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Kerala's comprehensive design policy aims to enhance the state's tourism sector by transforming public spaces into sustainable, durable and visually appealing areas for visitors and the local community, announced the Tourism Minister Shri P. A. Mohamed Riyas. This was highlighted during the inauguration of a project to beautify the space under the railway overbridge near SN College in Kollam, converting it into a welcoming public amenity.
The minister Shri Riyas emphasized that the project integrates tourism schemes with the innovative design policy, showcasing how unused spaces can be creatively repurposed for relaxation and entertainment. He noted that many underutilized areas across the state will be converted into people-friendly spaces through effective planning and development. The project, to be completed by the year-end and presented as a New Year gift in 2025, aims to address social issues by transforming neglected areas into public parks or sports grounds, thus preventing misuse by anti-social elements. Shri M. Noushad, MLA, praised the Tourism Department's innovative projects for revitalizing the tourism sector and assured timely completion of the project.
Dignitaries at the event included Mayor Smt. Prasanna Earnest, Councillors Shri A. K. Sawad and Shri Sajeev Soman, KTIL, Chairman Shri S. K. Sajeesh, District Collector Shri Devidas N., Tourism Additional Director (General) Shri Vishnu Raj P., District Tourism Promotion Council Secretary Shri Jyothish Kesav, and KTIL Managing Director Dr Manoj Kumar K.
The project will feature a variety of recreational amenities, including walking tracks, street furniture, food kiosks, courts for badminton and basketball, a chess block, a skating area, an open gym and a yoga-cum-meditation centre. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, these facilities are intended to meet the diverse needs of the community, from children and youth to the elderly. The blueprint by KTIL will be implemented by the Kollam Municipal Corporation in collaboration with the District Tourism Promotion Council and other departments, with Habitat Group as the Project Management Consultant.
This project is set to place Kollam on the tourism map, enhancing the city's appeal by making public spaces more comfortable for and accessible to both residents and visitors. By converting the under-bridge area into a multifunctional public space, Kerala demonstrates its commitment to enhancing urban environments and fostering community well-being through thoughtful and inclusive design. This development is not just a local improvement but a model for future projects across the state, aiming to create engaging and sustainable public spaces for all.
