Kerala government to expand ‘We Parks’ to 20 more sites across State

Buoyed by the success of the first ‘We Park,’ a project that aims to convert unused public spaces under the flyovers into sustainable and aesthetically appealing sites, set up near SN College Junction in Kollam, the Tourism department has decided to expand the project at the State-level by beautifying the spaces under 20 more flyovers.

As part of this, an administrative sanction has been given to three projects in Thrissur district, while a detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared for the project at other identified sites across the State.

The department has decided to make the We Park a model project in the infrastructure development sector of Kerala as part of its design policy. It also aims to make the unused spaces under flyovers public-friendly. The Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited (KTIL) has been assigned as the nodal agency for the project. The project includes developing beautiful walkways, painted side walls, badminton court, volleyball court, seating areas, including benches and an amphitheatre, traffic rules boards, playgrounds and play equipment for children, an open gym, cameras and other security equipment, lawns, lighting systems, cafe, and toilets. Once the DPR for each project is completed, the implementing agency will be selected later through an open tender.

Recreational facilities

According to Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, it is the government’s declared policy to protect and beautify the neglected and unused public spaces by turning them into areas for recreational facilities. The project will provide a public space for friends and families to come together and engage in sports and entertainment. Through this project, the government aims to make cities greener and more nature-friendly.

The projects that received the administrative sanction include the railway overbridges at Athani and Mulankunnathukavu in Wadakkancherry and the Chembissery railway overbridge connecting the Wadakkancherry and Thrissur constituencies. All three projects have received clearance from the Public Works department. The project at Athani will cost ₹70.60 lakh, ₹55.30 lakh in Mulankunnathukavu, and ₹78.70 lakh in Chembissery.

The tendering process for these projects will be conducted soon. The highlight of the project is that once they are converted into We Parks, the spaces under the flyovers will become a place for social interactions and cultural gatherings. They will also become a stopover for travellers on public roads and a centre for sports and recreation for local residents, where basic facilities for travellers could be set up.