Corporation orders audit of Smart City works

Thiruvananthapuram: The city corporation is set to conduct a comprehensive review of Smart City projects implemented under Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), following concerns over incomplete works and maintenance failures. A high-level meeting with SCTL officials will be convened shortly to assess projects launched under the previous governing council. The review follows missed deadlines on several Smart City Mission projects, while others, though completed, face upkeep challenges. Civic authorities say a detailed evaluation is needed to decide whether pending works should be continued, modified or dropped entirely. Mayor V V Rajesh said the corporation wants full clarity on the progress of Smart City 1.0 initiatives. "We will scrutinise both completed and ongoing projects to identify gaps, fix accountability and ensure public funds are used effectively. Based on the findings, we will prepare a clear action plan," he said. Thiruvananthapuram was selected under the Centre's Smart Cities Mission in 2016, with SCTL serving as the special purpose vehicle to upgrade urban infrastructure, mobility and public amenities. Among the high-visibility completed works is the Smart Roads initiative, which redesigned major arterial stretches with improved footpaths, utility ducts, drainage and street lighting. However, several sections have since drawn criticism for waterlogging and rapid wear. Other completed projects include revamped parks, energy-efficient LED streetlights and the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) for real-time traffic monitoring, surveillance and emergency response. Maintenance has emerged as a persistent concern, and complaints have been raised about malfunctioning streetlights, damaged pedestrian infrastructure and neglected green spaces. Several projects remain incomplete, including smart road stretches in peripheral areas, multi-level car parking facilities and certain urban mobility components. Delays have been blamed on utility shifting complications, contractor issues and extreme weather disruptions. Looking ahead, the corporation is pursuing the CITIIS 2.0 initiative under the Smart City 2.0 framework, focusing on scientific waste management and sustainability. The project is currently awaiting final approval from the Union govt.