Kerala Clears Three of 20 Recreational Spaces Beneath Overbridges

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:

Indoor and outdoor play areas, art wall boundaries, open gym, toilets, cafes, amphitheatres and a range of playing equipment will soon transform neglected spaces beneath major flyovers in Kerala’s arterial road network into vibrant community hubs equipped with essential public utilities.

The state’s tourism department has officially approved three of the planned twenty futuristic public spaces under overbridges across the state.

The project will provide basic amenities for rest and recreation for travellers while also creating leisure and entertainment zones for both tourists and residents to enjoy.

Tourism and Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said this initiative aligns with the state government’s Design Policy aimed at enhancing the quality of public spaces along these bridges.

He envisions the current under-utilised sections of bridges being converted into dynamic and multifaceted parks—environments where individuals and families can gather, partake in recreational activities such as badminton or volleyball, or simply enjoy a meal amidst nature.

The detailed project reports (DPRs) for the first three sites, located in Chembissery, Athani, and Mulankunnathukavu in Thrissur district, have received clearance from both the tourism and works departments.

“The DPRs for the remaining projects are in the final stages of preparation. These spaces will function as vibrant community gathering points and serve as essential green lungs within our urban landscape,” Minister Riyas stated.

“This initiative is an integral aspect of our government’s commitment to creating public spaces that not only enhance community well-being but also play a vital role in combating global warming. The huge popularity and wide public acceptance of the first We Park that came up in Kollam city was instrumental in the government deciding to go-ahead with additional We Parks across the state. We aspire for this project to become iconic in its impact and design”, Riyas added.

The project has received authorisation for installation of lighting, electrical works, plumbing, and comprehensive beautification and landscaping of these innovative spaces, branded as “We Parks”.

Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Ltd (KTIL) has been appointed as the primary agency responsible for developing these recreational parks and developing the accompanying facilities.

As part of the project, unutilized spaces under existing bridges will be ingeniously transformed into attractive and engaging recreational areas, accommodating a variety of recreational facilities tailored to meet community needs. Thoughtfully designed entry gates, jogging paths, comfortable seating spaces, clear signages, security cameras for safety, and ample lighting throughout these park areas will be key aspects of this transformation.

The tender process for selecting the implementing agency is currently underway and the project is to be completed within ten months of its commencement.

The minister said these previously unused spaces, which came up after the construction of overbridges, were public areas brimming with untapped potential, and are now poised for transformation, revitalisation and community engagement.

“We Parks explicitly target previously overlooked and neglected spaces around existing infrastructure, and aim to enhance the overall user experience,” he said. “This initiative not only converts unused areas beneath overbridges into local cultural hotspots but also has the potential to stimulate economic prosperity in the locality”, the Minister added.