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Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kerala Tourism website: India's most visited travel portal
T'puram: The Kerala Tourism website received the highest number of visitors compared to websites of other state tourism departments in 2024-25. This surpasses the visitors to Union govt's Incredible India website. Additionally, is ranked second among travel and tourism sites in the global rankings. The site also secured second place in the category of the tourism industry. Thailand tourism emerged first in all three global rankings, while Vietnam, Incredible India and Indonesia occupy the third, fourth and fifth positions, respectively. According to Google analysis, six million users made 7.9 million visits to the Kerala Tourism website during 2024-25. Together, they viewed more than 15 million web pages. Tourism minister P A Mohamed Riyas stated that the website's achievement underscored Kerala's recognition as a global tourism destination. "Such is our acceptance among tourists," he noted. "On recognizing the importance of digital promotion in tourism development, Kerala Tourism is implementing innovative projects and products by catering to the changing tastes of travellers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Launch Offer – SPR Gurgaon Homes Signature Global Book Now Undo The attractively designed website provides comprehensive information about tourism activities in the state," he added. Around 5.8 million customers reached the Kerala Tourism site through search. More than one million people accessed the site by typing while nearly one million visitors arrived through advertisements. Apart from the home page, many visit pages such as accommodation facilities, tourist destinations, tour packages, heli-tourism, wedding destinations, festival calendar, Theyyam calendar and yoga. The website which has over 1,00,000 pages, is designed and maintained by Invis Private Ltd, the official IT solution partner of Kerala Tourism. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Smart City seeks central aid for Chalai heritage street project
1 2 3 4 5 T'puram: The long-awaited Chalai heritage street project under the Smart City Mission is moving closer to reality, with the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) seeking central assistance of Rs 50-60 crore. Modelled on the transformation of SM Street in Kozhikode, the project aims to give the historic Chalai market a facelift while preserving its traditional charm. SCTL, the project's implementing agency, submitted a detailed proposal to Centre, seeking the required funding. A bustling commercial hub with a legacy spanning centuries, Chalai market is set to be redesigned with a focus on infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly amenities and heritage conservation. The plan involves upgrading the main market street into a smart corridor, installing modern streetlights and completing the smart renovation of eight feeder roads that connect to the market. Work on these access roads is reportedly nearing completion. "Chalai heritage project is a long-cherished vision. We are now in an advanced stage and with the support of the tourism and the public works departments, we expect to move forward rapidly once central funding is approved," said a senior SCTL official. "This redevelopment will transform Chalai into a vibrant, walkable heritage street while boosting local commerce and tourism," the official added. Originally launched in 2018, the project remained stagnant for several years due to a lack of adequate funding. However, a renewed push from the tourism department, which has now pledged partial funding, put the plan back on track. A high-level meeting chaired by tourism and PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas is expected to be held later this month to finalise the roadmap and streamline interdepartmental coordination. According to the revised blueprint, the market, designed in an octagonal layout with eight strategic access points, will undergo phased upgrades. They include smart paving, dedicated pedestrian zones, improved drainage, beautification and signage systems, all aimed at improving both the visual appeal and functional aspects of the area. Local traders, who have long demanded better infrastructure and amenities, have welcomed the project's revival. "We have waited for years to see Chalai get the attention it deserves. This market is not just a business zone; it's part of the city's soul," said Salim Shah, a member of the Chalai Traders Association. "If done properly, this project will enhance business and attract more visitors," he added. In the second phase, key heritage elements will be incorporated. They include permanent uniform arches at all entry points, wall graffiti that showcases the market's historical significance, roofed walkways adorned with benches and flowers and tiled footpaths. Electric cables will be laid underground, and the entire stretch will be Wi-Fi-enabled, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The remodification of the heritage street project will take place without any evacuation of traders from the market. As per the new decision, the foremost priority will be to enable smooth road connectivity to the market by renovating the adjoining roads. The new proposal is to make the market road pedestrian-friendly and there will be dedicated spaces nearby for vehicle parking. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Chalai heritage street project gains momentum as Smart City seeks central funding
T'puram: The long-awaited Chalai heritage street project under the Smart City Mission is moving closer to reality, with the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) seeking central assistance of Rs 50-60 crore. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Modelled on the transformation of SM Street in Kozhikode, the project aims to give the historic Chalai market a facelift while preserving its traditional charm. SCTL, the project's implementing agency, submitted a detailed proposal to Centre, seeking the required funding. A bustling commercial hub with a legacy spanning centuries, Chalai market is set to be redesigned with a focus on infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly amenities and heritage conservation. The plan involves upgrading the main market street into a smart corridor, installing modern streetlights and completing the smart renovation of eight feeder roads that connect to the market. Work on these access roads is reportedly nearing completion. "Chalai heritage project is a long-cherished vision. We are now in an advanced stage and with the support of the tourism and the public works departments, we expect to move forward rapidly once central funding is approved," said a senior SCTL official. "This redevelopment will transform Chalai into a vibrant, walkable heritage street while boosting local commerce and tourism," the official added. Originally launched in 2018, the project remained stagnant for several years due to a lack of adequate funding. However, a renewed push from the tourism department, which has now pledged partial funding, put the plan back on track. A high-level meeting chaired by tourism and PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas is expected to be held later this month to finalise the roadmap and streamline interdepartmental coordination. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to the revised blueprint, the market, designed in an octagonal layout with eight strategic access points, will undergo phased upgrades. They include smart paving, dedicated pedestrian zones, improved drainage, beautification and signage systems, all aimed at improving both the visual appeal and functional aspects of the area. Local traders, who have long demanded better infrastructure and amenities, have welcomed the project's revival. "We have waited for years to see Chalai get the attention it deserves. This market is not just a business zone; it's part of the city's soul," said Salim Shah, a member of the Chalai Traders Association. "If done properly, this project will enhance business and attract more visitors," he added. In the second phase, key heritage elements will be incorporated. They include permanent uniform arches at all entry points, wall graffiti that showcases the market's historical significance, roofed walkways adorned with benches and flowers and tiled footpaths. Electric cables will be laid underground, and the entire stretch will be Wi-Fi-enabled, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The remodification of the heritage street project will take place without any evacuation of traders from the market. As per the new decision, the foremost priority will be to enable smooth road connectivity to the market by renovating the adjoining roads. The new proposal is to make the market road pedestrian-friendly and there will be dedicated spaces nearby for vehicle parking.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
State NH wing's role in Centre's projects comes under lens
Thiruvananthapuram: With freshly laid stretches of NH 66 showing signs of structural damage at multiple locations even before the arrival of the monsoon, attention has turned to the state's National Highways wing under the public works department (PWD), which maintains a sizeable administrative setup for highway oversight. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to budget documents, the state govt has earmarked Rs 39.32cr for 2025-26 towards salaries and expenses of 447 officials working in the state's NH wing. This includes a chief engineer, two superintending engineers, executive engineers, assistant engineers, and other staff, as per details published on the PWD's official website. While the actual construction of NH 66 is being carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Centre's Bharatmala Pariyojana, the PWD's NH wing is described in official sources as responsible for the planning, project preparation, construction, and maintenance of NHs entrusted to it by the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH). Of the 1,781.5km of NHs in Kerala, 1,233.5km, including key NH 66 segments, are under NHAI. The remaining 548km continue to be maintained by the state PWD. However, the role of the state NH wing in overseeing centrally executed works remains unclear. PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas stated that the state is actively engaged in NH development, with regular field inspections by the PWD and coordination led by the chief minister himself. The remarks, made before the NH 66 damage became evident, suggested that the state plays a visible and participatory role in the execution and monitoring of NH projects even those led by central agencies. Now, in the wake of the NH 66 embankment collapse, those comments have prompted further scrutiny. If the state was indeed monitoring progress, questions are being raised about whether any deficiencies were noticed and flagged. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Conversely, if the state had no formal oversight mandate in such projects, clarity is needed on the scope and limitations of its role. A former senior official who previously served with the PWD, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "With all NHs being developed under BOT-annuity and hybrid-annuity models by NHAI, the Kerala PWD's NH wing has effectively become a redundant structure drawing nearly Rs 40cr annually in salaries without any real authority or technical responsibility. A serious reform would begin by phasing out or repurposing this administrative relic. " No official statement has yet clarified whether the NH wing is completely excluded from supervising centrally executed NH works or whether it shares joint responsibility. The issue is further complicated by recurring public grievances and early signs of deterioration on major NH 66 segments.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PWD to hold urgent meet over sluggish NH 66 work
T'puram: Amid growing concerns over the sluggish pace of work on the Kazhakkoottam–Kadampattukonam stretch of NH 66, PWD is set to convene a high-level meeting with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and contractor RDS Projects Ltd . The meeting aims to break the deadlock and expedite construction on the 29km stretch in the city. The project, awarded to RDS Projects Ltd for Rs 990 crore, faced significant delays after the company ran into financial trouble. Subsequently, RDS subcontracted the work to Pune-based RKC Infrastructure Ltd. However, the subcontractor is yet to mobilize sufficient workforce and machinery at the site. With state govt setting an ambitious deadline of Dec 2025 for NH 66 projects, PWD minister P A Mohamed Riyas has made it clear that the Thiruvananthapuram section must also be completed within that time frame. Currently, this stretch is the slowest-moving NH 66 project in Kerala, raising alarms in the corridors of the state's infrastructure planning machinery. "We have already instructed the contractor to speed up the work," said a senior PWD official. "Since there was no substantial progress, the govt is stepping in. The contractor will be directed to accelerate operations and ensure completion by Jan 2026 at the latest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 자신이 전략의 달인이라고 생각하시나요? 레이드 섀도우 레전드 무료 체험 Undo Even though the work was subcontracted, RDS Projects remains accountable for the delay," he said. A NHAI official said that the agency issued an ultimatum to the contractor. "We are monitoring the progress closely. If further delays occur, we will impose penalties and contract termination will be considered as a last resort," the official said. Meanwhile, officials of RDS Projects Ltd were unavailable for comment. Earlier delays were attributed to material shortages, including rocks and red earth. The company approached the state govt to procure soil from a quarry in Mudakkal village, but financial difficulties led to the subcontracting arrangement. According to officials, approximately 20 lakh metric tons of soil are needed for landfilling and for building a 22-kilometre retaining wall on the bypass and highway stretch. The project was initially slated for completion by January 2025. It was later extended to October 2025, and the contractor has now sought a further extension to March 2026. Once completed, the upgraded 29km NH stretch will feature four flyovers, 36 culverts, six minor bridges, three vehicle overpasses, five vehicle underpasses, six light vehicle underpasses, four small vehicle underpasses, three cattle underpasses, a 29-km-long service road, 20 bus bays and a pedestrian overbridge on the 11.15km-long Attingal bypass.
