Caramanana-Aazhankal Walkway in the heart of Thiruvananthapurum City. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
When Dawn breaks, a caraman-aazhankal sidewalk in the city comes up with a rare combination of peace and activity. The journey sideways sideways, the Karaman river gently hums, and the locals stretch into yoga by the shores. It is a living pause – a mixture of city energy and natural peace.
Every morning the sidewalk fills people of all age groups – some walk calmly, others follow or sprint the purpose.
Among them is Vishnu Priya of Akshaya Nagar, who remembers the time when this space was now only a narrow path of the bundle, barely wide enough for one person.
The transformation began with 1.45 km by a pavement developed by the Ceral Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSE). The current, more ambitious project – managed by an intelligent city since March 2024 – was designed by the state irrigation department. The construction of a café, toilet complex, football lawn and cricket is currently under construction.
Mrs. Vishnu Priya is enthusiastic about progress, but hopes for others, including an open gym and a playground for children, all parts of the proposed plan.
Yet he is worried about the growing litter. “Plastic bottles are driven everywhere,” he laments and calls for more storage and regular cleaning with the help of Harith Karma hay.
The magic of the pavement attracts people outside the neighborhood. Radhakrishnan travels from Edapazhanji just to enjoy a quiet walk. “It’s just my second visit, but I feel at home,” he says.
Murali, regular sidewalk, praises the tree cover. “This is the second sidewalk I saw with such a fresh greenery. The other is in Mumbai,” he recalls.
But not everyone is positive. Satheesh, a long -time pedestrian from pappanamcode, feels that upgrading provides more to younger visitors than people like him who have been walking on the old road for years.
It offers several designs-to toilet, breastfeeding, first aid station, hanging bridge and even a cultural show powered by a modest electricity fee. It also recommends ensuring access to the emergency situation.
Further concerns persist. Wandering dogs represent an important threat, especially for women and children. N. Haridasan, Secretary of the Association for the Protection and Pedestrian in Karaman River (Krbp & WA), urges immediate intervention.
When the night falls, the mini land near the entrance to the sidewalk remains in the dark.
Despite the challenges, the 16 Gbor Crore Promise project is. Completion is expected within six to eight months. The project will hold parking for 80 cars and 150 two wheels. Designs include the butterfly garden, zipper lines, cycling, urban forestry, fishing deck and cruise.
Evenings are similar to entering a peaceful bubble. Karthika, a pedestrian from Karaman, comes here to release most of the days. “Whether it’s morning or evening, it’s the best place to relax,” says her girlfriend Vaishnavi.
The recess is more than a section of paved tiles – it quickly becomes the heart of a growing community.
(The writer is a trainee in the Hindu Office in Thiruvananthapuram)
Published – 31 May 2025 9:01
