77cr smart road falls into neglect

Thiruvamanthapuram: A flagship Smart City road stretch, inaugurated just a year ago, is already showing signs of neglect. The Vellayambalam–Vazhuthacaud–Thycaud–Chenthitta corridor, built at a cost of Rs 77 crore, is plagued by clogged drains and littered footpaths. The stretch was transformed into a model urban road by placing utility and power cables underground and paving footpaths with tiles, complete with metal fencing. Despite the investment, basic maintenance has been lacking. Drain inlets along the road, designed to channel rainwater into stormwater drains, are blocked with leaves, mud and debris. As a result, even brief spells of rain cause water stagnation. Residents say footpaths are swept perfunctorily, but workers make no effort to clear the inlets or remove accumulated silt. S Ramachandran, a Vazhuthacaud resident, pointed out that all water inlet points are covered in leaves and mud. "This is a newly revamped road. It should be kept clean and neat," he said, adding that silt removal has been completely neglected. Near Rema Devi Mandir, mud washed in from an adjoining lane has piled up along the main road over recent weeks. "It's a risk for two-wheeler riders," he said. Similar conditions persist along the Vellayambalam–Vazhuthacaud stretch and parts of Thycaud, where drain openings remain blocked by fallen leaves and tree debris. Pedestrians also face difficulty, as layers of dry leaves and paper waste make sections of the footpath slippery. There was waterlogging in some areas during heavy rains a few days ago. Residents point out that the stretch passes largely through office zones and apartment complexes, where civic oversight is limited compared to neighbourhoods with active residents' associations. As a result, routine upkeep appears to have slipped. Paint is peeling off the railings, and the green cycle track has faded visibly at several points. V S Varghese, another resident, warned that poor upkeep could accelerate road damage. "Vehicles driving over silt and loose stones wear out the surface faster," he said. Notably, the road does not require frequent cuts for utility work, as cables are housed in underground ducts, making regular maintenance even more critical.