According to officials of Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited, which is implementing the project, the first phase of rehabilitation work at Connemara Market in Palayam in the capital is expected to be completed in nine months. Local Government Minister MB Rajesh laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation works on Wednesday.
Remediation activities will be carried out in the area of the market hall with the preservation of the arched gate from the 19th century, which is considered one of the cultural monuments of the city. The rebuilt market will consist of a three-story complex and two additional underground levels for parking. The existing shops, including fish and vegetable counters, will be located mainly on the first floor of the complex. The second and third floors are intended for new stores. The Corporation and Smart City had to launch a new tender after the company initially contracted for the project pulled out due to various financial issues. Now, the Hyderabad-based agency has taken up the project at a cost of ₹66.8 crore. The previously prepared detailed project report was also modified to provide more space for individual stores. The project hit a deadlock for several months following the controversy over the rehabilitation of traders to the temporary block as many refused to budge citing various issues. The company has spent ₹16 crore for the construction of the rehabilitation block, which has a sewage treatment plant, drainage facility and fire protection measures.
Published – 06 Nov 2025 21:05 IST
