Modelled on Delhi & Mumbai, space under Chackai-Enchakkal flyover in TVM to get a makeover at ₹6.1 cr

The unused space under the Chackai - Enchakkal Flyover in Thiruvananthapuram will be beautified at a cost of ₹6.1 crore. The project will be implemented under the smart city project. It was announced in the state budget 2023-24. The scheme features spatial zoning based on median width, art installations, decorative lighting, landscaping, natural plant barriers and railings, art walls & planter boxes, ambient lighting, public arts & installations.

The area extends over 14,694 sq.mt. According to the Request for Proposal document, this area which provides the global air travelers their first impression of the city, holds great potential for urban enhancement, offering an opportunity to reflect Kerala’s unique cultural identity through art installations and wall paintings. The introduction of greenery and lighting will help create a safer environment while reducing the underutilization that currently characterizes these spaces.

The project design is structured into different zones based on the median width and the visibility along the entire stretch. Narrower sections will feature low-maintenance green areas with shade-tolerant plants, while wider areas will house complex art installations and lush planting arrangements. The widest zones will showcase sculptural landscapes with lush plantings and effective drainage. Barriers and dense plantings will ensure pedestrian safety, preventing access to traffic zones.

The vertical wall beneath the flyover will be transformed into a dynamic art space, adorned with artistic illustrations and curated greenery.

Well-planned lighting, alongside the use of durable materials, will enhance both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the space, providing a safe and engaging environment at all hours, both day and night. The use of artistic elements, such as large Malayalam letters and illustrations, will celebrate the cultural richness of the city, bringing a narrative that reflects local history, art, architecture, and literature, the document notes.

An article on designing spaces under the flyover in Mumbai city published in the journal of emerging technologies and innovative research shows that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation intends to transform the space below bridges into functional public spaces. The article cites a few examples like how the unutilised space under the flyover were converted into recreational spots like Nanalal D Mehta flyover, Matunga, Jagannath Alias Nana Sunkersett flyover, Dadar TT, Fergusson Flyover, Lower Parel and Elphinstone Flyover, Elphinstone.