Roads Go Super Smart in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Fulfilling yet another major promise, the state government has transformed key streets in the capital into world-class corridors. Today, these roads boast construction quality that rivals — and in some cases, surpasses — national highways. With well-designed footpaths, modern streetlights, and dedicated cycle tracks, A total of 62 roads, including 12 in Thiruvananthapuram, have taken a definitive step into the smart city era.
From young content creators to senior citizens, people across the city are flocking to these newly upgraded streets, capturing selfies and reels against the stunning urban backdrop.
In a celebratory ceremony held on Friday at 4:30 PM, Minister V Sivankutty, officially inaugurated 62 smart roads across Kerala. Minister P A Mohammed Riyas presided over the function. The event took place at the Manaveeyam Smart Road — the first in the series to be completed. Ministers M B Rajesh, and G R Anil attended as chief guests.
These smart roads are more than just visually impressive. Beneath their surfaces lies a network of underground utility corridors that house electric lines, telephone and internet cables, and pipelines — including those for drinking water and drainage, managed by the Water Authority. This integrated system eliminates the need for repeated road excavation, as all utilities run through dedicated ducts with specialized maintenance chambers, allowing for easy repairs without damaging the road surface.
Constructed under the leadership of the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) under the Public Works Department, 12 of the completed roads stand as a testament to focused governance. A long-delayed initiative, the smart road project finally reached completion thanks to the decisive intervention and commitment of the LDF government.
List of Smart Roads in Thiruvananthapuram:

Manaveeyam Veedhi

The cultural corridor of the city, Manaveeyam Veethi, was the first road to be completed. With beautifully designed footpaths, streetlights, and decorative lighting, it has been transformed into a vibrant nightlife hub. Facilities include an open-air stage, seating, walkways, toilets, drinking water kiosks, food kiosks, and a feeding room. CCTV cameras ensure safety. Total construction cost: 4.85 crore rupees.

Kalabhavan Mani Road

Connecting Rose House to Panavila Junction, this 154-meter road has impressed locals with its construction quality. Used by commuters from Women’s College and Cotton Hill School to reach the Secretariat and Thampanoor, it cost 1.20 crore rupees.

Ayyankali Hall–Flyover Road

This road is being developed into the city’s second major nightlife destination, divided into four themed zones. Features include LED interactive floors that light up on footfall, ornamental fish tanks, EV charging stations, seating, wheelchair access, smart bus shelters, smart toilets, and information boards. Construction cost: 2.85 crore rupees.

C V Raman Pillai Road

Stretching from Vellayambalam Althara to Chenthitta, this is a major showcase project. Built to BMBC standards, it includes a four-lane carriageway, LED screens, and international- quality features. Footpaths with tactile paving for the visually impaired and dedicated cycle tracks have been built on both sides. Streetlights line the median and road edges. Total cost: 77 crore rupees.

Killippalam–Attakulangara Road

Built at a cost of 25 crore rupees for 1 km, this road includes a major stormwater canal constructed as per Disaster Management Authority guidelines to prevent flooding. Total project cost: 33.02 crore rupees.

Spencer–AKG Centre Road

A 238 -meter road from Spencer Junction to AKG Centre, built at a cost of 1.5 crore rupees.

NORKA–Gandhibhavan Road

This 500-meter road was constructed at a cost of 5 crore rupees.

Statue–General Hospital Road

Stretching 444 meters, this road was built at a cost of 4 crore rupees.

General Hospital–Vanchiyoor Road

A 705-meter stretch, constructed at a cost of 11 crore rupees.

Overbridge–Uppidamoodu Road

This 731-meter road was built for 7.5 crore rupees.

M G Radhakrishnan Road

The 595-meter road was developed at a cost of 6 crore rupees.

Forest Office–Bakery Junction Road

A 585-meter road built at a cost of 5 crore rupees.

Green, Scenic Cycle Track

The C V Raman Pillai Road features dedicated green-marked cycle tracks on both sides, from Vellayambalam Althara to Chenthitta. Between Althara and the Thycaud Guest House, the cycle path runs alongside the footpath. Clear green markings guide cyclists safely along the route.