FRAT urges political parties to prioritise capital development

T'puram: With assembly elections approaching, Fraternity of Residents' Associations Thiruvananthapuram (FRAT) on Wednesday called upon all major political fronts, LDF, UDF and NDA, to place comprehensive development of the capital district at the centre of their electoral agendas.In a detailed memorandum submitted to front conveners and allied party leaders, FRAT outlined a series of long-pending demands aimed at transforming the city into a modern, well-planned urban hub. A key recommendation is the creation of a dedicated ministerial portfolio for capital district development to ensure focused planning and execution of projects. The association stressed the urgent need to fast-track critical infrastructure works, including the Karamana–Kaliyikkavila Road widening under NH 66. It also reiterated demands for the establishment of an AIIMS in the state capital and a high court bench to decentralize judicial services. FRAT further urged political parties to push for upgrading Thiruvananthapuram into a metro city, citing its growing IT ecosystem led by Technopark. The immediate completion and full operationalization of Vizhinjam International Seaport, along with supporting road and rail infrastructure, was highlighted as vital for boosting trade and employment. Civic concerns were also featured in the memorandum. These include tackling the increasing stray dog menace, ensuring piped natural gas (PNG) connections to all households, developing the proposed Attukal township and addressing chronic waterlogging in low-lying areas. The association also called for rooftop solar expansion and a scientific, decentralized waste management system for both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. FRAT patron Paraniyam Devakumar said, "Political parties must move beyond promises and take actions to improve the lives of citizens."