individuals as part of the LIFE Mission. The development will also include a convention centre with rest houses, a residential training facility, a warehouse, a vehicle yard, a stray dog rehabilitation centre, a cattle shed, and a pond. Additionally, the township will offer an indoor games facility and residential accommodations for a technological university.
The corporation also intended to establish an urban forest featuring fruit-bearing trees and medicinal herbs. Furthermore, there were plans to rent out the convention centre for weddings. The residential facility designated for LIFE Mission beneficiaries was planned to be situated in an area that ensures privacy for the residents. It is worth mentioning that an amusement park was originally proposed for this location in 2017, but this plan was later abandoned.
In conclusion, the ambitious Vilappilsala mini-township project faces uncertainty due to financial challenges and council disagreements. While plans for a comprehensive development remain, progress has stalled, and initial tender deadlines have passed. Revitalization prospects hinge on future funding and consensus, leaving the project in a precarious position.
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