Curation Team
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Putting an end to months of uncertainty, construction of the housing complex for the residents of Vikalanga Colony under Thanal housing project is set to begin soon, after local self-government department (LSGD) granted technical sanction last week.
The approval has brought relief to 99 families, including those with various disabilities, who languished under poor living conditions ever since construction stalled due to pending approvals. Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS), which was awarded a Rs 20 crore contract, was unable to begin work due to an outdated cost estimate based on the 2018 Delhi Schedule of Rates (DSR). Upon revision to the 2024 DSR, LSGD chief engineer cleared the project.
“The technical approval from LSGD paves way for much-needed progress. With the updated estimates in place, we are poised to begin construction shortly, delivering safe, dignified housing to families who have waited far too long,” corporation secretary Jahamgeer S said.
The two-storey residential complex will come up on two acres at Priyadarshini Nagar, Muttathara. The development will feature 136 apartments, each measuring 550 sq ft, arranged in blocks of four units. The apartments are designed to rehabilitate vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, flood-affected residents, and displaced fishermen.
Initially planned as a three-storey building, the design was altered to two storeys to comply with height restrictions imposed by Airport Authority of India.
The new sanction also ends an 18-month delay since the tender was awarded last year. Officials confirmed that groundwork, including soil tests, was complete and actual construction could now commence without further administrative hindrances.
Once initiated, the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.
