Beautifying projects: Kerala PWD to construct parks, open gyms under city flyovers

Thiruvananthapuram: The state Public Works Department (PWD) has come forward with a unique plan to construct parks beneath the major flyovers.  

The department identified 50 bridges and plans to construct parks across the state. In the initial phase, the parks will come up beneath bridges in Kollam S.N College and the Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery.

The financial aspects of these parks would be handled by corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of various private-sector companies and coordinated by Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited. 

These areas will also serve as a platform for advertisements. Depending on the space available under the bridge, a park, open gym, badminton court, chess blocks, cafes, and restrooms will be set up. 

This beautifying project is part of the Public Works Department’s design policy of transforming structures. The plan is to modify the designs of roads, bridges, government buildings, and tourist centres and implement policies according to regional-terrain specificities. 

A Rs 2 crore user fee is expected to be enforced for the use of the space. Dr K. Manoj Kumar, Managing Director of Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited, informed that the projects in Nedumbassery and Kollam will be completed within two months. 

Other amenities

• Parking space for two-wheelers and cars
• Small art installations, cafes
• Drinking water kiosk, toilets
• Resting areas
• Skate park