Continued from..

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=342276

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A row of Skoda Laura's parked infront of Cafe Coffee Day.

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The Proposal from Malaysian Govt on Expressways.Thiruvananthapuram is in a Booming Stage!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.indianexpress.com/story/20431.html

http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=151178

Continued from..

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=385389&page=28

Cool new Avatar Sudheesh. It looks like your "Avatar" changes with every new Trivandrum thread. :)

Chief Minister to review Kollam- Kovalam Waterway work

KOLLAM: In a bid to speed up the formal commissioning of the Kollam-Kovalam Waterway , Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will cruise along the Travancore State (TS) Canal from Kollam to Kovalam. The tender processes for the project is alredy done and a ministerial level meetng will be held on today.

The Chief Minister recently convened a meeting of the District Collectors in this regard. The Kollam-Kovalam National Waterway forms part of the extended Kovalam-Nileswaram Waterway. The Kollam-Kovalam and the Kottapuram-Nileswaram stretches have been declared State Waterways.

The Kollam-Kottapuram stretch has been declared National Waterway under the National Waterway (Kollam-Kottapuram Stretch of West Coast Canal and Champakara and Udyogamandalam Canals) Act, 1992. The Twelfth Finance Commission has sanctioned Rs.225 crore for the development of the 590-km-long waterway from Kovalam to Nileswaram. It will be named Smart Waterway. The Kovalam-Kollam stretch of the waterway is 74 km long, the Kollam-Kottapuram portion (National Waterway 111) 168 km and the Kottapuram-Nileswaram stretch 348 km. Following the Finance Commission's award, the Centre has made an allocation of Rs.54 crore for the development of the Kollam-Kottapuram National Waterway. If this amount has to be utilised, the State has to complete preliminary work.

It is for the purpose of speeding up the State's share of the ad hoc work that the Chief Minister is making the inspection ride. The Collectors of the districts concerned have been given directions to take up the work on a war footing. Cheers!!!

Cool new Avatar Sudheesh. It looks like your "Avatar" changes with every new Trivandrum thread. :)

Thanks Anant..:)

More pics..

Saraswathi Nilayam from SI was the first apartment building in Trivandrum which came up in 1980.

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Nice houses in the Jawahar Nagar area..One may feel like living in a hill station rather than a 1 million city.

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Highrises could very well co exist with greenery..

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Kingfisher flight to Bangalore

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 16

Kingfisher Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights between Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram. The Minister for Home and Tourism, Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, received the maiden flight from Bangalore here on Tuesday in the presence of the Secretary, Tourism, Dr V. Venu. Commenting on the launch of the route, Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines, said that the airline had come to be regarded as having set new benchmarks in service excellence.

"Kingfisher reaffirms its commitment towards addressing the needs of its guests by providing connectivity between metros and mini-metros in India." The one-way fare applicable for the route starts at Rs 2,475 for the lowest slab and Rs 7,625 at the highest. Taxes are levied extra at Rs 750 per ticket.

NeST sets up design centre


Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 16

Network Systems and Technologies Pvt Ltd (NeST), part of the Kerala-based NeST Group, has set up a VLSI design centre at the Technopark Thiruvananathapuram. The centre will provide VLSI design services and is part of its strategy of moving up the value chain, said a company spokesperson. The new facility, which was inaugurated on Monday, also includes a dedicated offshore design centre for Fujitsu VLSI of Japan.

One more detailed news item on this.

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, Wednesday, January 17, 2007 -- (Business Wire India)
Kingfisher Airlines, India’s fastest growing private carrier and the first airline in India to offer a premium first class service on domestic routes, today announced the launch of direct flights from Bangalore to Thiruvananthapuram. The maiden flight was received by Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Minister of Home and Tourism Govt of Kerela in the presence of Dr Venu V IAS Secretary Kerala Tourism and Mr Sanjay Kaul IAS Director kerala tourism.

Guests who arrived on the first flight of Kingfisher Airlines from Bangalore were treated to a cultural extravaganza comprising a traditional Kerala welcome ceremony as two traditionally dressed girls performed aarti and placed the traditional tikka on the forehead of guests. This was followed by a performance where a Kathakali dancer accompanied by a special group of traditional musicians showcased the legendary dance form to the delight of guests and others present at the airport.

Commenting on the launch of this new route, Dr. Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines Limited said, “Kingfisher Airlines has redefined the experience of flying and has come to be regarded as an airline that sets new benchmarks in service excellence for the industry. Through the launch of this new route Kingfisher Airlines reaffirms its commitment towards addressing the needs of its guests by providing connectivity between metros and mini-metros in India. The pace of growth coupled with our constant endeavour to raise the bar has endeared Kingfisher Airlines to its guests and this is sure to catapult Kingfisher Airlines into the position of a market leader by the year 2010”.

Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient city with tradition dating back to 1000 BC and was referred to by Gandhi as the "Evergreen city of India". It is believed that the ships of King Solomon landed in a port called Ophir (now Poovar) in Thiruvananthapuram in 1036 BC.

Thiruvananthapuram, is the largest and most populous city in Kerala and apart from being the political nerve centre of Kerala, it is also a major academic hub and is home to several educational institutions including the Kerala University, and to many science and technology institutions, the most prominent being the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The first information technology park, the Technopark; as well as the first biotechnology centre in India, the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) are at Thiruvanathapuram.

http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=11742

Kingfisher flight to Bangalore

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 16

Kingfisher Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights between Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram. The Minister for Home and Tourism, Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, received the maiden flight from Bangalore here on Tuesday in the presence of the Secretary, Tourism, Dr V. Venu. Commenting on the launch of the route, Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines, said that the airline had come to be regarded as having set new benchmarks in service excellence.

"Kingfisher reaffirms its commitment towards addressing the needs of its guests by providing connectivity between metros and mini-metros in India." The one-way fare applicable for the route starts at Rs 2,475 for the lowest slab and Rs 7,625 at the highest. Taxes are levied extra at Rs 750 per ticket.

NEW DELHI, JAN 8: The Malaysian government has roped in about a dozen companies and proposes to build a network of national expressways spanning 7,000 km.
The project, to be executed on a build-operate-transfer basis in a phased manner, envisages two expressways: one linking Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune; the other connecting Delhi and Kolkata.
Malaysian cabinet minister of works Dato Seri S Samy Vellu told FE that 11 Malaysian companies, including IJM, United Engineers Malaysia Group and Ranhill Corporation, were keen on the project. “The expressway will pave the way for investors pumping in money to set up units along (the expressways). However, land acquisition will have to be done by the Indian government,” he said.
If the proposal passes muster with the Indian government, it could well turn out to be the biggest foreign direct investment in a road project in the country. Infrastructure funding experts estimate the project to cost at least Rs 42,000-56,000 crore, given the ballpark cost of Rs 6-8 crore a km, depending on terrain.

Fast Lane
• Length 7,000 km
• Cost Rs 56,000 crore
• Phase I
Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune
• Phase II
New Delhi to Kolkata

Vellu said the consortium, backed by the Malaysian government, would also ask India to extend a budgetary grant to the project. In India, BOT leases typically have a 20-year concession period. At present, Mumbai-Pune is the only expressway and two others, Delhi-Jaipur and Vadodara- Mumbai, are being planned.

“Toll revenues are expected to be significant,” Vellu, who is president of the Malaysian Indian Congress and one of the longest serving ministers in the cabinet, told FE along the sidelines of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2007, organised by the ministry of overseas Indian affairs and supported by the Delhi government and the Confederation of Indian Industry.

When contacted, Vinayak Chatterjee, chairman, Feedback Ventures, said India did not have a specific policy for government-to-government projects. “Globally, such projects are not necessarily viable, and are funded through public investment,” he said.

Some views of Technopark area from Kollam-KK bypass

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Oceanus Blue Mount, near Technopark.

Oceanus is also in the process of acquiring 50 acres nearby which will have IT & residential facilities.

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Pattom Road-On a national strike day.

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Roads project gets a shot in the arm
Rs.10.64 crore sanctioned for land acquisition


Thiruvananthapuram: The Government has sanctioned Rs.10.64 crore for land acquisition to develop 12 road corridors under the Capital City Development Programme.

The amount has been allocated to the Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority for the development of the LMS- Kowdiar- Vellayambalam- Sasthamangalam, LMS- Attakulangara, Museum- Bakery- Thampanoor, Bakery- Palayam- Airport, Nalumukku- Vanchiyoor- Choorakkattupalayam, Vanross- Oottukuzhy- Secretariat, Pattom- Kowdiar, Pattom- Ulloor- Kochulloor, Kowdiar- Peroorkada- Vazhayila, Eenchakkal- Sreevaraham- Attakulangara, Eenchakkal- Sreekanteswaram and the Murinhapalam- Poonthi- NH bypass roads.

Decision awaited

The Government decision has come as a shot in the arm for the flagging City Roads Improvement Scheme that had ground to a halt in November after completing hardly 25 per cent of the target.

The project is awaiting the decision of a high-power committee appointed by the Government to finalise the terms for a renewed contract with the Thiruvananthapuram Road Development Company Ltd. (TRDCL).

The committee is working out the final schedule for land acquisition and transfer.

According to official sources, the entire land required for the project was likely to be handed over to TRDCL by April this year. This would enable the company to finish the work by October 2008.

The project involves the development of 44 km of roads, two flyovers, an underpass, 65 junctions and 94 bus bays. TRDCL has a 15-year maintenance contract for the roads developed under the scheme.

Migrant labourers

Project managers said the work on the project would require at least three months to pick up since a sizeable number of the migrant labourers employed for road works were sent back.

Of the 44 km of roads identified for the project, only 11 km were handed over to TRDCL by the end of the two-year schedule which expired in November 2006.

Work on six of the 12 road corridors had not even begun, while on several other stretches, the widening had to be taken up in bits and pieces. Despite standing orders from the Government to expedite the transfer of land for the roads project, most of the departments have dragged their feet on the issue.

Meeting

A high-level meeting convened by the Chief Secretary last month had authorised the Local Self-Government Principal Secretary to expedite land acquisition.

The Cabinet sub-committee for the development of the capital region also decided to deploy additional number of Revenue officials for land acquisition.
Cheers!!!

Plea to start Vizhinjam before the Kolachal project
`Several objections to delay project'

Thiruvananthapuram: The Vizhinjam Mother Port Action Council (V- MAC) has expressed its concern over reports that the Centre has cleared the development of the Kolachel port in Tamil Nadu.

A meeting organised by the council here on Friday said the Centre's move exposed the deep-seated conspiracy to torpedo the Vizhinjam project.

Speakers at the meeting said the Union Government and Shipping Minister T.R. Baalu had let Kerala down. The National Maritime Development Programme approved by the Centre forbids the construction of a port in such a manner that it leads to unhealthy competition with a neighbouring port.

It was surprising that the Shipping Minister who piloted the law had flouted the provisions, they said.

The Kolachel project was not at all in the picture when Vizhinjam was identified as a potential location for construction of an international container transhipment terminal. It was only when the public and the political leadership in Kerala started working for the project that the Union Minister began moves to torpedo it.

After raising several objections to delay the Vizhinjam project, the Centre had now come forward to fund the construction of a port at Kolachel.

The council also blamed successive Governments in Kerala for the failure to press ahead with the project and get it cleared by the Centre in time. The council urged the State Minister for Ports to start work on the Vizhinjam mother port by May as the Kolachel project was scheduled to be launched in December.

The meeting called on the Government to appoint a senior IAS official as the Managing Director of the Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd. (VISL) and expedite the tendering process.

It also stressed the need to allocate enough resources for the Vizhinjam project in the next State budget.

Action council leaders Fr. George Gomez, Mohankumar, D. Lawrence, Antony Pereira and Wilfred Kulas participated in the meeting. Cheers!!!

i have a doubt about expressways...the rout given is trivandrum-chennai-hyderabad...will this road pass thru kochi...?i think now kochi need an express way to connect it to industrial cities of tamilnadu..hope u all know the bad condition of roads b/w palakkad and angamaly which i think is the busiest of all highways in kerala...with heavy vehicular density..

^^ - Well, Sanju, the proposed alignment connects the capital cities of the Southern states. With upcoming mega-projects like Vizhinjam and Technocity, Trivandrum's close links to the new powerhouses in Tamilnadu - Tuticorin, Madurai, Trichy and so - will become more integral. :)

The Deep Water Transshipment hub at Vizhinjam will be the only one in South India capable of handling the upcoming mother ships of 8500+ TEUs which are already coming out of the the shipyards across the world. With its proximity to the international shipping lanes, it will serve as the gateway for the industrial hinterland of S. Tamilnadu along with Tuticorin.

Connectivity with Kochi could be through the Trivandrum - Ernakulam NH-47 which is being taken up for 4-laning. :)

Cheers!

It is a long time since we heard about the following. Can any one shed light on them.

1. High court bench in Tvm
2. The habitat center in tvm the foundation stone for which was laid by the last president.
3. The center of excellence status for the Rajiv Ghandi biotech center in Poojapura.
4. The amusement park in Akkulam.

Cheers!!!

Beacon builders, first project - green leaves.....

Two more new projects are coming up shortly for them...http://i12.tinypic.com/47l66ie.gif

Hello Ajay/Sudheesh,

Do you have any further info about any more airlines scheduled to start operations from TIA:rofl:

^^ - As you know, Go-Air has already received DGCA clearance to commence operations and is expected to start in a few week's time. Spice Jet has also announced start of flights to Trivandrum.

Go-Air is also setting up an aircraft maintenance facility in association with Singapore Airlines Ground Services, in Trivandrum.

On the international front, Etihad, Saudi Arabian and others are expected to start this year.

Kingfisher has commenced services from this week taking to six the number of domestic airlines operating from Trivandrum international airport. They operate more than twenty flights each day.

:applause: Cheers Ajay for ur prompt response. It's very good that there are so many connections and that too at different times from Tvm to elsewhere.
I 'member not long ago when it just used to be daily once to Madras, Bombay and if lucky B'lore.
Now its H'bad/Trichy/Coimbatore and I hope this keeps growing,,,,,,
The only regret is that international connections are not pacing as fast.
For us expat's choices were there earlier to fly cheaper to India provided they were to the metros [del/mum/che/kol] to which one can now add b'lore and to an extent h'bad.
It's still a shame that kerala is denied this by lack of enough connections to bring down travel costs,,,,,,,,,,,
one always lives in hope.

ps: it's always a pleasure to read ur updates and pl keep on with ur comments/blogs and dont think that lack of comments to them does not mean they are not appreciated:)

IIT's fate in state uncertain
Sunday January 21 2007 14:10 IST
T'PURAM: With science and technology principal secretary A E Muthunayagam submitting his resignation, the fate of the proposed IIT in the state hangs in the balance. Muthunayagam, as the governing board chairman of the Chennai IIT, had taken the initiative to start the IIT subcentre in the state.

I don't know what will happen to the IIT. But if the Government of India wants the Chennai IIT to launch a subcentre in Kerala, I shall do whatever is necessary, said Muthunayagam after submitting his resignation.

New York-based Berggruen Holdings' Indian hospitality venture Berggruen Hotels on Monday announced plans to set up 38 budget hotels over the next five years at an investment of $100 million.

"We would look to invest in diversified India-focused business, including greenfield start-up chain of full service budget and mid-market hotels," Kabir Kewalramani MD, Berggruen Hotels said.

The company has already acquired land in Bangalore, Ludhiana, Kolkata, Thirivananthapuram, Nashik and Pune for the hotels, which will be under the brand name 'Keys'.

While the 100-170 room first hotel of the chain is expected to be operational by June 2008, work is on at 24 other sites, he added.

Berggruen Hotels aims to touch a turnover of Rs 350 crore (Rs 3.5 billion) by 2011 when all its 38 hotels gets operational and also plans to have resorts, service apartments under 'Keys'.

Berggruen Holdings was also planning to set up hotel management schools across the country with an investment of $5-10 million.

"We are in talks with a well-known international institute for this venture and the details are being worked out," said Kewalramani. To begin with, they plan to start two such schools each in Mumbai and Delhi by June this year and in 50 cities in next three years. The institute would offer one-year vocational programmes in six different modules.
The company was looking at developing properties on a joint venture basis and would also follow the lease model.

When asked if they would look at the sites being provided by Indian Railway Catering Tourism Corporation for developing budget hotels across the country, Kewalramani said: "We are exploring that option."

Berggruen Holdings is a private company, which manages and invests its proprietary capital that exceeds $ 1.5 billion in range of asset class including private equity, stocks, bonds and real estate.

In India, the company has invested in Sanghvi Movers and also recently invested in a real estate development project in Mohali in Punjab.

US asset mgt firm to expand operations in Trivandrum

IANS[ SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2007 01:45:53 PM]

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Envestnet Asset Management, a leading US-based firm which provides independent wealth management solutions for financial advisors, has announced strengthening of their operations in Trivandrum.

Headquartered in Chicago, Envestnet is a pioneer in adopting the Software as a Service (SaaS) for major financial institutions including ING Financial Network, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, Harris Bank, to name a few.

"The backbone of our entire operations is based here. We plan to increase our current employee strength of 165 to more than 200 soon. Our revenues touched $64 million (Rs.2.8 billion) in 2006," said Babu Sivadasan, senior vice-president, engineering, Envestnet, to reporters here Saturday.

The Trivandrum office supports the technology development, maintenance, operations and administration aspects in wealth management.

"By embracing SaaS in 1999 in the US, we are able to offer a highly customisable platform to support various segments of the wealth management space. Today we are the second largest independent platform for wealth management solutions and we currently provide solutions that manage $37 billion (Rs.1,633 billion) in assets under management," Sivadasan said.

Trivandrum today hosts companies including EnvestNet spanning the entire spectrum of domains — from embedded systems to application development and animated content creation. Thus, a good base of companies exists for third party outsourcing when required.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/US_asset_mgt_firm_to_expand_operations_in_Kerala/articleshow/1339443.cms

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: US-based wealth management solutions major Envestnet Asset Management, which has its software systems team operating out of Thiruvananthapuram, is weighing the option of having its own park in the Kerala capital.

Envestnet senior vice president Babu Sivadasan said here that the company was steadily increasing its headcount in Thiruvananthapuram and that an exclusive IT park was under consideration. Envestnet presently has 165 staffers here and 170 employees based in the US.

The company, which offers a unique wealth management platform for major financial institutions including ING Financial Network, Northwestern Mutual and Cain Waters and Associates besides leading financial advisors, had revenues of $64 million in 2006, and $37 billion in assets under management.

Mr Sivadasan said the company’s revenue target for the near term was $150 million, adding that he foresaw a strong performance in the coming years considering that the financial advisory market in the US dealt with a market that had roughly $8 trillion in assets under management.

He ruled out the likelihood of the company offering the platform for use in the Indian financial advisory market in the near future. Mr Sivadasan said the headcount in Thiruvananthapuram was poised to be raised to 200. In the US, the company has offices in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York and Silicon Valley.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Finance__Insurance/Finance/Envestnet_mulls_own_IT_park_/articleshow/1381967.cms

A development vision for Trivandrum
Meet to focus on capital region development

Thiruvananthapuram: The theme of the Annual Convention of Trivandrum Management Association `TRIMA 2007,' to be held here on January 27, would be `Trivandrum Capital Region Development - A New Vision.'

Technical sessions and paper presentations on `Trivandrum as a Knowledge Hub,' `Booming Leisure' and `Connectivity' would be the highlight of the TRIMA 2007.

The convention would be inaugurated by Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan at Hotel Mascot, according to E.M. Najeeb, TMA president.

Mayor C. Jayan Babu would address the gathering. Chairman and managing director of Air India V. Thulasidas would deliver a special address and the former director of IIM, Ahmedabad, Samuel Paul would deliver the keynote address. M. Ayyappan, chairman and managing director, Hindustan Latex, would present the theme.

In the first session `Trivandrum as a Knowledge Hub,' K.R.S. Krishnan, general manager (R&D), Hindustan Latex, would speak on `The Current Scenario- a Macro Analysis,' B.N. Suresh, director, VSSC, on `Opportunities For the Future' and G. Mohan Gopal, director, National Judicial Academy, on `Role of Higher Education and Research- Support Requirements.'

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister T.K.A. Nair would address the valedictory session in the evening. Pannian Ravindran, MP, and M. Vijayakumar, Minister for Law, would attend.

Mr. Najeeb said the recommendations put forth at the forum would be submitted to the State and Union Governments. Cheers!!!

MUMBAI: Berggruen Hotels, a new hotel venture backed by Berggruen Holdings Inc., will launch its new brand of boutique hotels, `Keys,' in India. Set up with an equity capital of $100 million, Berggruen Hotels will build a minimum of 38 hotels in the next five years. While 24 sites are under negotiation, the launch of the first hotel is scheduled for June 2008.

Addressing a media conference here on Monday, Partha Chatterjee, Director on Board, and Chief Marketing Officer, Berggruen Hotels, said, "Keys will be a chain of category defining boutique budget hotels in India, providing a stylish, cheerful and cutting edge experience to our customers. Keys will be launched in India and the plan is to spread the brand globally in the near future.''

Berggruen Hotels will operate 38 hotels (4,200 rooms) evenly distributed across tier 1, 2 and 3 locations pan-India, each with 100 to 170 rooms in the next five years. Keys rooms will all be double rooms with charges depending on the occupancy and the initial pricing will be between Rs. 1,400 and Rs. 2,200 across the country.

Sanjay Sethi, CEO, Berggruen Hotels, said "we have acquired property already in Bangalore, Kolkata, Ludhiana and Thiruvananthapuram and will have 10-12 properties under construction soon. We will be looking at marketing tie-ups with airlines, travel agents and even retail outlets.''

From "THE HINDU" dated 23.01.2007

Super Speciality Veterinary Hospital in Tvm
============================
Keralakaumudi online carried the online news that a superspeciality veterinary hospital is to be started in Tvm. This was informed by the minister Mr Divakaran. He said that the hospital with an outlay of 10 crores will come up in the District animal hospital compound in PMG Jn. It will have scanning , Xray and the facility to treat animals as inpatients. There will be separate sections to treat pet animals, cattles and birds. The govt has plans to make it the number one facility in South India, the hon minister said.

Cheers!!!

Experts to speak on capital development at TRIMA meet

T’PURAM: The one-day annual convention of the Trivandrum Management Association, TRIMA 2007, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan on January 27 at Mascot Hotel.

The theme for the current year has been decided as Trivandrum Capital Region Development - A New Vision.

The theme presentation will be done by Hindustan Latex Ltd (HLL) chairman and managing director M Ayyappan.

The convention will have three technical sessions and paper presentations on themes such as Trivandrum as a knowledge hub, blooming leisure and connectivity.

The recommendations of TRIMA will be submitted for the consideration of the State and Central Governments.

In the first session, HLL general manager K R S Krishnan will give a speech on the current scenario - a macro analysis. This will be followed by VSSC director B N Suresh’s talk on opportunities for the future, and National Judicial Academy Director G Mohan Gopal’s speech on role of higher education and research-support requirements.

The second session on blooming leisure will start with Tourism Secretary V Venu’s talk on review of current scenario and need for responsible tourism.

KIMS chairman and managing director M I Sahadulla will speak about health tourism tapping future potential and Indian Hotels Co vice-president T Damu will speak on promoting MICE tourism opportunities.

In the third session, Connectivity, Nabard Bank CGM, B S Shekhawat will speak on road development and satellite townships.

NTV News managing director Elias John will speak on Vizhinjam project and IBS Group, Technopark, chairman V K Mathews will talk on managing the linkages - the IT factor.

The valedictory function will be presided over by T K A Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Pannian Ravidran MP, Law Minister M Vijayakumar and TMA president E M Najeeb will also be present.

The Trivandrum Management Association is an affiliate of the All-India Management Association and it has been striving to promote excellence in management and development of human resources in the Trivandrum region. It has 30 corporate and 250 individual members.

The convention is supported by the State Bank of Travancore, Hindustan Latex Ltd, State Bank of India and KINFRA. Cheers!!!

Rajiv Gandhi biotech gets special honor
=========================
CyberMedia's BioSpectrum Releases 3rd Top Bio Tech Colleges Listing
CyberMedia's BioSpectrum has released its 3rd Top Bio Tech colleges listing of India .
The top 5 ranks in India's Top Public BT schools, 2006 listing have gone to Rajiv Gandhi Centre of Biotechnology, Trivandrum; School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad; National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal; Institute of Chemical Technology, University of Mumbai and Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, IIT, Delhi.

The Top 5 ranks in India's Private Biotech institutes were occupied by Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, NOIDA; Amity University, NOIDA; The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore; Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Solan.

Of the 68 Top Public and Private institutions identified from in the survey, Karnataka contributed as many as 21 institutions. Of these 5 were Public Sector colleges and 16 were private sector colleges,

The southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu contributed as many as 17 institutions -- Tamil Nadu (10), Kerala (4) and AP (3).

Sharing details of the BioSpectrum's 3rd India 's top Bio Tech schools,

Mr. Pradeep Gupta, Head of CyberMedia said, "The BioSpectrum Survey results serve as the benchmark for the industry to evaluate Bio Tech institutions.

"Biotech is an emerging technology area where India can play a leadership role like IT. About 5000 engineers graduating from about 200 BioTech colleges in the country annually are grossly inadequate to prepare manpower for this high growth high potential opportunity that lies ahead of India ," Mr. Gupta added .

Ranking Parameters

The ranking of the top Public and Private BioTech Institutes was done based on measurable and quantifiable data pertaining to faculty; spend on infrastructure (library, lab equipment, lab consumables and dedicated PC per student); placement track record and industry academia interaction.

The four ranking parameters were composed of several sub-meters. For faculty the sub-parameters included faculty per student, faculty qualification and experience, technical publications in national and international journals and patents filed and granted nationally and internationally.

Industry interaction scores were arrived at based on track record of products developed, sponsored projects from industry and governments and royalty inflows. Placement scores were based on number of companies visiting for placement, jobs offered during placement, percentage of students placed and starting salary.

Faculty and Infrastructure get Maximum Weights

BioSpectrum, the only dedicated industry journal of the BioTech industry, sought information from over 200 BioTech institutions in the country. The short list of 38 Top Public and 30 Top Private BioTech schools is presented in the January 2007 issue. Four identified parameters -- Faculty (32), Infrastructure (32), Placement (18) and Industry Interaction (18) assigning pre specified weights (in parenthesis).

Top 10 Public Bio Tech Schools, 2006 by faculty included School of Life Sciences, Hyderabad; Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum; Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, IIT Delhi; NDRI, Karnal and Department of Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, TN Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Rajiv Gandhi Center of Biotechnology, Trivandrum ; University School of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh IP University, Delhi ; NDRI, Karnal; IIT Delhi and University Institute of Engineering & Technology, Panjab University , Chandigarh were among the Top 10 Public Bio Tech Schools, 2006 by infrastructure.

Top 10 Public Bio Tech Schools, 2006 by Industry Interaction included School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad; NDRI, Karnal; Institute of Chemical Technology, University of Mumbai; Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Trivandrum and Centre for Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University .

Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology Centre, The Maharaja Sayaji Rao University of Baroda; Institute of Chemical Technology, University of Mumbai; Guru Gobind Singh IP University, Delhi; Bioinformatics Centre, University of Pune and Department of Biotechnology, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Cochin were among the Top 10 Public Bio Tech Schools, 2006 by placement.

Top 10 Private Bio Tech Schools, 2006 by faculty included Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, NOIDA; Amity University, NOIDA; Seeding Academy of Design, Technology and Management & SILAS, Jaipur; The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore and Garden City College, Bangalore.

Arunai Engineering College, Tiruvannamalai, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, NOIDA; The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore ; Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Solan and Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra were among the Top 10 Private Bio Tech Schools, 2006 by infrastructure.

Top 10 Private Bio Tech Schools, 2006 by placement score included Presidency College, Bangalore; Shree Manibhai Virani & Smt Navalben Virani Science College, Rajkot; The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore; GM Institute of Technology, Devengare and BMS Institute of Technology, Bangalore.

About CyberMedia

CyberMedia is South Asia's first and largest specialty media house, with thirteen publications (including BioSpectrum, Dataquest, PCQuest, Voice&Data and Global Services) in the infotech, telecom, consumer electronics and biotech areas, and is a media value chain including Internet (www.ciol.com), events and television. The group's media services include market research (IDC India), job board (CyberMedia Dice), content management, multimedia, and media education. cheers!!!

New bridges and road development projects in and around Trivandrum

Thiruvananthapuram: A meeting convened by MLA V. Sivankutty to discuss public works projects in the Thiruvananthapuram East constituency has urged the Government to grant administrative clearance for the proposed bridge across the Killi river to Attukal temple.

Participants in the meeting held here last week said the new bridge would help streamline the movement of traffic to Attukal temple.

The meeting decided to take steps to begin work on the Myladikadavu bridge in the Valiyasala ward by February. It also resolved to prepare the estimate of the proposed bridge from Kalladimukham to Kalady in two weeks.

Officials were informed that the funds required for repair of the Attakulangara- Killipalam bypass road and the proposed development of the Karamana- Poojappura road will be earmarked in the budget.

They were directed to complete the work on a new building for the Women and Children Hospital at Thycaud within a month. Work on a new building with 150 beds will begin soon at Ayurveda Hospital, Poojappura. Public Works Department officials led by Chief Engineer T. Baburaj and councillors were present at the meeting. Cheers!!!

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to set up a space training centre or a university in Kerala to meet the shortage of space scientists.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair said the organisation indeed was planning such an institute.

According to media reports, the proposed institute is expected to come up on the outskirts of the state capital on a 100-acre plot. It would be modelled on the lines of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai.

One reason why ISRO is planning such an institution is that its Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre here faces a crisis due to large-scale retirement of staff members.

It was in the 1970s that large-scale recruitment was done. With most of the staff having either retired or on the verge of retirement, there is a crunch of experienced personnel.

Veteran space scientist S. Nambinarayanan, who retired seven years back after 35 years of service at the centre here, told IANS that setting up a space university should have been thought of long ago.

"I am happy to hear this (news of a proposed university). Better late than never. In the West, most universities have aerospace departments and here it is none," said Nambinarayanan.

Another reason for the crunch in qualified personnel is that the newly recruited engineers are picked up after a year or two by private companies.

"The salaries offered in the private sector for engineers who have some experience are very high. This is going to be a problem for ISRO and it is better that it sorts it out," he added.

Kerala has decided to hold an all-party meet soon to discuss ways to give a boost to the Vizhinjam port project in the wake of steps taken by neighbouring Tamil Nadu to build a port 40 km away from the Kerala port's proposed site.

"The date and time is yet to be fixed but it has been decided to call an all-party meeting to discuss what needs to be done on the Vizhinjam project," said Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan here.

Tamil Nadu is planning a state-of-the-art port at Colachel, which is 40 km away from the Vizhinjam port site.

The Vizhinjam port project is hanging fire for over six months after the Centre refused to clear the project due the presence of two Chinese companies in a three-member consortium that won the tender.

The consortium comprises the Kaidi Electric Power Company, the China Harbour Engineering Company and Mumbai-based Zoom Developers. They had been given the nod to begin construction by the previous Kerala government led by Oommen Chandy.

Achuthanandan had led an all-party delegation to Delhi in August to urge Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to grant clearance to the Rs.43.6-billion port project.

But the centre stuck to its stand since the Chinese companies are also reportedly working on a port in Pakistan.

Elias John, who is in the forefront of a massive campaign for the project, said the port might not see the light of day unless action is taken soon.

"Colachel is just 40 km from Vizhinjam and Tamil Nadu ministers, especially the Shipping Minister TR Baalu, will do anything to get the project going. If they are going to float the tender first, then Vizhinjam will lose out because companies prefer to work in Tamil Nadu for various reasons," John said.

But Kerala Ports Minister M. Vijayakumar said that there was no cause for concern, as work on the project would begin in a year, even if a new tender had to be invited.

A major advantage Vizhinjam has over other ports in India is that it needs no dredging. Moreover, it lies very close to the international waters.

An area of 150 acres has been earmarked for the port and there would be no displacement of the local fishing population, according to the project proposal.

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A chartered Airbus A-330 widebody jet at Trivandrum International Airport. Several chartered airliners arrive here every week during the tourist season bring hundreds of holidaymakers from Europe, the UK and Russia. :)

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2637/img0291rs8wv.jpg

TTP is India's leading producer of titanium dioxide, a vital raw material for many industries and a valuable export. The plant is undergoing a Rs 250 Crore upgradation and expansion. :)

ITs hard to belive that titanium is so close to the beach...:ohno:

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2637/img0291rs8wv.jpg

TTP is India's leading producer of titanium dioxide, a vital raw material for many industries and a valuable export. The plant is undergoing a Rs 250 Crore upgradation and expansion. :)
Titanium in Veli - is it possible to move to Chavara?

While it is heartening to hear about the 250 Cr expansion plan, it is sad that it is close to the airport and the sea and eats away too much precious land that can be used for airport expansion, new hangar and maintenance units proposed in Tvm.
I understand that we have a similar unit in nearby Chavara and I and some of my friends feel that it would be great if they move the present titanium to the chavara and release the present space
for the important development activities
connected with airport related expansion. By doing so it is also possible to implement some effective and modern pollution control measures in Chavara to prevent health and environmental issues.
I hope my forum members agree to this.

Cheers!!!

Work on new airport terminal to start in February

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/26/stories/2007012621670300.htm

Separate engineering wing to supervise work

# Rs. 256.35 crore development project
# First phase to be completed in 18 months.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The work on the world-class terminal of the premier airport of the State would start in the first fortnight of February, almost a decade after the Airports Authority of India (AAI) conceived the terminal project.

The AAI has already awarded the work to the Chennai-based Consolidated Construction Company. The Rs.110-crore work awarded to the company include the new international terminal building and car park.

The representatives of the company arrived in the capital on Wednesday and held discussions with the AAI authorities. "We hope to commence the work in the first fortnight of February and to complete the first phase in 18 months," Airport Director K. Natarajan told The Hindu .

The AAI would set up a separate engineering wing to take care of supervision of the work that is fully funded by the Government. The terminal project is being taken up at a cost of Rs.256.35 lakh. The first phase is estimated to cost Rs.165 crore, including the Rs.99 crore for the new terminal building being constructed on the Chaka side. Of the 48.56 hectares of land needed for the development of the airport on the city side, the Government had handed over 11.15 hectares. The AAI had constructed boundary wall on the land handed over at a cost of Rs.50 lakh. But, some houses on the land handed over had not been cleared. Mr. Natarajan said the matter was taken up with the State Government. The Government had promised to hand over another 37.64 hectares to the AAI soon for completing the terminal project. The three storey terminal building with a floor area of 23,299 square metres, designed by a consortium of three companies, is basically of tubular design. Entrance would be from near the Bharat Tyres on the Chaka-Eenchakkal stretch of the Kazhakuttom-Inchivila NH 47 bypass. The approach road would be 170 metres in length and 30 metres wide to facilitate six-lane traffic. The land for the approach road had been acquired. A bridge would be constructed across the Parvathy Puthanar to connect the approach road to the new terminal. The Government had entrusted the work for preparing the report with KITCO. Mr. Natarajan said the new terminal on commissioning would be able to handle 500 departing and 500 arriving passengers at a time during peak hours with ease. To enable the passengers to check in at any counter, a Common Users Terminal Equipment (CUTE) would be set up. The parking lot of the new terminal would be able to accommodate 575 cars. The existing 3,398-metre-long runway would be used for flight operations. The four parking bays would be linked to the existing runway. Cheers!!!

Work on new airport terminal to start in February

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/26/stories/2007012621670300.htm
Cheers!!!

wow!!! Thats a good news!!. Eagerly waiting for this..

Any news on the International Cricket stadium to be built in TVM.. ?

Kovalam expands in shore length also
=========================
Keralakaumudionline www.keralakaumudi.com dt 26th carried this news item.
It says that in the tourist map Kovalam's known area has increased drastically over the years. The tourist area which stretched from light house to samudra beach for just 2 kms until a few years ago is now a whopping 30 kms extending from Thiruvallam to Pozhiyoor beach near the Tamilnadu border. In the south of Kovalam, in places such as Mullur, Pulinkudi, Chovvara and Poovar, tourism is grwing fast. These areas are now known as South Kovalam.Those who want to enjoy the natural beauty and the traditions of Kerala flock to these places in large numbers.

Among the above, it is Chovvara that first developed as a tourist spot. It is the construction activities which are in tune with the nature and the prevailing peace in the area that have contributed to this spectacular tourist activities in these places which are outside the original Kovalam area.
In the case of Poovar which is glorious with its confluence of lake and sea. there is a boom in tourism. There are five big hotels operating in Poovar and nearby Pozhiyoor. There are many wealthy foreigners coming to this area in large numbers.
But original kovalam which is the first ward in Vizhinjam is slowly losing its charm as a tourist spot in comparison to the above places due to the lack of progress in increasing the facilities in the accomodation front-- according to Mr Sudeesh kumar, President of the hotel and Restaurant Association of Kerala.
It is also reported that eventhough boat tourism is thriving in Thiruvallam, the dirt in Parvathyputhanar is posing a threat to its tourist potential.

Cheers!!!

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This is a fine example of the potential of Vizhinjam. This cruise ship, one of many which arrive here during the tourist season, is comfortably anchored in the harbour without the need for any dredging.

For such a ship to enter other harbours, Cochin for example, dredging is required. Crores and crores are spent annually on maintenance dredging.

This is why the proposed port at Vizhinjam which will come up to the left of the existing harbour will accommodate mega-container ships which other Indian ports can only dream of. :)

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The state's premier dance and music festival concludes today at the Sooryakanthi theatre complex, part of the Kanakakkunnu Palace campus.

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/5259/img0509rsmd4.jpg


Good Shot Ajay.

The state's premier dance and music festival concludes today at the Sooryakanthi theatre complex, part of the Kanakakkunnu Palace campus.


Ajay,
I am in the city for next two days. The republic day crowd is really enjoying nishagandhi festival and flower show.Illuminations look really fantastic. I have taken some good snaps. will share it soon.
Sathya

Hello guys, This is Sajith from Trivandrum. I have been going through this forum for a quite long time and happy to know the things happening in and around our city.Here we could get a lot of information about the Capital city than in the newspapers and the visual media. I could find a lot of energetic people here.:) I think we could start a TV channel exclusively for Trivandrum. he he :) This is my first post to this forum and its a starting.

Railway Updates

Thiruvananthapuram: The Thiruvananthapuram railway division will soon introduce 24 coaches in select express trains, for the first time in Southern Railway, Divisional Railway Manager S. Vijayakumaran said here on Friday.

He was addressing officers and staff after unfurling the Tricolour at the divisional headquarters here on the occasion of Republic Day.

Mr. Vijayakumaran inspected a guard of honour by the Railway Protection Force.

Mr. Vijayakumaran said train no. 6041/6042 Chennai-Alappuzha Express, 2625/2626 Thiruvananthapuram-New Delhi Kerala Express, 2623/2624 Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Mail and 6345/6346 Thiruvananthapuram-Kurla Netravathi Express would soon have 24 coaches.

He said important railway stations in the division would witness a sea change in the coming months in facilities such as parking and concourse areas, waiting halls, retiring rooms, platform surface and station lighting. Fourteen approved model stations in the division were under various stages of development.

He said the division was at the forefront in executing the "touch and feel" concept of the railways. Commensurate with the growth of passenger traffic, the railways are taking up passenger-friendly initiatives. New booking offices would be set up at Nagercoil, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam junction and Ernakulam town soon to end the hassles faced by commuters. Foot over-bridges would cone up at Chirayinkeezh, Ernakulam junction, Kottayam and Thrissur stations.

Air-conditioned dormitories would be provided at Kottayam and Thrissur stations. In passenger amenities, Thiruvananthapuram railway division was at the forefront in the railway zone, having spent Rs. 7.4 crore already against the normal spending of Rs. 4 crore to Rs. 6 crore every year.

Mr. Vijayakumaran said seven more unreserved ticketing systems would be introduced in the division this year. With this, the number of stations having them would go up to 25.

The projects taken up by the railways were progressing satisfactorily. Higher allocation of funds for the doubling of the Ernakulam-Kottayam line would speed up the work. Work on seven road over-bridges targeted for this year was progressing well. Gauge conversion on the Kollam-Punalur section was progressing.

He said although the overall safety performance was satisfactory, the increasing number of accidents at unmanned level crossings was a matter of concern. To do away with such crossings in a phased manner in the State, the railways had decided to construct "limited-use road under-bridges" at eight locations.

A view from the Observatory Hills park!

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5070/img0530rsuh0.jpg

JNUDM for Tvm and Vizhinjam
===================
Source : www.kaumudi.com dt 28th Jan 07
Speaking at the valedictory function of the Trivandrum Management Association meeting here today, Nair said an integrated development plan was needed for urban growth.

The project report to a tune of Rs.7400 crore for the development of state capital submitted by the state government and the City Corporation before the Union Urban Ministry should be made public to know the views of people, he said.

The projects were to be implemented under Centre's Jawaharalal Nehru Urban Development Mission, he said.

Under the mission, 80 per cent of the cost would be borne by the Centre and 20 pe cent by the state and concerned local bodies, he said.

The state Minister for law and port, M Vijayakumar said re-tendering process for awarding contract for the development of Vizhijam Port into an International Transhipment Terminal was on the final stages.

Vijayakumar said state government was committed to implement the project.

The government had already started work on the infrastructure schemes connected with the Vizhijam project, he added. Cheers!!!

Work on aircraft maintenance base to begin in March
Source:http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/28/stories/2007012819250300.htm

Project Management Consultant to be finalised by February

# Maintenance base and hangar to cost Rs. 70 crore
# Work to be completed by March 2008

Thiruvananthapuram: The work on the Rs.70-crore aircraft maintenance base being set up by Air-India in the vicinity of the Thiruvananthapuram international airport for Boeing 737-800 aircraft would commence in March.

"All issues have been sorted out. The Project Management Consultant would be finalised by February and the work would commence from March," Air-India Chairman and Managing Director V. Thulasidas told The Hindu . As per the plan, the base would be completed by March 2008.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had laid the foundation stone for the aircraft maintenance base along with that for the world-class terminal of the international airport on the city side during his last visit to the capital.

Already some buildings on the 6.07-hectare land, handed over free of cost by the Government to the national carrier, have been demolished. The quarters and other facilities set up by the construction company that had taken up the city road development project have been vacated.

The building of the loss-making Trivandum Rubber Works, on the plot, is yet to be demolished. The CMD said AI would carry out the demolition of the remaining buildings soon to commence work.

The plan is to develop the aircraft maintenance base for Maintenance Require Overhaul facility.

The day-to-day line maintenance of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, used by Air-India Express, would be carried out at the airport as aircraft used for flight operations are `brand new,' he added.

Air-India Express, the no-frills airline of AI, uses the B 737-800 having a capacity of 181 economy seats for flight operations to the Gulf countries.

Air-India expects more aircraft of the B 737-800 series to turn around from Thiruvananthapuram international airport in the coming years.

The base is being set up by Air-India Engineering Services, a subsidiary of Air-India. The decision to set up the maintenance base in the city was taken as Mumbai, the present maintenance base of AI, is already saturated.

On whether the proposed maintenance base would be able to take care of the maintenance of B-777 and B-787s, the CMD said Boeing's maintenance base coming up in Nagpur would take care of such aircraft.

AI would also join hands with Boeing in setting up the facility on the land provided by Maharashtra Government. "Most probably, a third party would be there and it would be a foreign firm.

It is yet to be finalised," he said. AIE would `substantially' increase the number of flights from Thiruvananthapuram to Abu Dhabi and `marginally' to Muscat. Cheers!!!

Achuthanandan promises support for development of capital city
Source:http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/28/stories/2007012811720400.htm


Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan on Saturday announced that his Government would extend all assistance and support to the initiatives taken by various quarters for the development of the capital city.

Inaugurating the annual convention of Trivandrum Management Association (TRIMA 2007) on `A New Vision-Capital Region Development' here, the Chief Minister said the capital city had immense scope for development, with the presence of institutions such as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and reputed firms in the Information Technology (IT) sector and Travancore Titanium Products.

In his address, Mayor C. Jayan Babu said the need of the hour was to ensure development of the State capital in tune with the development of other cities and by retaining its culture and heritage. He said the city faced several problems in various sectors and the Government and the civic administration were taking steps to address them.

Chairman and managing director of Air-India V. Thulasidas, who delivered the special address, said the development of the International Container Transhipment terminal at Vizhinjam would bring about a sea change in the development of the capital.

Mr. Thulasidas said the development of Thiruvananthapuram international airport was going to be a major factor in the development of the city and neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu. He said IT and tourism can generate more traffic and thereby attract more airlines to the State capital. The CMD of the national carrier said a `wholesale' campaign was needed to seize the opportunities and prevent the State capital from being left out. The TMA can take a lead in this endeavour, he added.

Samuel Paul, former director, IIM, Ahmedabad, delivered the keynote address. Chairman and managing director of Hindustan Latex M. Ayyappan presented the theme. President of TMA E.M. Najeeb and Secretary C.K. Jayachandran proposed the vote of thanks. The sessions on `Trivandrum as a Knowledge Hub,' `Booming leisure' and `Connectivity' were the highlights of the session attended by experts from various fields and management professionals.

Delivering the valedictory address in the evening, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister T.K.A. Nair said the city needed an integrated plan for development. He pointed out that the social infrastructure like sewerage in the city was created decades ago. Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs M. Vijayakumar presided over the function. Cheers!!!

AI to start direct flights from TVM to US & Europe very soon as per Mr.Tulasidas..:banana:
www.keralakaumudi.com

HI ALL,


DO ANYONE KNOW WHAT IS THE STATUS OF TAJ DOLDA AT VAZHUTHACAUD.

ALSO ABT THE BUDGET HOTEL 'SUMMIT PLAZA' BEHIND SECRETARIAT WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED STRUCTURALLY.....

ANY UPDATES ON KAZHAKOOTTAM - KOVALAM BYPASS ROAD WIDENING....?

ANY UPDATES ON THE NEW PROPOSED CRICKET STADIUM AT MUTTATHARA..?

AND SUDHEESH.... IS THE DESIGN WORK ON YOUR NEW PROJECT COMPLETED? AT AKKULAM.

PLZ GIVE THE UPDATES IF ANY ONE HAVE THE DETAILS

ANYWAY THE WORK ON THE 5 STAR 'HOTEL CAPITAL RETREAT' AT CHAKKA ON THE SIDE OF BYPASS HAS ALREADY STARTED AND IS GOING AT GOOD PACE.... CHEERS...


ALSO MY FRIEND IN COCHIN WHO IS WORKING WITH MFAR GROUP TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE ALREADY ACQUIRED LAND FOR THEIR PROPOSED MALL, CONVENTION CENTRE AND HYPER MARKET. HEARD THAT LULU IS ALSO LOOKING FOR LAND THERE.

ALSO THE WORK ON NEW SKODA SHOWROOM IS PROGRESSING IN THE CITY BY THE MARIKAR GROUP

HERCULEES GROUP, THE NEW MARUTI DEALER AT TRIVANDRUM HAS ALSO ACQUIRED SPACE AT KOWDIAR AND THEIR SERVICE CENTRE AT BYPASS

SARATHY MOTORS, ANOTHER MARUTI DEALER IS GOING TO CONSTRUCT A NEW SHOWROOM AT CHENGAL CHOOLA AND THEIR PROPOSED SERVICE CENTRE AT MUTTATHARA.

SOME OTHER COMING DEALERS INCLUDE THE SECOND BAJAJ DEALER AND NEW DEALER FOR FORCE MOTORS

268 candidates bag job offers in Tvm Job Fair
Source:http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/28/stories/2007012810600100.htm



14,000 candidates attendThe Hindu Opportunities Fair2007

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A total of 268 candidates were given job offers and 720 were short-listed for the final round at the two-day The Hindu Opportunties Fair 2007, which started here on Saturday.

Cognizant Technology Solutions, the title sponsor, selected 50 candidates, the largest number in the IT sector. HCL BPO/ITES, which offered 75 jobs to freshers, came top in the ITES/BPO category.

The following are the remaining companies that have extended job offers to the candidates:

Seaview Support Systems 60; Makeidle Consultants 26; Wipro Infotech 18; Suntec Business Solutions 10; HCL Technologies 7; Saksoft 4; Marlabs 7 and Wipro BPO 7.

Several firms have short-listed a large number of candidates for final selection. TnQ books and journals has identified 88 candidates for the final round of interview, to be held in Chennai in the second week of February. Sreekkanth A.V., manager, Human Resource, said: "We do not have fixed target on the number of candidates to be recruited. Apart from software trainees, we are looking for candidates with skills in pagination, graphics, quality control and data conversion," he said. Covansys, an associate sponsor of the event, is considering giving jobs to 23 candidates. With 180 candidates, Makeidle Consultants has short-listed the largest number of job seekers. NEST with a shortlist of 150 comes next.

Tata Elxsi, which has narrowed down on 100 candidates, is the next in line. Patni has short-listed 25. Wins Infotech has zeroed in on 25 hopefuls in addition to the nine candidates who cleared the first round of interview. Of these nine candidates, two have cleared the Japanese Language Proficiency test. Accel Transmatic Ltd. and Envestnet have a list of 45 and 25 candidates respectively from which a final selection will be made.

Representatives of many companies, including Cognizant Technology Solutions, Patni and Suntec, expressed satisfaction over the quality of candidates who attended the fair. On Sunday, the final day, the fair will focus mostly on candidates with work experience. The fair is held in association with Technopark.

Around 14,000 candidates turned up on the opening day of the fair. Of this, an overwhelming majority, around 12,000, were freshers. Invitations in the fair had been issued to a total of 20,000 candidates. Cheers!!!

More on the lively presentation in the TRIMA convention
Source:http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEO20070128005040&Page=O&Title=Thiruvananthapuram&Topic=0

The theme for this year’s convention was ‘Trivandrum Capital Region Development-a New Vision’. Three technical sessions and paper presentations on the themes, ‘Trivandrum as a Knowledge Hub, Blooming Leisure and Connectivity’ were held at the convention.

The first session, which was opened by Dr B N Suresh, dealt with the opportunities to be tapped for the development of the city. The discussion covered areas like an action plan to tap future global opportunities and the need to change of mindset of the people.

The session also analysed the current status in the fields of higher education, medical institutions, IT parks, space research, technical institutions and talent availability. G Vijayaraghavan in his presentation dealt with the concept of knowledge hub and the problems and opportunities in making the city a knowledge hub.

The Vizhinjam International Container Terminal also was a topic of discussion. In the third session Elias John discussed its problems and likely solutions.

V Thulasidas IAS, in his special address, harped on developing the infrastructure of the capital city to make it a world-class city.

The valedictory function was addressed by T K A Nair, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. Cheers!!!

DO ANYONE KNOW WHAT IS THE STATUS OF TAJ DOLDA AT VAZHUTHACAUD?
ALSO ABT THE BUDGET HOTEL 'SUMMIT PLAZA' BEHIND SECRETARIAT WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED STRUCTURALLY.....
ANY UPDATES ON KAZHAKOOTTAM - KOVALAM BYPASS ROAD WIDENING....?
ANY UPDATES ON THE NEW PROPOSED CRICKET STADIUM AT MUTTATHARA..?
AND SUDHEESH.... IS THE DESIGN WORK ON YOUR NEW PROJECT COMPLETED? AT AKKULAM.

Taj Hotel - Taj is said to have bought the property out completely. Finishing work is still progressing on the massive structure. Trivandrum's 4th Taj property will be ready by May or so. :)

NH-47 Bypass - NHAI is yet to issue tenders. There is a short delay while they revise the Model Concession Agreement for all NHDP Phase III projects.

Stadium - The Agriculture department has agreed to release land to the Sports department so it can be handed over to the KCA for constructing an international stadium. There is a meeting scheduled between the respective ministers and the KCA authorities.

Cyber Palms - The design for it has already been finalised a while back and construction work is well underway. :)

Shafi, thanks for the updates! Nice to see that business groups from across Kerala are investing in Trivandrum, along with national and international groups. :) Stay tuned!

Some republic day pictures..

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:cheers: Though it is a Republic day shot, that one picture, to me evoked nostalgia about those fun evenings during Onam time, walking with friends and family through the streets lit up with coloured lights hanging from avenue trees!! The smell of cuisines of the world wafting through the air, the sounds of myraid performances happening in podiums around Kanakakkunnu. From native dance forms from Wayanad to popular Indian classical/playback musicians to Russian jugglers to local rock bands.....

Sathya, thanks a lot for messing up a Sunday evening for me, LOL. But then here are :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: for you !

Thanks PC:)

Kanakakkunu: East side view.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/7936/jan6033zn2.jpg

From Observatory hills

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/169/jan6126ah8.jpg

Thanks Sathya for uploadin the latest snaps... Missing the place like hell.....
Been 2 years since i came dwn...:ohno:

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 29: Capping an year-long campaign by the government and voluntary organisations, Thiruvananthapuram has been declared Kerala's first city free of child beggars.^^

Making the declaration at a function here last evening, state Health Minister P K Sreemathy said what was more important was to ensure that the rehabilitated children were taken proper care of by agencies by providing them food, shelter and education.

The government planned to set up child helplines in four districts immediately and take the campaign to other major cities in the state, she said.

Kerala High Court Judge Justice R Basanth, who was present, said it was the causes contributing to child beggary that should be rooted out.

Since the campaign started last year, 115 children had been saved from beggary and rehabilitated with the help of NGOs involved in the programme.

A majority of these children hailed from outside states and inquiries had found them to have been forced into begging by inter-state rackets.

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 29: Capping an year-long campaign by the government and voluntary organisations, Thiruvananthapuram has been declared Kerala's first city free of child beggars.^^

Making the declaration at a function here last evening, state Health Minister P K Sreemathy said what was more important was to ensure that the rehabilitated children were taken proper care of by agencies by providing them food, shelter and education.

The government planned to set up child helplines in four districts immediately and take the campaign to other major cities in the state, she said.

Kerala High Court Judge Justice R Basanth, who was present, said it was the causes contributing to child beggary that should be rooted out.

A majority of these children hailed from outside states and inquiries had found them to have been forced into begging by inter-state rackets.

tat dosnt make sense...simply declarations wont make them away from the city..hope rehabilitation process will take place efficiently.
.

Aerospace command soon, says IAF Chief



GANDHINAGAR: The Chief of Air Staff, S.P. Tyagi, on Sunday said that the country needed an aerospace command that would be in place soon.

``You need reconnaissance from space, you need communication from space, and you need space assets in the new world," Air Chief Marshal Tyagi said on the sidelines of the commanders' meet here.

Terming the country as a ``transoceanic power,'' he said the Government was aware of the need for an aerospace command. He said that training of a core group of people for the `aerospace command' had begun.

The plan for setting up of the aerospace command at Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram has been in discussion for close to two years but has reportedly met with resistance from the Navy and the Army, as they fear monopolisation by the IAF of any future aerospace formation.

The aerospace command envisages integration of various components of the Air Force, the Navy, the Army and the ISRO to provide protection of the nation's outer space.

However, the need for it has gained strength after China's latest successful attempt to destroy satellite-using missiles. ANI

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/29/stories/2007012914880100.htm

C-DAC circle

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/4245/jan6028pi2.jpg

Statue road

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/4918/jan6019yc6.jpg

Padmanabhaswamy temple area/Heritage zone

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6292/jan6004no1.jpg

Plamoodu Road

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/9801/janpic27ar3.jpg


Medical college Jn

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Kazhakkoottam

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/247/jan6110oo5.jpg

LMS stretch

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5043/janpic28ru2.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/7250/janpic29as8.jpg

C-DAC -Museum
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/1139/jan6030sz2.jpg

Balabhavan

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/193/jan6036lk5.jpg

TVM may lose Infy campus very soon. Today’s Mangalam daily online (Trivandrum district news) reports about a land dispute between Infosys and a gasoline station. No ‘babus’ are interested in solving the problem. Another feather to Achumama’s rule….
:devil: :devil:

Pilot training institute in for a fresh takeoff

After lying idle for more than a year, the lone pilot-training institute in the state is expecting a fresh takeoff with the arrival of two new aircraft.

Situated adjacent to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport, the institute has been lying defunct since 2005 owing to lack of trainers and aircraft. The institute, which was an autonomous body under the State Government, had even lost its licence after it was converted into a society and renamed Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology (RGAAT) in February last.

The decision to convert the institution into a society was taken way back in 1982, but was implemented last year, during the tenure of the last UDF Government. Former Minister Dominic Presentation who held the portfolio in the UDF Ministry said that the institution was converted into a society to enable faster administrative decisions.

The institute, which has to its credit a number of pilots now flying with various leading airlines, has three aircraft - all of which are dysfunctional now. The institute offers courses in Commercial Pilot Licence and Private Pilot Licence. The number of students had now gone down to eight.

The lone trainer had lost his licence following a case of unauthorised flying last year.

“We are acquiring two trainer aircraft of the Cessna 172R series from the US at a cost of Rs 1.7 crore. The aircraft are now being assembled in Hyderabad and is expected to reach here within a month or two. We expect to get a fresh licence after getting the new aircraft,” said centre secretary N Vadivel Murugan.

However, experts in the aviation sector feel that the institute hasn’t bothered to adapt to the changing scenario. “At a time when all the airlines are facing acute shortage of pilots, it is sad that such an institute is failing to capitalise on it. Moreover, there is scope for developing the institute as a training centre for airline engineering in tie-up with any major airlines,” a senior airline official said.

Though the institute is acquiring new aircraft, it still lacks facilities like simulators. A ten-hour experience in simulator is mandatory for landing a pilot job in any airlines. The students who complete training at the institute are now depending on the other centres for simulator training.

The institute, which was set up in 1959, is also planning to shift to Vallakkadavu along with the development of a new terminal at the airport.

Infy goin?
Smart City gone!
Road projects gutted!

Lets move to Bengal!


TVM may lose Infy campus very soon. Today’s Mangalam daily online (Trivandrum district news) reports about a land dispute between Infosys and a gasoline station. No ‘babus’ are interested in solving the problem. Another feather to Achumama’s rule….
:devil: :devil:

TVM may lose Infy campus very soon. Today’s Mangalam daily online (Trivandrum district news) reports about a land dispute between Infosys and a gasoline station. No ‘babus’ are interested in solving the problem. Another feather to Achumama’s rule….
:devil: :devil:

This is a very old news. Last week Government has sorted out the issue and now the land is in Technopark's possession. This was confirmed by the Business Development Officer of Technopark Mr.Vasudevan in the TMA meeting concluded here at Mascot Hotel last saturday.

This is a very old news. Last week Government has sorted out the issue and now the land is in Technopark's possession. This was confirmed by the Business Development Officer of Technopark Mr.Vasudevan in the TMA meeting concluded here at Mascot Hotel last saturday.

Cheers !!!! :)

Trivandrum international school

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/7928/jan6134gq0.jpg

tat dosnt make sense...simply declarations wont make them away from the city..hope rehabilitation process will take place efficiently.
.

I agree, buddy! But, in this case, the words are backed by actions. The rehabilitation work for many of the disadvantaged sections of society are also actively supported by the many corporates in the city, including Infosys.

I hope other cities in the State, like Kozhikode and Cochin will follow Trivandrum's example, as they have done in many other initiatives like solid waste management and e-governance! Cheers!

sathyalal,

good photos ...

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/6035/dscn0795pb2.jpg

Thanks manoj. Good shot. Lush greenery..

Some more pictures..

One of the premier scientific institutions in the State, the CTCRI was chosen for the award for its outstanding achievements in agricultural research. Established in 1963, the institute has grown in stature over the years, gaining international recognition in the process. The research activities are mainly focussed on tropical tuber crops such as cassava (tapioca), sweet potato, yam, elephant foot yam and colocasia. The institute has developed technologies to enhance the productivity and utilisation potential of the tuber crops. The CTCRI also houses the headquarters of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Tuber Crops. The institute maintains a rich diversity of germplasm of all tuber crops. It also has a regional centre at Bhubaneswar, Orissa, that conducts research on tuber crops in Eastern India.


http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/4867/jan6087im1.jpg

Hi Guys
Do you know what is the next area that is likely to be developed in Trivandrum

Popular Hyundai is all set to open it's new showroom at Neeramankara.
It's Hyundai's second dealership in Trivandrum after Hilton.

Josco Jewellers is opening it's second showroom at Pattom in a month's time.
Jos Alukka Wediing Center is getting ready at Attakulangara.

Malabar Gold is opening soon at East Fort.
Sarathy Motors is opening it's world class Maruthi Service Mall at Byepass.

Vasan Eye Care Hospital is planning to open in Trivandrum.

Pantaloon opening at the multistoried building next to SBT , Vazhuthacaud.

Cheers!:banana:

Unni,

Is it Jos Alukka or Joy Alukkas Wedding center? I heard Joy Alukkas wedding center also goin to come.. Any updates??
Whats the status of Kalyan Silks & POTHYS??
Also Dubai based DAMAS Jewellers started work. Any idea??

Unni,

Is it Jos Alukka or Joy Alukkas Wedding center? I heard Joy Alukkas wedding center also goin to come.. Any updates??
Whats the status of Kalyan Silks & POTHYS??
Also Dubai based DAMAS Jewellers started work. Any idea??

Godman,

It is by Jos Alukka who runs the jewellery at East Fort..Joy Alukkas was looking for 2 Acres of Land for WC..Not sure whether they dropped the plan or not.One big building is coming on the way to SP Fort Hospital.Not sure whether it's by any textile group.

May be Sudheesh and Ajay can throw some light into this.:)

^^ - Let me oblige as much as I can. :)

The massive wedding centre which is nearing at Attakulangara is indeed by the Jos Alukkas Group.

Joy Alukkas is also coming up with a wedding centre, planned to have about 200,000 sft of space - the biggest in Kerala. It could be either at a recently purchased 2 acre plot at Pattom Jn., within the SUT campus, or at a large plot on the SS Kovil Road, where piling is ongoing.

Pantaloons is also said to have taken up space in the Malabar Gold Mall at Pazhavangadi.

Varkey Tower and Pankaj Tower at Statue, are also going to modern retail outlets, possibly from Reliance and Big Bazaar.

Yeap, I have also noticed the big building coming up on the way to the SP Fort hospital. Looks like a textile showroom, that could be Kalyan.

All of the biggies have now bought land in Trivandrum. The main stumbling block has been land price. The cost of land at Attakulangara and Pattom is in the 18-20 Lakh/Cent range while in Kowdiar it even surpasses 30 Lakhs/Cent!!! :nuts:

The Cordial Grp has bought around 2 acres of land in Pattom, near the upcoming Condor Mall, with the intention of setting up a Hotel/Mall/Residential project.

^^ - Let me oblige as much as I can. :)



All of the biggies have now bought land in Trivandrum. The main stumbling block has been land price. The cost of land at Attakulangara and Pattom is in the 18-20 Lakh/Cent range while in Kowdiar it even surpasses 30 Lakhs/Cent!!! :nuts:



But Ajay Pazhavangadi-Overbridge is still the most expensive area in terms of land value. Racently I have seen one adv asking for 2.5 crores for 2.5 cents.

more photos..

Palayam area

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/9963/jan6030va7.jpg

Thanks Ajay.. Damas Jewlellers also started somewhere in the city.. Any updates?

Hope that the biotech center in Tvm which bears the name of Mr Rajiv Gandhi will be transferred to the center govt soon contrary to the newspaper reports

Cheers!!!

Sun Micro expanding in tier II cities

Our Bureau

Chennai Jan. 30 US-based Sun Microsystems is expanding its presence in India's tier II and III cities. It has identified 18 such cities for entry with the help of its partner network, according Mr Rajesh Rege, Director, Sales, Sun Microsystems India.

The cities identified include Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Thiruvananthapuram, Dehradun, Guwahati, Goa, Indore, Bhopal, Ranchi, Jammu and Nagpur, he told newspersons.

According to Mr Baba Sam, Marketing Director, Sun Microsystems India, the country's IT industry (such as personal computers and printers) was valued at around $7 billion. Of this, $2.2 billion was outside the metropolitan cities of Bangalore and Hyderabad. Sun's addressable market in these cities was around $200 million.

Sun has recognised the potential of fast growing cities like Trivandrum and is moving in to tap that market. :okay:

PSC office

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5489/jan6112zn1.jpg

Pattom -Kesavadasapuram road
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/528/jan6114vc2.jpg

Another good example of industry contributing to the society. After Infy, IBS, ... its now RM[Research machines UK] ...

RM programme for govt school
Wednesday January 31 2007 09:10 IST

T’PURAM: RM Education Solutions India, a subsidiary of the UK-based RM, has announced a welfare programme for a government school at Kazhakoottam.

According to a company release here, a two-fold plan has been envisaged to put this welfare programme into action. As part of the first phase, it would donate furniture, sports and learning kits to the government school at Kazhakoottam.

The phase-two would involve sponsoring deserving students from the lower strata of society, for higher education, by taking care of their tuition fees.

The first part of the plan has already been implemented by donating a public address system, furniture and several sports and play equipment to the Kazhakoottam school, the release said.

IBS Group proposes virtual travel market

Our Bureau

Advertisement
Bharat Matrimony

Thiruvananthapuram Jan 30 Integrated transportation management through Virtual Travel Market (VTM) will help optimise transportation resource and asset utilisation in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram.

VTM will enable customers to view transport (air, road and rail) schedules in and out of the Capital as well as track travel suppliers in the city - travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and resorts, according to Mr V.K. Mathews, Chairman and CEO, IBS Group.

IBS Software is a leading player in the travel, transportation and logistics (TTL) space. Mr Mathews introduced VTM while speaking on `Changing landscape of urban living and the IT dimension' at TRIMA 2007, the annual convention of the Trivandrum Management Association.

INTEGRATED VTM

An integrated VTM helps customers to create their own travel packages; travel suppliers can publish their products and services, which will connect real-time to air, rail and road reservation systems.

Besides being able to bring order and discipline to this sector, VTM will also improve the quality of service, safety and security, significantly. VTM in itself will form a recognised forum for selling transportation services. And more importantly, it will help forecast demand and thus private investment.

"No doubt, VTM is best managed privately, as it invites more and more suppliers for healthy competition. Interfacing and networked VTMs to serve the entire State will also become a reality, provided we give due attention and priority," Mr Mathews said.

NEW MODEL

The development model for the city should focus on quality infrastructure to attract industries for employment generation resulting in sustainable growth and development.

"We must conform to a game plan, a master plan for the city that will promote creation of suburbs and route developments outside the city."Like many other cities, Thiruvananthapuram too today faces inadequate infrastructure.

For the period 2005 to 2015, the population growth rate will be one of the highest projected in India, more than cities such as Pune, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.

There will soon be a tremendous increase in job opportunities here - 1,00,000 IT jobs in the next 10 years and 3,00,000-related jobs as in restaurants and various other supply services are projected. These projections will automatically lead towards increased demand for infrastructure.

Approximately 500-700 apartment buildings are expected come up in the next 10 years in the capital city. About 2 lakh new vehicles will be on the roads, demanding an additional road space in the city. This will also call for better transportation infrastructure.

Massive growth estimates for the city. But looking at upcoming developments like the IT Corridor and Vizhinjam, they seen conservative, if anything! :)

any news about vizhinjam port and about infy campus:ohno:

^^ - A quick update:

- The State Govt. has completed all formalities for re-tendering the Vizhinjam project. It is also applying for funding under NMDP from GoI.

Work on the road-rail connectivity and utility to the project site is commencing shortly at a total cost of Rs 80 Crores. Rs 10 Crores has already been allocated in the current budget, so work is slated to start soon.

- The Infy campus had been delayed by the slow processing of the SEZ clearance as well as the presence of a petrol pump, which Infy believes would affect the visual impact of its signature, 1.5 million sft campus.

The petrol pump has been acquired by the Govt. and handed over to Technopark authorities. The pump is being relocated across the road. Work on the 12,000 seater campus is expected to commence in the next few weeks.

:okay:

do anyone have any idea about the habitat project for which the foundation stone was laid by our hon: president.

any photos of SFS waterscapes coming up at aakulam.

any idea abt the status of the convention centre at aakulam after they have given the tender to a firm. Did they start the work on that.

Heard that the malabar gold is looking for some big space at Trivandrum for their next big mall project. The space at the existing mall has already leased out compleately and seeing that pottential of the market, they are trying to go for a big one.

Ajay you are good on responding.... Please update this also...

what happened to our moderator????

do anyone have any idea about the habitat project for which the foundation stone was laid by our hon: president.

any photos of SFS waterscapes coming up at aakulam.

any idea abt the status of the convention centre at aakulam after they have given the tender to a firm. Did they start the work on that.

Heard that the malabar gold is looking for some big space at Trivandrum for their next big mall project. The space at the existing mall has already leased out compleately and seeing that pottential of the market, they are trying to go for a big one.

Ajay you are good on responding.... Please update this also...

what happened to our moderator????

Shafi, I am right here man..watching all..

Habitat is stuck up with due to the incompetency of Kerala State Housing Board.

SFS WATERSCAPES design is not yet finalised. The land involves a varied terrain of level land and a cliff.

No idea about the present status of convention centre by Raheja at Akkulam. There could be red tape delays since land owner is Govt.

No idea about Malabar Gold's new plans, only heard about Pantaloon taking up space in the present Mall.

CONDOR MALL at Pattom is now waiting for permit. That site is at present in the residential zone, so zoning exemption is required and I think I need not say much about our red tape delays.

http://img469.imageshack.us/img469/8053/dsc02380tb7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/263/dsc02379vo9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7725/dsc02378yo2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://i9.tinypic.com/42unrsm.jpg

http://i5.tinypic.com/33dcdo6.jpg

MIR Realtors has announced their 11 Acre township in Trivandrum.Go through this link to get a perspective of the project http://mirrealtors.in/projects.html .Hope to get the details soon.:)

^^ Hmmm seems the design is not finalised, thatz why no details as well as no big perspectives.

http://i5.tinypic.com/2gwhydz.gif

I had met these guys during last Kerala Builders Forum Property show in Kochi. They had told that they would be giving more prominence to open space. The four towers seems to be 20+ floors each. Hope they raise the level by the time the designs are finalised.

I think the land is in Karakulam, a rubber estate our company had thought of buying some times back. I think the stream shown in the persp is the one which flows by the side of TVM-Shencottah SH 2, after Vazhayila till Karakulam Jn.

Helicopter ride
Source:www.kaumudi.com dt 1st Feb 07

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tourists and the local people can look forward to a ride on a helicopter at the beach resort of Kovalam at the weekend. George Mercier, MLA, will inaugurate the service offered by King Rotors and Air Charter Pvt. Ltd., in association with the Great India Tour Company today.
Cheers!!!

Senate hall

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/2420/janpic12db9.jpg

I was zooming in on my mobile cam from over a distance of 300m to catch the workers who were painting the roof tiles.

http://img487.imageshack.us/img487/8973/dsc02471aa6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

which is the place and the nearby building

shafi,project from malabar gold is named as malabar castle its space is around 1.5 lakh sq ft.i enquired from malabar gold corporate office housed at calicut.

sudeesh, have any idea of the area of contor mall..i mean howmany sq ft it is..like to see its elevation..

Shafi, I guess the place is vazhuthacadu and near by building is the 5-star dodla international coming up. May be Sudheesh can confirm.

which is the place and the nearby building

shafi,project from malabar gold is named as malabar castle its space is around 1.5 lakh sq ft.i enquired from malabar gold corporate office housed at calicut.

sudeesh, have any idea of the area of contor mall..i mean howmany sq ft it is..like to see its elevation..

Sanju, this was the elevation of CONDOR FORTUNA initially proposed. M/s Iyer & Mahesh were the architects. Some five floors of retail space and then a hotel on top of it. The land area is much small, about one acre only. I expect a space of about 2 lakhs sft only.

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/8640/condurmall1dqdx3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Now it seems the design has changed. In the brochure of their 'Daffodils' project, it appears like this..

http://img119.imageshack.us/img119/3305/condormall1kb6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Close up. It appears as the design has become boxy, typical Mall type. Can count some 12-14 floors, so obviously Hotel is also there.

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7194/condormallwp3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

M/s Trammell Crow Meghraj, property consultants had done the feasibility study. I am having their proposal somewhere with me.

which is the place and the nearby building

Ya, Sathya was right, it is Vazhuthacaud. I took this shot today noon.

The building with red tiled roof I was mentioning is an SI property Apartment.

The white big building on the left with a little red dome is the new Five star deluxe hotel by Taj (Dodla are the property owners).

The building u/c infront of the frame is SFS Fairmont.

You can also see a building at the distance u/c, with partial green net covering. It is the new Four star Hotel by S P Fort group (15 floors-finishing stage)

http://img113.imageshack.us/img113/744/dsc02470fg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Kovalam rests hopes on heli-tourism
Source:http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEO20070202015302&Page=O&Title=Thiruvananthapuram&Topic=0&
T'PURAM: The Air Travel Enterprises has launched weekend helicopter rides in Kovalam. The unique ride is seen as a bit propitiatory by industry watchers. What’s more, the ride is planned for domestic tourists who have the scary reputation of being bad spenders. ‘‘We are targeting the IT crowd. Especially, the youngsters who would like to experience a helicopter ride,’’ Kumar says.

From the tourism point of view, the helicopter ride may revive interest in the beach destination that is fast losing its charm as a marquee tourist spot. Tourists, both international and domestic, have deserted Kovalam for relatively virgin spots like Vizhinjam and Poovar. The helicopter ride, tourism authority’s hope, will bring them back to Kovalam.

Except for the novelty value, industry watchers say, the wind does not seem favourable to helicopter rides. Deccan Airways, which began its heli-tourism activities with much fanfare, had to wind up its operations once it found that neither the tourists nor the corporates were interested.

‘‘We are testing the waters. We have started with just one helicopter. We have other attractive packages too in store,’’ says Kumar. Apart from the Kovalam package, Great India Tour Company, the leisure arm of ATE, has designed a number of packages like ‘Capital by Air’, ‘Backwaters by Air’, ‘Fly the Hills’ and ‘Shoreline Flights’.

The ‘Capital by Air’ offers a sightseeing trip around the capital city. ‘Backwaters by Air’ takes tourists over the serene backwaters of Kumarakom. ‘Fly the Hill’ will provide an aerial view of Thekkady, Munnar, Kochi and Kumarakom. ‘Shoreline’ flies the tourists along the visually-enchanting coastline right down to Kanyakumari.

Tourism is just one part of the helicopter ride. ATE also offers charters for VVIP travel, delegate entertainment, travel to conference destinations, travel to factory sites/mines/quarries, aerial surveys, power wind reconnaissance, videography, disaster management, relief operations and geophysical surveys. The helicopter can also be used for election campaign and also as ambulances for search and rescue missions. cheers!!!

Take a Joy Ride this weekend
Source:http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEO20070202014546&Page=O&Title=Thiruvananthapuram&Topic=0&
T'PURAM: Nearly six months after the heli-tourism dreams of Deccan Airways failed to take off, the Air Travel Enterprises in association with King Rotors and Air Charter began weekend helicopter rides, ‘Joy Rides’, at Kovalam on Thursday.

The 10-minute Kovalam Joy Ride will offer a stunning triple view - the beach, the hill and the city. It will take off from the Kovalam helipad near the KTDC Samudra Hotel and return to the starting point. Though it is touted as a 10-minute ride, the take-off and landing will take another 7 to 10 minutes.

The helicopter will be positioned at the helipad from 2 pm. to 6 pm. on all weekends. The unique ride, first in South India, is priced at Rs 2,500 a person and is seen as a bit prohibitive by industry watchers.

The Chetak helicopter has a capacity of six, including the pilot. According to Air Travel Enterprises CEO A G K Kumar, even this is not enough for a breakeven Cheers!!!

Wonder what these Indian Express morons use as source material for their reports. I took a pic of the red and blue Deccan Aviation chopper landing today evening as my flight from Chennai landed.:bash:

And the hospitals here as well as the top hotels like the Leela Kempinski and the Taj are already hiring choppers as part of their tourist packages.

Anyways, nice to see new packages coming up for heli-tourism. One of these days, Sudheesh, me and the rest of you should splurge for a tour of the city! :D

Close up. It appears as the design has become boxy, typical Mall type. Can count some 12-14 floors, so obviously Hotel is also there.

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7194/condormallwp3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

M/s Trammell Crow Meghraj, property consultants had done the feasibility study. I am having their proposal somewhere with me.

Nice to see an update on the Condor Mall project. It will be one of the first of the many mall projects in the city to open its doors. :)

ajay,plz give me a report on the forthcoming malls at trivandrum..wid pictures if possible...

sudeesh, i like the former elevation of contor mall,it was an innovative type...latter one, a common type of architucture malls usually have...

MIR named it as "The Greens" and the location is Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram
^^

^^ Hmmm seems the design is not finalised, thatz why no details as well as no big perspectives.

http://i5.tinypic.com/2gwhydz.gif

I had met these guys during last Kerala Builders Forum Property show in Kochi. They had told that they would be giving more prominence to open space. The four towers seems to be 20+ floors each. Hope they raise the level by the time the designs are finalised.

I think the land is in Karakulam, a rubber estate our company had thought of buying some times back. I think the stream shown in the persp is the one which flows by the side of TVM-Shencottah SH 2, after Vazhayila till Karakulam Jn.

MIR named it as "The Greens" and the location is Peroorkada, Thiruvananthapuram
^^

Thats what I said, the location would not be exactly Peroorkada, becuase 11 acres is not easily possible there. It is most probably Karakulam, little after Peroorkada. I am saying this since there is exactly such a place, 11 acres, which was ready to be sold, which we looked once, and the stream in the perspective sarrounding the plot confirms it.

And for every marketing purposes, builders will say the name of the better known place. Here Peroorakada sounds better than Karakulam. That way!
For example, say a project situated in Vellayambalam-Sasthamangalam road, is said to be at Vellayambalam, even if it is closer to Sasthamangalam. Also a project at Chalakuzhi road will be designated to be as at 'Pattom'.

Fellow city watchers, where would this be? ;)

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/4087/img0569rsqc9.jpg

Fellow city watchers, where would this be? ;)

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/4087/img0569rsqc9.jpg

Observatory hills ????

Various road works in city to be expedited. Minister orders probe into Nalanchira road work
Source:http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/04/stories/2007020419090300.htm

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs M. Vijayakumar has directed the Chief Engineer, National Highways, to hold an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the ongoing road works at Nalanchira.

The Minister was presiding over a meeting of officials and people's representatives convened on Friday to review the progress of development works in the Thiruvananthapuram North constituency. Mr. Vijayakumar directed the Chief Engineer to submit a report immediately after carrying out an inquiry.

The meeting decided to remove the administrative obstacles to the works on key road stretches like Thoppumukku-Kulasekharam, Peroorkada-Kudappanakunnu (first reach), Kudappanakunnu- Mannanthala (second reach), Ambalamukku-Paruthipara, Pettah-Anayara and the stalled work on the Ulloor- Aakulam road.

The work on the Mannanthala-Kesavadasapuram National Highway is to be completed in one year. It was also decided to complete the preliminary works including land acquisition for the reconstruction of the Kowdiar-Vazhayila road before May 30.

Officials were directed to take up the resurfacing of the NCC Road, Vazhayila-Mukkola, Mukkola- Maruthur, Mukkola-Kachani and PTP-Pallimukku roads immediately. The Chief Engineer was asked to inspect the condition of the badly rutted Kulasekharam-Vellaikadavu road and take steps for urgent repairs. The meeting decided to finalise a plan for water supply in the constituency in view of the warning of an impending drought. Officials of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) were asked to prepare a list of water-stressed areas and submit a project to the Government. The meeting directed officials of the Sewerage division to revive the stalled projects and complete them in a time-bound manner. It also reviewed the progress of various works costing Rs.1.31 crore that were taken up under the flood control programme and the MLA's constituency fund scheme. District Collector N. Ayyappan, officials of the KWA, Public Works, Revenue and Irrigation departments participated.
Cheers!!!

Project to improve tourism facilities
A lot on plans on the anvil
Source:http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/06/stories/2007010623220300.htm

Phase 1 to be taken up by February
Thiruvananthapuram: The city corporation is working on a major project to improve tourism infrastructure in the capital region.

Prepared in technical collaboration with the Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO), the Rs. 197-crore project seeks to address the lack of basic facilities and improve connectivity to important tourist destinations.

The first phase of the project, estimated at Rs. 62.6 crore, was cleared by the corporation council in December. It is scheduled to be submitted to the Union Government for assistance under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). This phase is expected to be taken up by February and the second phase by April.

According to the City Development Plan (CDP) prepared by the corporation, poor accessibility to Poovar, Akkulam, Neyyar dam and Ponmudi and the unplanned growth of Kovalam and Shanghumughom are major hurdles to the development of the tourism potential in the district. The lack of sufficient accommodation and convention and recreation facilities and absence of solid- and liquid-waste management at major destinations have been identified as issues which need to be tackled on a priority basis.

A sum of Rs. 5 crore is to be spent on the development of helicopter/ seaplane terminals at Kovalam and Akkulam. The plan outlines the need to take up the development of the Kovalam-Poovar road and Akkulam Road and improve connectivity to satellite centres such as Ponmudi, Neyyar dam and Aruvikkara.

A water supply and sewerage scheme for Kovalam, water conservation projects at various centres, improvement of roads, walkways and junctions and environmental regeneration of the Akkulam-Veli backwaters are some of the other proposals.

Beach development

The CDP document features a string of projects to develop support infrastructure at the international beach resort Kovalam.

These include a tourist facilitation and entertainment complex, beautification and landscaping of the waterfront and development of nearby beaches to disperse tourism activities.

Restoration of the Parvathi Puthanar canal from Akkulam to Kovalam and opening up the waterbody for navigation, introduction of river cruise on the Karamana river and development of the Veli tourist centre with shopping malls, conference facilities and landscaping are some of the major proposals outlined in the CDP.

The Akkulam tourist village and surrounding areas are to be developed at a cost of Rs. 15 crore, while Rs. 10 crore is to be spent on setting up an arts and crafts village.

An outlay of Rs. 5 crore has been proposed for development of tourist facilitation complexes at Vizhinjam and Kochuveli.

Lighting of tourist destinations is expected to need Rs. 10 crore.

Exhibition centres will be constructed at Suryakanthi Utsavanagari at a cost of Rs. 10 crore.

A facelift programme will be taken up for important public buildings abutting major road corridors.

The project component is estimated to cost Rs. 5 crore. Cheers!!!

JNNURM: Cabinet nod for projects
Source:http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEO20070203005228&Page=O&Title=Thiruvananthapuram&Topic=0&
T’PURAM: The Cabinet has given its nod for the projects to be implemented under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) with conditions.

Local Self-Governance Minister Paloli Mohammedkutty said in a release that the government would implement the suggestions of the Union Government with amendments.

City development programmes to the tune of Rs 1,800 crore have been prepared for Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi Corporations as part of the JNNURM.

The state-level steering committee for the project, which met on January 20, had approved Rs 80.55-crore drinking water projects, Rs 16.75-crore poverty alleviation projects and Rs 433-crore sewerage projects for Thiruvananthapuram.

The committee had also given a go-ahead for drinking water projects to the tune of Rs 281 crore apart from the Rs 166-crore waste treatment projects and Rs 19.70-crore poverty alleviation projects submitted by the Kochi Corporation.

However, the Cabinet has put forth some amendments to the conditions for taking Central financial aid for the project.

The conditions such as the reduction of stamp duty to 5 percent, conversion of farm land for non-agricultural purposes, reduction of administrative expenses by implementing voluntary retirement scheme and recruitment ban should be reviewed and amendments brought in, the Cabinet suggested.

The minister said that the implementation of the projects would begin this financial year itself after the Union Government approves them.
Cheers!!!

It seems Chennai based Jain Housing & Cochin based Mather also planning townships/apartments in TVM..
Any updates???:ohno:

The airport terminal at Tvm - construction to start on 8th Feb with Bhoomi pooja and will be finished in 18 months. The work will be done by M/s Consolidated Constructions based in Chennai and Air Transport Chief Engineer ( Central) Mr Chaudhari will be reaching here from Delhi to supervise the work. It will be state of the Art Fabricated structure glazing terminal on par with the modern international terminals.
Source: Keralakaumudionline.

Cheers!!!

hi Sudheesh

Do u have any idea abt what godman says... jain and mather?????

Also anyone have any idea abt what happened to our civil station at kudappanamkunnu... and what is the status of that..... if posible please put photos...

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 3 : Two international travel meets, to be held later this year, are expected to boost Kerala's booming tourism sector.

"Since the World Travel Mart London 2007 is being held in November (in London), the biggest beneficiary would be Kerala tourism because there would be a separate session on responsible tourism and a few success stories of Kerala in this aspect would be showcased," Harold Goodwin, faculty at the Britain-based International Centre for Responsible Tourism, told reporters here Saturday.

Goodwin was in the city to take part in a two-day conference on responsible tourism.

Moreover, the state is going to host the International Conference on Responsible Tourism in September 2007, which would review the progress made since the first edition held in 2002 in Cape Town, he said.

"We will debate on how tourism can contribute to the local economy and also reflect Kerala's experience of working towards being a responsible tourism destination. Kerala has already done a lot in this regard," said Goodwin.

Kerala Tourism Secretary V. Venu said the conference would promote the state as a destination just as tourism in Cape Town received a boost after the 2002 conference.

Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the government would integrate all the 14 district tourism promotion councils in the state.

"The village councils too would be drafted to ensure that the local population in and around a destination benefits," said the minister.

The airport terminal at Tvm - construction to start on 8th Feb with Bhoomi pooja and will be finished in 18 months.
Cheers!!!

Yup, in fact, landfilling has already commenced at the site. I will try and sneak some pics of the work soon!

This will be Kerala's and one of India's most modern terminal buildings with 220,000 sft of space in this Phase. At the end of the remaining phases, the building will have close to a million sft of space. :)

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/7419/image03zx9.jpg

@ Shafi - The work on the Civil Station complex is pretty much complete, with an inauguration expected in a couple of months.

@ Karunanakaranashok - Spot on, mate! That's the reservoir at Observatory Hills! :okay:

Im Mahesh...Im frm TVM, working in Bglr....I had been going through the posts in the forums related to Trivandrum for the last 7-8 months. Before seeing this thread I was thinking that I was the only guy who was so passionate about our own Trivandrum. I am so excited by the passion you all have for our Trivandrum and amazed by ur posts. I am so happy for you guyz that u r doing so much to showcase our own Trivandrum in such a big way (especially Sudheesh, Ajay, Sathya, Rajith, PC, Kannan and all other guyz, and Sudheesh seems to be a die-hard member of SSC (posting his views and fotos on almost all forums). Keep up the spirit guyz...Hats off to u all...Keep up the good work...:okay: and a special cheers to Sudheesh...:cheers1:

Hiya Ajay,

Saw ur post about the new terminal for TRV

Hope it starts on schedule and is timed for early completion:soon: Likewise hope the local govt will act resposibly and provide access to this regarding roads and bridges. Seem to read a lot about the Vallarpadom connectivity, but nothing fruitful seems to happen. Will this be the fate of this one too:blahblah: Also these new connections [viz,,,,saudi, mas, etihad,,,etc] we have been hearing about for almost 2 yrs all have to wait for this new terminal to complete:old: And last but not least to my favourite lament :fiddle: about a TIA webpage with all information relating to all inward/outward flights from the airport which will be a great help to people planning a trip to Tvm.

@ Mahesh - Welcome, buddy! Glad to meet one member of the home team! :okay:

@ Thadiyan - Now that the work has begun, we can be confident that this phase is going to be one time. GoK has already entrusted the work on the approach road and bridge to an agency. :okay:

The massive building is undergoing finishing work now. It's been heard that Pantaloons and other leading brands have taken up space here. Stay tuned!

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/9914/img0611rsgn8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Lakshya 07 JOB FAIR on February 16 and 17 at Womens College Trivandrum. Companies from Technopark and MNCs from Banglore and Chennai are participating. All companies offer attractive salary.

FREE REGISTRATION.

Log on to : www.corporateliaisons.com

The It sector is really booming at our city with pleanty of job offerings coming up day byday.... cheersss...

http://i15.tinypic.com/2gtqnol.jpg
Veejay Parvathees at Poojappura

http://i7.tinypic.com/2l9la1f.jpg
Yamuna sharada mansion at kawdiar

KICMA building: Stone-laying on February 7
Source:http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEO20070204023031&Page=O&Title=Thiruvananthapuram&Topic=0&
T'PURAM: Cooperation Minister G Sudhakaran will lay the foundation stone of Kerala Institute of Cooperative Management (KICMA), a self-financing institute under the management of Kerala State Cooperative Union, at Nettukaltheri near Neyyar dam on February 7.

CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition leader Oommen Chandy will also participate in the function presided over by state cooperative union president E Narayanan.

MBA, MCA, BBA, Hotel Management and IT courses will be offered at the institute in the first phase. Efforts are on to get the recognition of the Kerala University and the AICTE for the courses.

The institute will be established at a cost of Rs 8 crore and the construction works will be completed within eight months.
Cheers!!!

One of the old city landmarks.. British library

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/5376/jan6032va2.jpg

Muthoot plaza

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/6181/jan6015ci7.jpg

Guess??
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6617/jan6050fo9.jpg

This is none other than Music college Junction, Thycaud.... Am I right

SATHYA , New Pen books Showroom is coming up near to this, opposite to Arts College. Do you have a picture of that???

Yes Shafi, you are right.

Sorry! I dont have pictures of penbook. I will try next time. Also please see the picture of music college

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/2964/jan6053mn0.jpg


This is none other than Music college Junction, Thycaud.... Am I right

SATHYA , New Pen books Showroom is coming up near to this, opposite to Arts College. Do you have a picture of that???

Hi guys,

Hats off for the passion about Trivandrum, as Mahesh wrote. I had been watching the thread for last one month and gone through almost all the threads about Trivandrum. I am from the southern suburbs of Trivandrum and working in Chennai. We are going to open our first branch in Kerala at Trivandrum. This will act as branch cum Regional office for Kerala and South Tamil Nadu. Myself, my country head (from Delhi) and VP for south had a visit to Trivandrum last month and finalised the office space. A photo from one of the threads about Trivandrum helped me to select the office premises. Thanks for posting the photo. http://img165.imageshack.us/my.php?image=trivandrumuniconjn3.jpg. The company has a plans to open 25+ branches under the region within 6 months. I hope I can also bring good photographs of Trivandrum after sometime. The regional manager for Trivandrum is from Andhra Pradesh and the city impressed him very much to take his family.
:)

The massive building is surrounded by roads on three sides, and will have twin accesses. It is centrally airconditioned and is equipped with escalators and lifts.

The petrol pump in front will vanish once the Power House Road is widened under CRDP.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7236/img0614rsqm8.jpg

@ Vinodtnt - Welcome to the forum, buddy! :)We need more stalwarts like you to bring in investment and help accelerate the growth of our city! :okay:

Hi Vinu,

Welcome to SSC as a member. One more passionate trivandrumite in the group!
Thanks from our side for taking initiatives to set up the office in Trivandrum itself. We need such kind of initiative steps and marketing to attract investments to Tvm.


We are going to open our first branch in Kerala at Trivandrum. This will act as branch cum Regional office for Kerala and South Tamil Nadu. The company had a plan to start RO at Cochin, but as per my report they decided to start at Trivandrum.

The regional manager for Trivandrum is from Andhra Pradesh and the city impressed him very much to take his family.

Thats a fact. Trivandrum is a balanced city, and is suitable for people from all facets.

I hope I can also bring good photographs of Trivandrum after sometime.
Looking forward for your pictures. ^^

The massive building is surrounded by roads on three sides, and will have twin accesses. It is centrally airconditioned and is equipped with escalators and lifts.

The petrol pump in front will vanish once the Power House Road is widened under CRDP.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7236/img0614rsqm8.jpg

@ Vinodtnt - Welcome to the forum, buddy! :)We need more stalwarts like you to bring in investment and help accelerate the growth of our city! :okay:

thanks ajay.

Hi Vinu,

Welcome to SSC as a member. One more passionate trivandrumite in the group!
Thanks from our side for taking initiatives to set up the office in Trivandrum itself. We need such kind of initiative steps and marketing to attract investments to Tvm.






Thats a fact. Trivandrum is a balanced city, and is suitable for people from all facets.


Looking forward for your pictures. ^^

Thanks rajith:) ... right now i am in chennai only... will take one more month to relocate to tvm...

Hi Vinu,
Welcome to SSC.
Sathya

i think tvm got infosys campus because of kris gopalakrishnan. kris is basically from trivandrum.
I dont think so, since professionals do not think that way. He himself has mentioned that infosys comes first and every thing else is second. He has done it since he knows that TVM has a very good infrastructure for IT.But the decision has helped the whole Kerala to change the image

Hi Vinu,
Welcome to SSC.
Sathya


I dont think so, since professionals do not think that way. He himself has mentioned that infosys comes first and every thing else is second. He has done it since he knows that TVM has a very good infrastructure for IT.But the decision has helped the whole Kerala to change the image

It doesn’t mean that tvm is not potential or has poor infrastructure. We are also going to open branch after conducting thorough market studies. I just wanted to say that he is basically from Trivandrum.

It doesn’t mean that tvm is not potential or has poor infrastructure. We are also going to open branch after conducting thorough market studies. I just wanted to say that he is basically from Trivandrum.

Hey, good to see you here Vinodtnt! All the best with your new ventures!

I have always advocated that the quality of life one can lead in a city, rather than malls/pubs and the obnoxious gold/saree showrooms that litter the Kerala landscape, will be the decider when a middle-level and above employee decides to settle down. And I am glad that your firm's decision is one more proof of that!

Facts like nice commute, affordable luxury housing, good clean 24 hours drinking water, superb educational facilities, great rail/road/air connectivity, good recreational/arts facilities, world class research institutions, influential scientific/political/arts/military personalities as your neighbours/club-mates and civic cleanliness make Trivandrum a no-brainer choice. Also that it is the nearest urban/air-connectivity center for a big swathe of South India, the Southern districts of Tamilnadu and Southern Kerala.

Please check your personal inbox :)

Woh, Plans to make Tvm - Quilon Four lane Railway track.
This news item was seen on the Keralakaumudi online dated 6th Feb 07.
--------------------------------------------
Before going further, I would like to welcome Mr Mahesh to this forum and request him to make it more lively.
I also thank Mr Vinod for his share in bringing a branch of his company to Technopark. All our best wishes.
-------------------------------------------
Southern Railway is planning to make enhance the status of the 2 lane to 4 lane from Tvm to Quilon and detailed project report is being prepared. It may require 20 to 30 meters land. It has to be finalized on which side the expansion should take place the criteria being to reduce the reconstruction of platforms which may have to be demolished to minimum. It is reported that Pettah, Kaniyapuram , Kazhakoottom , Chirayinkeezh are on one side and all other stations are on the other side. The present plan proposed by the railway officers is to demolish the stations from Pettah to Chirayinkeezh and construct the additional lanes on that side. But still the railway will be facing an uphill task to remove some buildings on the way. The Kadakkavoor, Paravoor, Varkala stations have even now 3 or 4 lanes.
The aim with these 4 lanes is to run push pull trains from Tvm and Quilon and the plans are being prepared for this.
------------------------------------------
Does any one have more to contribute on this? I dont understand what is push pull train.
I hope that this may be part of the modernisation of the Tvm station. How are we going to do with the massive land acquisition in this regard.

Cheers!!!

NABARD
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/2159/jan6021yf7.jpg

Woh, Plans to make Tvm - Quilon Four lane Railway track.
This news item was seen on the Keralakaumudi online dated 6th Feb 07.
--------------------------------------------
Before going further, I would like to welcome Mr Mahesh to this forum and request him to make it more lively.
I also thank Mr Vinod for his share in bringing a branch of his company to Technopark. All our best wishes.
-------------------------------------------
Southern Railway is planning to make enhance the status of the 2 lane to 4 lane from Tvm to Quilon and detailed project report is being prepared. It may require 20 to 30 meters land. It has to be finalized on which side the expansion should take place the criteria being to reduce the reconstruction of platforms which may have to be demolished to minimum. It is reported that Pettah, Kaniyapuram , Kazhakoottom , Chirayinkeezh are on one side and all other stations are on the other side. The present plan proposed by the railway officers is to demolish the stations from Pettah to Chirayinkeezh and construct the additional lanes on that side. But still the railway will be facing an uphill task to remove some buildings on the way. The Kadakkavoor, Paravoor, Varkala stations have even now 3 or 4 lanes.
The aim with these 4 lanes is to run push pull trains from Tvm and Quilon and the plans are being prepared for this.
------------------------------------------
Does any one have more to contribute on this? I dont understand what is push pull train.
I hope that this may be part of the modernisation of the Tvm station. How are we going to do with the massive land acquisition in this regard.

Cheers!!!

Kannan,

We took office space in a commercial complex in Pattom, not in Technopark.

The imposing south side of the mall....

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/1399/img0616rsst9.jpg

@ Kannan - Push-pull trains are the typical suburban trains which you see in Mumbai or Chennai. They are usually Electric Multiple Units with traction units distributed throughout the length of the train, rather than just one locomotive. Hence the name "push-pull".

The Railways have announced plans to set up EMU suburban rail services, centred on Trivandrum. They will run from Kollam in the North to Neyyantikara in the South, and hence service the whole of the Trivandrum Capital Region. This will be the first service of its kind in Kerala. :)

@ Mahesh - Welcome, buddy! Glad to meet one member of the home team!

Before going further, I would like to welcome Mr Mahesh to this forum and request him to make it more lively.

Thanks a lot to both Ajay and Kannan...:okay:

Can any one pls put some light on Bakery Jn. and Thakaraparambu flyovers... Heard PLL has stopped their work...any idea??

Wat hpnd to our moderator (Sudheesh)? :?

IISR Center in TRIVANDRUM
=====================

Govt of India ministry of human development has reported that it has been decided to establish the Indian Instititute of Scientific Research and Education in Tvm. Bhopal will be another place chosen for this purpose.
It is a high ranked Scientific Research Center in India.

Source: http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?articleType=Malayalam%20Home&contentId=2015019&contentType=EDITORIAL&BV_ID=@@@
================================================

I hope that this is different from the Indian Institute of Science and Tvm has already been chosen for a center of that institute.

Cheers!!!

:cheers: I have been reading the forum with great excitement for the last few months. It is very heartening to know that there are so many brilliant minds so passionate about this beautiful city. It is indeed a wonderful camaraderie. :)

I have some news to share. Three more Malayalam Televising channels have got broadcasting clearance and license. All the three channels have their base in our city: Jai Hind TV, Bharat TV and Guruvision. It is heard that India vision is planning to launch their entertainment channel with the base in Thiruvananthapuram.
Any update about the oceanarium in Vizhinjam and artificial coral reefs and surfing spot near Varkala? Is the government soft-pedaling on technocity?

Any update about the oceanarium in Vizhinjam and artificial coral reefs and surfing spot near Varkala? Is the government soft-pedaling on technocity?

:hi: Good to see newcomers! Do you know more about this Oceanarium news?

Yeah, surfing and its associated lifestyle tourism is something that has never been explored around the beaches of Trivandrum. If those planned surf reefs can generate a good "left or right rolling" surf-break at Varkala, I am going to open a board-rental shack and get Laird Hamilton (http://www.tim-mckenna.com/porfolio-gallery-1-teahupoo.html) to show us how it is done :cheers:

Ajay of course will be balancing on the board with his buccaneer eye-patch, cutlass etc and will surf only "left rolling" surf-breaks. And based on my personal experience, we will have to use a surf-board to prise out the respected Moderator from the beer shack........ :bow:

One of the local dailies reported that Superstar Mohanlal gonna construct a 5-star hotel near Statue. Any updates???
^^

Kudos to Sree Chithra!!!:) :) :) :)



First artificial heart valve gets a makeover

Ramesh Babu

Thiruvananthapuram, February 6, 2007
An improved version of India’s first indigenous artificial heart valve -- Chitra -- is now ready for clinical trials.

Developed by the premier neuro research centre, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) at Thiruvananthapuram with TTK Healthcare Ltd, the new valve is cheaper than many cardiovascular prosthetic valves in the market.

“Animal trials have been successful. Clinical trials will start in a couple of months,” the SCTIMST director K Mohandas told HT.

The new Chitra valve will cost around Rs 20,000, compared to existing prices between Rs 35,000-80,000. It is designed for use in developing nations that have a large number of rheumatic heart patients who cannot afford costly heart valve replacements for damaged valves.

Since the permanent mechanical valve was developed in 1990, about 25,000 valves have been implanted in patients in India and abroad. “Implanting the existing valve has a risk rate of 5-8 per cent,’’ said a research team member. “This problem is taken care of in the improved version.’’

Valves regulate the flow of blood in the heart. Problems in the valves strain the heart and can lead to heart failure. The solution is an artificial valve implanted surgically — a mechanical valve made of metal and plastic or a tissue valve.

The Chitra valve has had quite a makeover. It is fully compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scans use magnetic and radio waves to take images of the body).
To reduce risks, it has a titanium alloy coated with titanium nitrate coating, not a cobalt-based alloy used in the original. “Once commercial production of the improved version begins, India will join a club of just five nations where such valves are mass produced,’’ said a scientist on the team.

Technopark expansion to begin soon T. Ramavarman

Special Economic Zone status for second phase spread over 86 acres


THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Procedural formalities for the launch of the second phase of the Technopark here are complete and the construction work is likely to begin this month.

Technopark chief executive officer (CEO) N. Radhakrishnan Nair told The Hindu on Monday that Infosys Technologies Ltd. and U.S. Technology International Pvt. Ltd. would be housed in the second phase, which will be located in 86 acres opposite the existing first phase. Of this, 50 acres had been earmarked for Infosys and the remaining for US Technology. The second phase would work as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The last hitch was the confusion regarding the relocation of a petrol pump in the area. The issue had been sorted out and the physical relocation of the pump would take place within a couple of months, he said.

Infosys authorities had informed that they were likely to start groundbreaking this month itself. The officials of U.S. Technology had not yet finalised their plans, Mr. Nair said.

Mr. Nair said the Technopark with an area of 242 acres was the largest IT park in the country. Nearly 115 companies were located here and they together employed about 15,000 people. More firms had shown interest in setting up operations here and by the year-end, the number of units was expected to go up to 150 and the employee strength to touch 20,000, he said.

He said Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and IBS Software Services Pvt. Ltd. would set up their next units at the SEZ in the existing Technopark. While IBS hoped to launch its unit by July or August, the TCS was in the process of finalising its campus design.

The third phase of the Technopark would be located in 100 acres adjacent to the first and second phases. "Land acquisition for the third phase is nearly complete and we should be getting the land by February-end. When that is complete, all the three phases of the Technopark will be located on a contiguous land."

One of the local dailies reported that Superstar Mohanlal gonna construct a 5-star hotel near Statue. Any updates???
^^

yes godman i have also seen it in yesterdays keralakaumudi suppliment (IQ PLUS 6 FEB 07).
Sudheesh do you have any idea abt it?
the report says that superstar mohanlal have already purchased 33cents of land at statue for to construct a 5star hotel there

any idea about the new building coming up in-between hero honda showroom, cheran automobiles and suzuki showroom, essco motors at kaimanam…

Chaithram

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/6060/jan6039uo7.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/2vllfgz.jpg

[@ Kannan - Push-pull trains are the typical suburban trains which you see in Mumbai or Chennai. They are usually Electric Multiple Units with traction units distributed throughout the length of the train, rather than just one locomotive. Hence the name "push-pull".

The Railways have announced plans to set up EMU suburban rail services, centred on Trivandrum. They will run from Kollam in the North to Neyyantikara in the South, and hence service the whole of the Trivandrum Capital Region. This will be the first service of its kind in Kerala. :)[/QUOTE]

unquote:
This would be great!A suburban rail service would definetly change the face of the city.In effect it would mean quilon would become part of the capital region.thats how metro cities get developed.It would also mean when companies plan their investments the availability of transport infrastructure would be a major plus.But the state government will have to play a major role in this than the railways.They will have to really push aggressively as also provide investments in order to ensure this becomes a reality!
From what I could gather the major commercial activities are coming on the technopark area and that is where the major traffic is going to be.So does the existing railway line pass near this stretch?

Biotechnology centre to be transferred
Roy Mathew

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 7.: The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to transfer the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, one of the premier institutions in biotechnology in the country, to the Central Government.

Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan told journalists after the Cabinet meeting that the Centre would be requested to provide adequate representation to Kerala in the governing body of the Centre under the Central Government. Kerala had spent Rs. 50 crores for development of the Centre so far. The transfer is expected to improve funding for the Centre.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200702071710.htm

Cheers !!!

Biotechnology centre to be transferred
Roy Mathew

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 7.: The Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to transfer the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, one of the premier institutions in biotechnology in the country, to the Central Government.

Chief Minister V. S. Achuthanandan told journalists after the Cabinet meeting that the Centre would be requested to provide adequate representation to Kerala in the governing body of the Centre under the Central Government. Kerala had spent Rs. 50 crores for development of the Centre so far. The transfer is expected to improve funding for the Centre.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200702071710.htm

The land between cheran automobiles and suzuki showroom is purchased
by anton autos, dealer of TVS motorcycle and they will be shifting shortly from the existing rented building. Meanwhile a new hundai showroom under the dealership of Popular is comming up very close to Karamana Bridge. With this neeramankara becomes the hub of automobile industry starting from KSRTC workshop, Deedi, Essco, Anton, Cheran, AVM, TVS, and finally Popular

The land between cheran automobiles and suzuki showroom is purchased
by anton autos, dealer of TVS motorcycle and they will be shifting shortly from the existing rented building. Meanwhile a new hundai showroom under the dealership of Popular is comming up very close to Karamana Bridge. With this neeramankara becomes the hub of automobile industry starting from KSRTC workshop, Deedi, Essco, Anton, Cheran, AVM, TVS, and finally Popular

Thanks for the information reju...

BTW: not AVM... it is EVM, EVM Honda...

[QUOTE=vinodtnt;11660627[/QUOTE]


Yup!!! :nuts: From Where did you get this picture? I didn't find in the site of Heera!!!
But it is very nice to see their locations in Trivandrum. The City Map is full with their Logo :cheers:

pls check out http://www.heeragroup.com/heera/index.html

[@ Kannan - Push-pull trains are the typical suburban trains which you see in Mumbai or Chennai. They are usually Electric Multiple Units with traction units distributed throughout the length of the train, rather than just one locomotive. Hence the name "push-pull".

Thanks Viju for the nice explanation.
It will be nice if they speed up the matter and not wait for 10 years to acquire land and another 20 years to complete. If we can realize it it will be a great boon to the public and as you rightly said quilon will be at our door step with the commute time less than 30 mts.
It will be good idea if possible to connect Kochu Veli to Kazhakoottom via Technopark. Then the roads can be relieved of the car and other trafficks and pollution can be minimised due to the electric trains. It will also reduce commute time.
Quilon will also develop faster. With technocity being planned they should also explore the possibility to extend the track from Kazhakoottom to Quilon via Attingal.
Have they started work on the modernisation of the Tvm railway station?

Cheers!!!

The Indian Coastal Cruise industry seems to be getting hot and though this ship seems to be small compared to the QE II, this trend is good for the resorts around Kovalam-Poovar belt. In the list of ports it calls we have the usual suspects, the best cruise destinations in the Indian coast :cheers:

URL (http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/07/stories/2007020715280100.htm)


Of the 64 tourists arrived here, 53 had boarded the ship when it touched the Indian coast at Mumbai on January 29, after it had sailed in from Muscat.

The vessel, captained by Remy Jenevaz, then called on ports like Mormugoa (Goa), Mangalore (Karnataka) and Vizhinjam (Kerala), before reaching Tuticorin.

Recognition for ICAI branch

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) was selected for the annual award for the best ICAI branch in the country, a press release said here on Tuesday.
^^ ^^

Thanks Viju for the nice explanation.
It will be nice if they speed up the matter and not wait for 10 years to acquire land and another 20 years to complete. If we can realize it it will be a great boon to the public and as you rightly said quilon will be at our door step with the commute time less than 30 mts.

It will be good idea if possible to connect Kochu Veli to Kazhakoottom via Technopark. Then the roads can be relieved of the car and other trafficks and pollution can be minimised due to the electric trains. It will also reduce commute time.

Quilon will also develop faster. With technocity being planned they should also explore the possibility to extend the track from Kazhakoottom to Quilon via Attingal.
Have they started work on the modernisation of the Tvm railway station?

Cheers!!!

Lol, that explaination was from my side, so I will say you are welcome. ;)

Anyways, Kannan, the Kazhakkoottam station is walkable distance from Technopark. So commuters can easily transfer from suburban trains to their offices. You can easily make this out from the image below, which shows the rail line on the left and Technopark Phase I on the right.

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/737/tpraillineoq7.jpg

I don't think much additional land will be required, since the EMUs will run on the existing electrified double track. The Railways plan to set up the infrastructure required - an EMU shed and modifications to stations - within a year. In fact, it has been included the Trivandrum Division's budget and has been presented to the Union Minister for Railways during his last visit here. I would expect the service to begin operation sometime in 2008.

The suburban service will run from Kollam to Neyyantikara, and will also enhance connectivity to the Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts.

And yes, the IISER alloted to Trivandrum and the earlier mentioned "IIS" are one and the same. :)

Yup!!! :nuts: From Where did you get this picture? I didn't find in the site of Heera!!!
But it is very nice to see their locations in Trivandrum. The City Map is full with their Logo :cheers:

pls check out http://www.heeragroup.com/heera/index.html

it is in the site... please see top right corner... go to the below link for enlarged view...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=247034&page=6

Credence hospital

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/9682/jan6113yr2.jpg

The city's latest gleaming structure is near completion. The Varkey Tower, opposite the AG's Office, is a mixed commercial and retail building.

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/7572/img0629rsfg9.jpg

Yup!!! :nuts: From Where did you get this picture? I didn't find in the site of Heera!!!

It is there in the home page, featured as 'New launch'. It comes in flash format.

BTW seing the post by vinod, called up Heera's Manager and got the full perps. Here it is..

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/1139/finalheerainfonitewj5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It is there in the home page, featured as 'New launch'. It comes in flash format.
BTW seing the post by vinod, called up Heera's Manager and got the full perps. Here it is..

Sudhesh & Vinod...

I found it....! :) It is at the corner & Scrolling letters, But I couldn't Notice that.:ohno:

Btw, Do you have the details of that.

Seems the NH Byepass is really becoming an IT Corridor.:banana:

Is it an appartment building or IT building?

Sudhesh & Vinod...

I found it....! :) It is at the corner & Scrolling letters, But I couldn't Notice that.:ohno:

Btw, Do you have the details of that.

Seems the NH Byepass is really becoming an IT Corridor.:banana:

Cud anyone pls tell abt the flyover status at Bakery Jn. and Thakaraparambu?? :?

Earlier I posted this query but didnt get any reply...:(

^^ - Heera Infocity is a residential complex.

@ Mahesh - The pier work on the Bakery Jn. flyover is complete and work on the superstructure is yet to commence. The Govt. has just extended TRDCL's tenure to October 2008 and work's expected to pick up shortly.

Work on the Thakaraparambu flyover will commence only after the traders on either side are rehabilitated. That will take a couple of months atleast.

[QUOTE=Ajaypp;11674873]The city's latest gleaming structure is near completion. The Varkey Tower, opposite the AG's Office, is a mixed commercial and retail building.

ajay,this tower is interesting.... is this project from varkeys retailors we have all over kerala... and apart from malabar castle and contor mall which are the shopping mall projects in trivandrum?

ajay,this tower is interesting.... is this project from varkeys retailors we have all over kerala... and apart from malabar castle and contor mall which are the shopping mall projects in trivandrum?

Hi Sanju, other than these three projects, land has also been acquired for a PeeVees Group project at Pattoor and another by SFS opposite the Infosys campus, both are large format malls. National developers like the K.Raheja Group and DLF Universal have also acquired or are in the process of acquiring large plots.

Joy Alukkas and Jose Alukkas Wedding Centres are also in process. The latter has been completed.Take a look at it below. Stay tuned! :)

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/38/img0618rshm4.jpg

The imposing 6-floor structure has come up opposite the newly renovated Hotel Luciya and the Vettimurichakotta Gate of the Fort. :okay:

Lol, that explaination was from my side, so I will say you are welcome. ;)

Anyways, Kannan, the Kazhakkoottam station is walkable distance from Technopark. So commuters can easily transfer from suburban trains to their offices. You can easily make this out from the image below, which shows the rail line on the left and Technopark Phase I on the right.

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/737/tpraillineoq7.jpg

I don't think much additional land will be required, since the EMUs will run on the existing electrified double track. The Railways plan to set up the infrastructure required - an EMU shed and modifications to stations - within a year. In fact, it has been included the Trivandrum Division's budget and has been presented to the Union Minister for Railways during his last visit here. I would expect the service to begin operation sometime in 2008.

The suburban service will run from Kollam to Neyyantikara, and will also enhance connectivity to the Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts.

And yes, the IISER alloted to Trivandrum and the earlier mentioned "IIS" are one and the same. :)
Sorry Ajay for the overlook and thanks for your nice explanation as always it had been before.

Today Keralakaumudi online has reported that Tvm is the first city in Kerala to have full fledged wireless internet service from BSNL. Now they have started the Wi Fi in Technopark and the moscot hotel. Steps are afoot to make it available in places where the lap top is used in a large measure.

Cheers!!!

Bhoomi Pooja of this Cordial Project was held today and I was an invitee. The location is near Law College Jn, Barton Hill road. The rate per sft starts at Rs.2000/-.

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/1997/dsc02573nj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Big 92.7 FM to have 45 stations running by May

Nina Varghese

Chennai Feb. 8: Big 92.7 FM, the FM radio venture of Adlabs Films Ltd, will complete the rollout of all its radio stations by April-May 2007.

Ms Lakshmi N. Sharath, Vice-President and Regional Head - South, Big 92.7 FM, said that with 45 stations up and running, Big 92.7 FM would be the largest private radio station network in the country.The investment, as earlier announced, would be Rs 400 crore.Currently, Big 92.7 FM is present in 11 cities.

In the South, Big 92.7 FM is available in Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad and in the second phase would see radio stations in Puducherry, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupathi, Visakhapatnam, Mysore and Mangalore.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/09/stories/2007020903970500.htm

India's biggest radio and live entertainment group is all set to arrive in Trivandrum. This will be the city's third or fourth FM station.

Reliance Adlabs is also heard to be in discussions to open a multiplex in one of the many malls coming up in the city. :okay:

Thanks a lot Ajay for the information....:)

Ajay - Wat abt the mall project at Pattom by the Condor Group??

hi friends....

sad to say that the new way which was opened at our central railway station on the time of LALUs visit seems to be closed today when i landed there....... i dont know what is the reason...

The new 4 star hotel at manalikkulam to be opened soon....

Kulathunkal motors old showroom to be demolished next week for MG Road widening....


Alukkas is entering into Real estate business in trivandrum with the lands in acres purchased near attakulangara and near by.

Also a new mall is going to come up in bypass, opposite to Kulathukal motors at anayara which is promoted by Parthas Group...

Do anyone know when is the Taj Dolda to be inagurated..... why this much delay,,,, the structure has come up with a great pace...

good to see that our forum is moving in a fast pace with pages completing in every 2 days...

cheersss...

@ Sidewinder - Private radio stations are just getting into the act in Kerala. Ananthapuri FM, the AIR station, already has a lot of listners. Including yours truely! :)

@ Mahesh - The project is awaiting final clearance from Town Planning authorities. The land has been prepared for piling. Work is expected to start shortly.

@ Vinod - What TRIDA projects are you talking about?

@ Shafi - Thanks for the updates, mate! :okay: The "Taj Dodla" is now just the "Taj", as it has been bought outright by the India Hotels Ltd. They are making some modifications to the structure which is the main reason for the delay. It should open in another couple of months or so. :)

Here is a project which is due to open up shortly. One of the city's landmark's, The Luciya, has finished its renovation and upgradation. It is due to open as a full five-star shortly. Looking forward to the dance floor opening! :okay:

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8961/img0619rskt5.jpg

Work on airport terminal on

Source:http://www.hindu.com/2007/02/10/stories/2007021025650300.htm

Rs. 245.58-crore development project of Airports Authority of India

Thiruvananthapuram: Work on the Rs.245.58-crore world-class international terminal complex of the Thiruvananthapuram airport is on in full swing.

Piling work for the terminal building on the Chakka side has begun. The work on the Rs.165-crore first phase, which includes the Rs.115-crore terminal building, apron and car park, will be carried out round-the-clock.

"To ensure that there is no delay owing to the monsoon, labourers will be put on three shifts. The international terminal will be completed by September 2008," Airport director K. Natarajan told The Hindu .

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has awarded the work to Chennai-based Consolidated Construction Consortium. The three-storeyed terminal building, with a floor area of 23,299 sq. m, has been designed using modern design concepts by a consortium of three companies. Basically of tubular structure of elliptical geometry, the building will be constructed using modern construction materials and will be covered with heat reflecting toughened glass.

Mr. Natarajan said the entrance would be near the Bharat Tyres on the Chakka-Eenchakkal stretch of the NH 47 bypass. The approach road, to be constructed by the State, would be 170 metres long and 30 metres wide to facilitate six-lane traffic to the complex. A bridge would be constructed across the Parvathy Puthanar to connect the approach road.

All modern facilities in world-class airports such as escalators, elevators and aerobridges would be provided. In addition, shops, lounges, restaurants, fire fighting and detection system, CCTV, surveillance CCTV system and flight information display system would be set up.

The annual handling capacity of the new terminal would be 11.67 lakh when the first phase was commissioned and 13.2 lakh when the terminal complex was completed by 2010, Mr. Natarajan said.

The parking lot, to be set up in front of the terminal, would be able to accommodate 575 cars.

Four parking bays would be set up in the first phase at a cost of Rs.14.5 crore and the tendering process was on, said AGM S. Aboobacker who is in-charge of the project.

In the Rs.80-crore second phase, extension of the terminal building by 50 m on both sides and construction of four parking bays would be taken up.

"We hope to commence the second phase of the work by September 2008 and to complete it by 2010," Mr. Natarajan added.

Of the 48.56 hectares needed for the project, the Government had handed over 11.15 hectares. Mr. Natarajan said the AAI would be able to take up the second phase only if the Government handed over the remaining land.
Cheers!!!

No problem with Vizhinjam project: Baalu
Source:http://www.kaumudi.com/ dt 10th Feb 07
KOCHI: Sounding a positive note on the Vizhinjam project, Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T.R. Baalu said there was no problem with implementation of the project.Speaking at the launch of connectivity projects of the Vallarpadam project, here, Baalu said, ''there was no problem with the project and no one can prevent it.'' The minister said a particular company from China was disqualified to undertake the project. Cheers!!!

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8306/newuy4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Summit plaza, Statue, Just behind the Residency tower
g+6 floors, a 3 star bussiness hotel
Inauguration will be on march.
The structure seems to be like A residential complex.

http://i7.tinypic.com/2w5r141.jpg

@ Vinod - The TRIDA plan for Palayam is in progress. The phase II building has been completed and handed over to the traders. The next phase is to start soon. TRIDA is also mulling handing over some land for a private development, possibly a mall/multiplex project.

@ Mahesh - Air India has invited tenders for the project management consultants for the hangar project. Civil work is due to start in June and the project is expected to be operational by mid-2008.

The work on another 4 flyovers including the ones at Pattom and Peroorkada is part of the first phase of JNURM, work for which will start in late-2007.

The 4-laning of the National Highway is being taken up as part of NHDP - III A, for which tendering will begin shortly. :okay:

Another view of the Jose Alukkas wedding centre.

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/7531/img0620rssp8.jpg

ISRO to launch unmanned satellite to moon
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pallava Bagla

Monday, February 12, 2007 (Thiruvananthapuram):


Just before India celebrates its 61st independence day in 2008, plans are afoot to put the tricolour on the moon.

ISRO will launch the 'moon impactor probe' that will piggyback on the 600 kg Chandrayaan-1 unmanned satellite next year to unravel the mysteries of the moon.

The Chandrayaan-1 satellite itself will cover the journey to the moon in five-and-a-half days and will orbit the moon for two years at an altitude of 100 kilometres conducting several mapping experiments.

A month after the satellite is in its designated orbit, the moon impactor probe will detach from it and head for the moon's surface.

"We would like to carry out certain technological experiments which would help us to do future missions like soft landing, like the rover etc and ultimately landing a man on the moon," said Madan Lal, Deputy Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Research Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.

Key information

The impactor is being built by ISRO at a highly guarded facility in Thiruvananthapuram. It's a 29 kg instrument about the size of your average computer monitor.
After detaching from Chandrayaan, it will rapidly descend towards the moon's surface and in its 20 minute flight it will take high resolution photographs of the moon's surface.

It will analyse the moon's atmosphere and transmit the information back to earth via Chandrayaan.

The Rs four crore gadget will also help ISRO master technologies necessary to send a man to the moon while looking for a suitable landing site, preferably close to the lunar pole where scientists suspect there is ice.

ISRO has already announced it's intention to send a rover to the moon in 2010 and send an Indian a decade later.

Preparations are in full swing for the Chandrayaan mission. It is an engineering model of the moon impactor probe.

An instrument exactly like this will be placed on the moon surface. When India does that it will become the third country after Russian and USA to have done so.

The particular model will finally get painted, it will have the Indian tri colour and the ISRO logo on it and it will be ready be ready to fly on Chandrayaan.

http://www.ndtv.com/morenews/showmorestory.asp?slug=ISRO+to+launch+unmanned+satellite+to+moon&id=100772&category=National

Palayam

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8555/jan6026tr5.jpg

Sarathy altra modern service mall at muttathara is naering completion and they are planning to inagurate in this month end itself. They have also aquired land at chengalchoola for their showroom setup.

http://i17.tinypic.com/2f036va.jpg

Sasthamangalam-Vellayambalam Stretch

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8518/jan6093ai4.jpg

Hi Ajay, is Jos Alukkas wedding centre near the SP Hospital? Because there was a mention before that some big building is coming near SP hospital.
What is going on with the widening of the MG road. Have they demolished the bata , Kesari buildings?
Is there any plans to widen the road between Jocobs building in Palayam to Vanross Jn?

Cheers!!!

Divisional Head Quarters, Southern Railway.

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/7283/jan6054ag1.jpg

It is on the Marappalam-Pattom Jn road, just before the SISO books building

The contractors are 'SI Property Ltd' and the owner is an individual.

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2711/fortuneplazahm6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

:) Can u pls tell me which are the other flyovers proposed other than the ones at Pattom and Peroorkada as part of the first phase of JNURM??? :?

sudheesh/ajay,

Can u tell the location of these buildings? Muthoot plaza has any expansion plan?

Muthoot Corporate Office
http://i15.tinypic.com/2rxtzzp.jpg

Muthoot Plaza
http://i7.tinypic.com/2yuyuxc.jpg

@ Kannan - The Jos Alukkas Wedding Centre is coming up opposite the Luciya Hotel/Vettimurichakotta.

There is yet another large showroom coming up close to the SP Fort Hospital, as you mentioned. Dunno about who is building it, although I heard Kalyan Silks is coming up with a mega-showroom in that area. It could be the same building or a totally different project. :)

This seems to be it. Civil structure is complete at this point.

http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/8744/img0621rsmq0.jpg

@ Mahesh - Flyovers are also planned at Medical College, Sreekaryam etc. More details have been reported earlier on this forum.

@ Vinod - Great perps, where did you get them? The Muthoot Corporate office is coming up opposite the Police Headquarters and Muthoot Plaza is indeed being expanded with about 100 more rooms. :okay:

http://img128.imageshack.us/img128/7531/img0620rssp8.jpg

Punnen road

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7886/jan6014hg0.jpg

@ Vinod - Great perps, where did you get them? The Muthoot Corporate office is coming up opposite the Police Headquarters and Muthoot Plaza is indeed being expanded with about 100 more rooms.

These perps are from the architect’s portal only…

can anyone say something abt the JB Mall IT building?????? that vinod had quoated.


where is it????

Today there was an add in hindu oppurtunities for the some requirement of manpower for the expansion of muthoot plaza.

^^ Shafi, Vinod and others..

JB Mall & IT Building is in Bangalore, not in TVM.

TVH Club & Hotel would possibly be in Chennai.

Muthoot Plaza expansion is about to start soon. We have posted the persp some time back here. They have a good piece of land by the side of NABARD, which they now use as parking yard. And two pvt houses are in the front side which they pursuing for purchase, but the owners are not budging and are quoting astronomical prices. Thatz why the work was not started for some time. Now it seems they are going ahead with the work leaving the small front portion. As Shafi said, today's Hindu Opportunities carry an advt for technical personnel for this work.

In the following pic by Sathyalal, you can see some structures facing the road betweent the blue glass buildings of NABARD and Muthoot Plaza.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7886/jan6014hg0.jpg

Russian Biomedical Technologies To Invade India

14.02.2007

Russian biomedical tecnologies will invade India quite soon, said academician Uriy Guliaev, who is the head of Moscow Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of Russian Academy of Sciences. For recent years said institute has closely cooperated with India in field of developing medical equipment.

Engineers plan to produce Russian medical devices, able to estimate a possibility of heart attack, and other medical equipment in India, the academician said. Opening of Indo-Russian center of biomedical technologies in Trivandrum is scheduled for 2007. Experts from two countries intend to unite their efforts for developing biomedical devices of the newest generation

http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/3447/

Great news Sathya !!!

Russian Biomedical Technologies To Invade India
14.02.2007

Russian biomedical tecnologies will invade India quite soon, said academician Uriy Guliaev, who is the head of Moscow Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics of Russian Academy of Sciences. For recent years said institute has closely cooperated with India in field of developing medical equipment.

Engineers plan to produce Russian medical devices, able to estimate a possibility of heart attack, and other medical equipment in India, the academician said. Opening of Indo-Russian center of biomedical technologies in Trivandrum is scheduled for 2007. Experts from two countries intend to unite their efforts for developing biomedical devices of the newest generation.




http://www.russia-ic.com/news/show/3447/

Yes raj, TVM will be an important biotech hub with RGIBT, Sree chitra and the new startups

Great news Sathya !!!

Hello All,

Does anyone know more about the progress of the work on the aerobridges at TIA please?
Are they going on as scheduled or still only pillars up ^^

Cheers,,,,,,,,,,,,

Does anyone know more about the progress of the work on the aerobridges at TIA please?
Are they going on as scheduled or still only pillars up ^^

Found this posting (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=11582647&postcount=352) on Feb-01 by the Mod-in-exile :)

..

Accentia Technologies adds 120 people in Healthcare BPO, launches iHMS & iPMS in US, UK markets

Accentia Technologies Ltd has announced that during Q3 of 2006-07, the Company has added at its Trivandrum BPO center, 120 people to its Healthcare BPO practice as a part of USD 5 M outsourcing contract that the Company has bagged from US based Company.

The Company is in the process of adding up additional 500 people in phase wise manner during the next two quarters at its Bangalore and Trivandrum facilities.
The Company also through its IRIDIUM division launched two new products namely iHMS and iPMS meant for Hospital Management and Hospital Inventory Management. With the launch of these products in US and UK markets, the Company is expected to achieve 15% additional revenue to its budgeted forecast for the year 2006-07.


http://www.equitybulls.com/admin/news2006/news_det.asp?id=7990

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/1336/dsc02611fr5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/8414/dsc02614vm8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thursday February 15 2007 09:09 IST
T’PURAM: With the State Government deciding to re-tender the proposed deepwater container transhipment hub, steps are on to develop the necessary infrastructure at Vizhinjam, where the port is to be set up.^^ ^^

The Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), the company formed by the State Government to develop the infrastructure for the project, has submitted a Rs 3.9-crore proposal to the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) for ensuring water supply to the port.

The KWA is expected to complete the work in 18 months once the funds are handed over, sources said. As the project would put an additional load on the water supply to the coastal region, a new line will have to be laid.

According to the Container Shipment Economics Study for the Vizhinjam project, 100 cubic metre (cu.m.) of water a day will be needed during the construction of the port. It has been estimated that the short-term requirement will be 410 cu.m a day while the long-term requirement will be 1,000 cu.m. a day.

This will include the supply to ships, port staff and users, and that meant for pollution control, fire-fighting, environmental conservation and greenery.

As for the other major infrastructure works such as rail and road connectivity to the transhipment terminal, a master-plan will be prepared.

The VISL is also planning to rope in RITES for conducting a feasibility study for rail and road connectivity to the port. This has to be finalised by the State Government, sources said.

The State Government had decided to re-tender the project after the Centre denied it security clearance citing concerns owing to the presence of Chinese companies in the consortium that bagged it.

In a letter to Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan, the Shipping Ministry had asked the State Government to include a clause in the fresh global tenders that bids would be subject to security clearance.
source ;- newindpress.com

RAK Airways to operate RAK-TVM flights from 1st of April 2007. ^^
Read more:-
http://www.madhyamamonline.in/news_details.asp?id=29&nid=131955&page=1

Hope etihad airways & Saudiairlines will also start soon...
cheers

Great news. 3 cheers !!!

RAK Airways to operate RAK-TVM flights from 1st of April 2007. ^^
Read more:-
http://www.madhyamamonline.in/news_details.asp?id=29&nid=131955&page=1

Hope etihad airways & Saudiairlines will also start soon...
cheers

Found this posting (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=11582647&postcount=352) on Feb-01 by the Mod-in-exile :)

Cheers,,,,,,,,
Was not aware of this thread,,,,,,,, there are some awesome pictures and it shows how much India is progressing in air travel.
Let's all hope that TIA will continue to grow in the same trend and it has a new terminal and more connections soon:cheers1:

Way to go Technopark !!!!!!!!:cheers1:

Technopark to become India's biggest IT park
Thursday, February 15, 2007

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's Technopark is all set to become the country's largest IT park. Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will inaugurate a 720,000 sq ft building, taking total built up area in the campus to 2.2 million sq ft next week.


He new building christened Tejeshwani, has 12 floors and is believed to be the single largest building in the IT industry in India. The Technopark campus, presently has 1.5 million sq ft built up area with 110 companies operating with 15,000 employees.


"Technopark would push ITPL Bangalore to second place and Tidal Park in Chennai to third. "This is not the end. In the course of the year, three companies are building their own campus here and would have a total of 800,000 sq ft. The Mumbai-based Leela Group is also building their campus here and would have 500,000 sq ft," said M. Vasudevan, business manager of Technopark.


"In the next three months time, 6,000 new jobs would be created," added Vasudevan




http://www.siliconindia.com/shownews/35026

View from Capital One apartments, Althara Jn, Vellayambalam. This is towards the East side of Vellayambalam Jn, Sasthamangalam Road.

The buildings you see are mostly apartments by the side of the road as well as in Jawahar Nagar.

http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/3527/dsc02610ww0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This buildings are part of Kerala Police Head Quarters, on the Vellayambalam-Vazhuthacaud road. The main heritage buildings are on the front. You can also see Cotton Hill heights. Facing west and hence evening sun makes the pic not much clear.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/8392/dsc02617bd2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6009/picture001rstt9.jpg

As you can see, civil work on aerobridge One is complete and that on Two is proceeding apace. The next step is to install the mobile bridges themselves. The completion date is May. Work on the accompanying bays has been completed already. :okay:

Model ICT centre to be set up in city for visually-impaired
source: http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEO20070215230222&Page=O&Title=Thiruvananthapuram&Topic=0&

T’PURAM: Aimed at identifying and solving the basic issues being faced by the visually-challenged people while using computers, a model Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre for the visually-challenged will be set up in the capital city.

As part of the setting up of ICT, the Kerala State IT Mission is organising a national workshop in association with the Society for Promotion of Alternative Computing and Employment (SPACE) at Hotel Residency Towers on February 21.

Eminent personalities working for the development of tools and applications for the visually-challenged will attend the programme. The proposed centre will help the resource centre to provide training to the visually-challenged to use the system being proposed by the ICT centre.

According to a statement from the IT Mission, it was planning to provide a complete Free Software-based solution which gives the users complete freedom to adapt the entire solution for their needs.

As Free Software gives you freedom to use, modify and redistribute copies of the software, the total cost per user is very low compared to the proprietary solutions. Also we use a complete command-based interface so it will run on low-end computer hardware, the statement said.

Audio desktop is the main interface to the computer. It contains a screen reader, which reads whatever the user type in or printed on the screen. It can also use to create text files, browse internet, read emails, play music, read e-books or any other task the visually challenged user wants to do with a computer.

Emacspeak, the software for audio desktop was developed by T V Raman, a visually-challenged person.

The audio desktop, envisaged under this programme, will include software tools for browsing the web and sending emails. Emacspeak comes with a auditory browser that would make sense of the visual clutter of the Web, so the visually-challenged person can seamlessly browse the web.

These facilities will create a new opportunity for the visually-challenged. They will be connected with the entire globe and that will bring a new world before them.

This resource centre will initiate awareness campaigns and training programmes among the website developers and programmers to make them understand the importance of making the websites/software accessible to the visually challenged people.

There will be research and development activities to ensure access to the world of information and communication for the physically-challenged persons. As part of this initiative, resources will also be digitised to meet the requirements of the targeted persons. Cheers!!!

Pilot project to boost mass transport

Thiruvananthapuram: The Union Government has identified the capital city for a pilot project to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases produced by vehicles running on fossil fuels. The project, titled `Cleaner Mobility in Urban Areas,' seeks to improve public transport and pedestrian facilities.

The thrust of the Rs.30.25-crore project is to promote non-polluting modes of mass transport for passenger movement and provide quality walkways, footpaths and park-and-walk facilities to encourage walking on select routes. The City Corporation will implement the project with the help of the Southern Railway and the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). As many as 12 electric buses will be procured to service key routes in the city.

Minister for Local Self-Government Paloli Mohammed Kutty said the project was under active consideration of the Government. He said it would be implemented after securing approval of the Finance Department.

The project report has identified the downtown area of the city as the appropriate location to create quality walking space which would help to reduce the use of automobiles. Exclusive pedestrian corridors are to be developed in the core areas comprising the Central railway station and the Central bus terminus at Thampanoor, the city bus stand at East Fort, the Chala market, the Putharikandam Maidan, and Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, all of which contribute to heavy traffic congestion. The report notes that the existing street pattern makes travel between these destinations circuitous. "The lack of pedestrian safety measures in these areas forces people to turn to automobiles for transport. This contributes to the heavy traffic in the area," it observes.

The project plans to convert the Chala market street from Killipalam and its continuation towards the eastern entrance of Padmanabhaswamy temple into an automobile-free zone and remodel it as a pedestrian corridor during peak hours. The pedestrian crossing at East Fort will be in the form of a subway to minimise the visual impact on the Fort heritage zone.

The 1.5 km-long walkway is to be designed with good quality paving, surface drains, lighting arrangements, signs, and landscaping to appeal to pedestrians. Some of the alleys leading to the market road are also to be redesigned for pedestrian traffic.

The scheme recommends the development of two multi-level parking plazas close to the entry points at East Fort and Killipalam. The land required for the purpose will be acquired from the KSRTC and Government schools. Public amenities centres are also to be developed at these locations.

The second walkway will connect the Central bus station at Thampanoor with platforms and terminal buildings of the Central railway station and further on to the rear side of the Putharikandam Maidan, ultimately joining the walkway proposed for Chala. A continuous walkway bridge spanning a length of 0.4 km will be constructed across the railway lines, Station road and Powerhouse Road. The remaining stretch will be at the ground level. Avenue trees and landscaping have been planned to motivate citizens to use the pedestrian facility.

The proposed mass transport facilities include the development a new four-lane road connecting the Kazhakuttam railway station to Technopark and a link road from the National Highway bypass to the Kochuveli railway station.

The 12 electric buses will be operated on four major routes linking major destinations with rail and road transport terminals and the airport. Bus bays, shelters and passenger amenity centres will be constructed on these routes.

The Union Government has committed a grant of Rs.25 crore for the project.

This imposing structure is a commercial complex being set up by Premier at the Ayurveda College Jn. :)

http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/9750/img0626rsiw1.jpg

Ajay, is this complex for the exclusive use of "Premier" ya they are giving space for other rentals???

1 more dbt Ajay...Do we have "Le Meridian" operating from Kovalam???earlier also I asked this dbt..:?

Have a nice weekend to all...

Ajay, is this complex for the exclusive use of "Premier" ya they are giving space for other rentals???

1 more dbt Ajay...Do we have "Le Meridian" operating from Kovalam???earlier also I asked this dbt..:?

Have a nice weekend to all...

Mahesh,

The original ITDC property (used to be part of their ASHOKA group of Hotels) was taken over by the Oman based galfar group and was operated for some time as a Lemeridian Hotel. Later on Galfar sold it to the Leela Group and it is now known as The Leela Kovalam.
trust this answers your query.

Guess?
http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/4756/jan6107xg8.jpg

Improvement of the footpath from Killipalam to MG Road with a foot-over-bridge across the MG Road, purchase of 40 user-friendly buses, eight energy efficient buses and shifting of the regional bus depot from the city will form part of the ‘Clear mobility in urban area scheme’.

This scheme, which proposes the development of five pilot cities including Thiruvananthapuram, will be in accordance with the funding pattern of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) project.

This was informed by Mayor C.Jayan Babu at the Corporation Council meeting here on Saturday.

The ‘clear mobility in urban area scheme’ has four parts including human resources development (HRD), modernisation of transport facility, promotion of non-motorised transport and project review.

The corporation officials pointed out that the HRD narrows down to KSRTC employees to improving the human resources of all those involved in the project.

For the implementation of part II and III of the scheme, the State Government has to release its share of funds.

These two parts of the scheme involves a project cost of Rs 26.22 crore, of which Rs 16.94 crore will be contributed by the Centre and the rest has to be mobilised by the State and the Corporation. The Centre has sought the letter of support from the State Government and urban local bodies for the implementation of the scheme.

Source:The New Indian Express

National Informatic Center(NIC), KELTRON Campus, Vellayambalam

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6540/jan6029ox4.jpg

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/1095/dsc02699gx5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/1332/dsc02700oc0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Tech –a- break @ techno park pictures are updated.. check the link…^^
http://www.technopark.org/fun/indextech.htm

Air Sahara is becoming the first India-based airline to operate to an international destination from Kerala, by commencing flights to Male, the capital of the Maldives from Trivandrum International Airport. The service is expected to commence in another two months.

Air Sahara also operates the only daily non-stop Trivandrum-Delhi flight - the longest domestic sector in India - in service.

Source: The Hindu, Feb 17th.

According to a report in The Hindu on Feb 17th, quoting the Trivandrum International Airport Director - Mr. Natarajan - the airport has experienced an 37 per cent increase in passenger traffic year on year. With this the number of passengers carried in the 12 months till March 2007 is expected to exceed 2 million. In December 2006, as many 168,000 passengers used TIA - including over 107,000 international passengers.

New airlines which commenced opearations so far in the year include Emirates, Kingfisher Airlines, Air Sahara, Paramount Airways and Air Arabia, while Air Deccan and Jet Airways have significantly stepped up the number of their services.

RAK Airways and Go-Air are expected to launch services by April, while Spicejet, Etihad and Saudi Arabian are among the many airlines set to launch in the coming few months.

With the launch of new services across the year, Kolkata is the only metro yet to be connected to Trivandrum, while connecting flights via Dubai, Colombo, Doha, Singapore etc now provide extensive international connectivity. :okay:

Vizhinjam again in news

Today kerala kaumudi online reported that a Russian company (Rosoboron Services India Ltd which is a nodal company of India Russian Military) has evinced keen interest in developing the Vizhinjam Transhipment project. Our CM has talked to Mr Anthony, the defense Minister about the security aspects involved and Mr Anthony has promised full support in this regard.

Cheers!!!

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/1095/dsc02699gx5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/1332/dsc02700oc0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hi Sudhess, Beautiful and wide roads, Hope it is Kaudiar Vellayambalam stretch.

Cheers!!!

It is museum - LMS stretch

Hi Sudhess, Beautiful and wide roads, Hope it is Kaudiar Vellayambalam stretch.

Cheers!!!

Vizhinjam again in news

Today kerala kaumudi online reported that a Russian company (Rosoboron Services India Ltd which is a nodal company of India Russian Military) has evinced keen interest in developing the Vizhinjam Transhipment project. Our CM has talked to Mr Anthony, the defense Minister about the security aspects involved and Mr Anthony has promised full support in this regard.

Cheers!!!

Rosoboron Exports is Russia's leading defense exporter as well as a leading international contractor. Here is their site:

http://www.roe.ru/roe_eng/en_news/roe_en_news.html

It is very heartening to see that there are international firms looking to pick up a stake in Vizhinjam even before the re-tender is even floated. :okay:

It's just one sign of the sort of interest this mega-project has generated in the international maritime and construction community. The re-tender is expected in a few weeks as the nodal agency, VISL, completes all formalities. It's also be reported that L&T - Ramboll, the original consultants, will be assisting with the tendering process to ensure that the best possible terms are offered to the bidders. :)

1.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Trivandrum/IMG_0598.jpg


2.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Trivandrum/IMG_0599.jpg


3.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Trivandrum/IMG_0600.jpg


4.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Trivandrum/IMG_0601.jpg


5.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Trivandrum/IMG_0602.jpg


6.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Trivandrum/IMG_0603.jpg


7.
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h81/rajithtvm2/Trivandrum/IMG_0605.jpg

COOL COOL PICTURES REJITH....

SLOWLY THE GREENARY IS GETTING DISAPPERED FROM OUR CITY.....

CONCRETE FOREST IS SLOWLY COMING UP.....

:) Hello Ajay,

Great to hear about this and hope all the new carriers u mentioned are permitted to begin operations the earliest.
A while ago read somewhere that Iran's Mahan Air , MAS and Jazeera Airlines too were asking permission to start from TIA? Are there more politics in this or does the airport lack facilities which prevents more flights to commence:wtf:
Thanks to you once again for all these timely updates on what's happenning back home,,,,,,,,,:cheers1:

^^ - Yes, hopefully their clearances would be given soon. Unfortunately, we have seen that somehow it takes longer for airlines to get approval to TIA than to other airports in the State. Emirates, for example, was held up for almost 2 years, despite the fact that Trivandrum was their top choice and indeed they operate maximum services from here.

The airport is already stretched in capacity terms. Indeed, even with the commissioning of the New International Terminal's Phase I, there will be a shortfall in capacity to meet the rapidly expanding traffic. However, this does not seem to be the reason for delaying many of the airlines in the queue to start services from TIA. By judicious scheduling, the airport's capacity can be maximised. And I cannot comment authoritatively if there is indeed politics at play, but I am sure there is more afoot than meets the eye. :sly: :gunz:

Today seen in the news paper that our industrial minister is talking to a Malaysian company to set up a medical city and an IT Park.Do anyone know where is it coming up or what abt out ministers plan.

^^ - News is too vague to even guess, it would be great if you can post further details. Anyways, the Govt. had announced plans to set up a medical SEZ in Trivandrum. This could maybe dovetail into that project.

Earlier, the Malaysian Multimedia Corridor (MMC) had expressed interest in developing the IT corridor in Trivandrum as well. :okay:

http://i9.tinypic.com/4i27pcy.jpg

hi, just came across this forum a while back. you guys are doing a fantastic job. it's great to see people who care about good ol' TVM so much, and it's great to be able to keep up with what's goin on back home :banana:

"Earlier, the Malaysian Multimedia Corridor (MMC) had expressed interest in developing the IT corridor in Trivandrum as well."
hmm, i got my views on that one, though. i've been living in malaysia for the past few years, and from what i can see MMC is more hype than substance. it's good to see that tvm is taking foreign connections seriously, but this may not be the best one ever :( just my two cents...hope it turns out good :)

Rail plans fast food kiosks
GARIMA SINGH

Big bite
New Delhi, Feb. 20: You may soon have multiple flavours of branded coffee, cheesy pizzas and even Kentucky Fried Chicken served at your nearest rundown railway station.

Opening doors to fast food mini-kiosks, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has shortlisted about 11 agencies to set up ‘quick service fast food kiosks’ at some of the major railway stations across the country.

Designed to be set up on 500 sq ft on the platforms, the corporation has received applications from chains such as Cafe Coffee Day, Nestle India, Devyani International (franchisees for Costa Coffee), Kentucky Fried Chicken, Domino’s Pizza, American chain Switz Food, McDonald’s, Haldirams and Bikanerwala.
“The aim is to open 30-40 kiosks. Few of these will be operational in three to four months. We have shortlisted 11 players and talks are on with others as well,” Vinod Asthana, executive director — catering services of IRCTC, told The Telegraph.

According to the corporation’s guidelines, only those chains that have a minimum turnover of Rs 20 crore, operate more than 20 retail outlets, employ trained manpower, have a centralised kitchen and follow ‘strict hygiene standards’ can qualify for setting up kiosks.

“The supply chain logistics has to be there in place. The kiosks will only sell pre-cooked and pre-packaged food items,” said Asthana.

To begin with, the kiosks will be set up at stations in Calcutta, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Baroda, Jaipur and Bhopal.

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070221/asp/business/story_7418792.asp

Ajay/sudheesh or can anyone pls give the updates of the below mentioned projects???

1. The Tagore Theatre Entertainment Complex

2. Habitat Center at Kowdiar

3. New Civil Station Building

4. Film Star Mohanlal's 5-star Hotel near Statue

Tks...

:)
today i noticed the following u/c (or ground) works. can anyone update about these projects?

1. u/c building near the new u/c building of PRS Hospitals at Killippallam (seems commercial building)

2. u/c building opposite to Grand Motors, Killippalam (few months back i noticed some govt. board on this site)

3. Piling work inside TVS Motors at Kaimanam

4. ground work between jagathy bridge and railway quarters (ANVAR GARDENS) at Jagathy

5. Ground work opposite to SUT mother and children's hospital, Pattom

Heard from a nearby shop owner of a property at vellayambalam jn. (The square property immediately after vellayambalam circle towards Sasthamangalam) that the property is recently purchased by cine actor Mohanlal and Harindran Nair of Pankajakathuri for their Hotel Project.
:)

1. u/c building near the new u/c building of PRS Hospitals at Killippallam (seems commercial building)

It is killi Towers, a commercial building

2. u/c building opposite to Grand Motors, Killippalam (few months back i noticed some govt. board on this site)

It is Sales Tax Office, Govt owned


Heard that in cochin all the Varkeys stores are handed over to Reliance group.
Is this the same for our Varkey tower at statue???? Anyone has any idea abt that.

Also the Lulu hyper market project is handovered to some other big group from north india, Lulu is looking for a big plot in trivandrum for a big project.

^^ - I believe the Varkey Tower in Trivandrum is owned by a different entity. Reliance and Fabmall have already taken up or are in the process of taking up multiple locations in Trivandrum for their outlets. :)

Nice to hear that Lulu is looking for space in Trivandrum.:okay:

You were saying their much-trumpeted Cochin project has been sold out to some other group? Or is it their forthcoming Trivandrum project.

HI AJAY

I am only saying about their much-trumpeted Cochin project which has been sold out to some other group. Actually they have made the civil plan and got approved from the corporation also, after that only this happened. It is in the prime location in Edapally covering huge region in the byepass. It is really loss to LULU, i think.

Chennai airport has proved to be a money-spinner for the Airports Authority of India from among the 21 airports run by it in South India during 2005-06.

The latest official data shows that the airport reported a profit of Rs 191.61 crore during the year under review

Bangalore was the second most profitable airport in South India having reported a profit of Rs 121.05 crore, while Hyderabad occupied the number three spot with a profit of Rs 73.27 crore. The other airports reporting a profit include Cochin International Airport Ltd (Rs 20.75 crore), Kozhikode (Rs 14.04 crore) and Thiruvananthapuram (Rs 2.65 crore).http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/20/stories/2007022001641000.htm

sad scene at trivandrum huh sanju..worse than calicut..well lets hope things improve after the new airport comes..it also reflects the city's urgent need to develop more industries than just the great political one.


Chennai airport has proved to be a money-spinner for the Airports Authority of India from among the 21 airports run by it in South India during 2005-06.

The latest official data shows that the airport reported a profit of Rs 191.61 crore during the year under review

Bangalore was the second most profitable airport in South India having reported a profit of Rs 121.05 crore, while Hyderabad occupied the number three spot with a profit of Rs 73.27 crore. The other airports reporting a profit include Cochin International Airport Ltd (Rs 20.75 crore), Kozhikode (Rs 14.04 crore) and Thiruvananthapuram (Rs 2.65 crore).http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/20/stories/2007022001641000.htm

mind curry...trivandrum is really better than many other major airports in south india like mangalore,madurai etc.and dont remember the fact that calicut and kochi is having the largest no NRI's in kerala..tats y these airports are more profitable than trivandrum...this is my view...expecting views from other active members..

sad scene at trivandrum huh sanju..worse than calicut..well lets hope things improve after the new airport comes..it also reflects the city's urgent need to develop more industries than just the great political one.

@ Mind - We should take a holistic picture of the business situation. As has been reported, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has seen a 87% increase in aircraft movements and 40% increase in passenger traffic (Due to smaller aircraft being used for new domestic, short-haul routes) in the last year. It will be handling about 2.1 million people this year.

The profits are lower due to the fact that the airport has very low landing and handling charges, compared to, say CIAL, and also due to the fact that most of the recent development work has been taken up through internal accruals.

However, with the new State Government putting emphasis on its development and AAI sharply increasing operating and capital support, the airport's financial performance is sure to improve quickly.

For example, the 27 acres of land which the previous Government took about 3-4 years to acquire on a so-called "fast track" basis, has been handed over to AAI in a matter of weeks by the present Govt. and AAI has already commenced work on a state-of-the-art tubular New International Terminal (Phase I) due to be complete in September 2008. The GoK is also completing the acquisition of a further 100 acres of land needed to further expand the cityside Terminal complex.

So, with sufficient support from GoK and AAI, TIA will continue to be the premier airport of the state, especially in view of Trivandrum's burgeoning importance as a top-tier IT hub. :okay:

@ Sanju - I agree with you on that count. Cochin and Calicut benefit from a relatively high concentration of Gulf-based NRIs in their hinterlands. However, Trivandrum airport continues to have the highest load factors in Kerala, as can be seen from AAI statistics (as available on their sites)

In fact, I believe that with the completion of expansion at Kariput, Calicut airport will now absorb most of the traffic from Northern Kerala, whereas some of the folks there now use the Cochin Airport, as you are no doubt aware of.

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 22: Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan Thursday inaugurated a 850,000 sq ft building at Kerala's Technopark, taking its total built-up area to 2.2 million sq ft and making it India's largest IT park.:applause:

The new building - Tejaswini - has 12 floors and is believed to be the single largest building in the country's IT industry. With this new addition, ITPL in Bangalore is pushed to second place and Tidal Park in Chennai to third.:rock:
The Technopark campus, 12 km from here, already had 1.5 million sq ft built-up area as 110 companies operate there with 15,000 employees.

After inaugurating Tejaswini, Achuthanandan said: "Kerala is blessed with fine human resources, a good quality of life and world-class infrastructure facilities at reasonable cost.

"I assure you that my government will make every effort to improve infrastructure facilities and provide maximum support for the growth of the IT industry. Many companies have approached me for setting up their operations in Kerala and I am happy to welcome all of them to the state."

The Technopark is poised for even more growth as three companies are building their own campuses here and would have a total of 800,000 sq ft. The Mumbai-based Leela Group is also building a campus and would take up 500,000 sq ft here.
IT special secretary and Technopark Board chairman K.R. Jyotilal said the new IT policy of the state envisages development of IT infrastructure along with expansion of the Technopark in a hub-and-spoke model.

"Finishing schools will be set up to fine-tune the skills of our graduates to be more employable by the industry," he added.


Cheers !!!!!:okay:

Kerala's largest IT building, the 850,000 sft Thejaswini was inaugurated today at Technopark, formally pushing Technopark into the number one slot among IT parks in India and, perhaps by extension, the world!

News excerpt from ET:

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/7923/thejaswininewsfeb22te2.png

Rightly said Ajay..
The keralites in the gulfs are called by a nickname "malabaris".. Wherever you go you can see a guy from malapuram/Kannur/kozhikodu ..Majority of the malabaris from kerala are from malapuram and they all depend Calicut Airport.. Similarly for Cochin majority of the NRIs from Kottayam, Alleppy & Trichur depends only Nedumbassery. This situation will change once the Kannur Airport & Aranmula Airports are built....
:ohno:

[QUOTE=Ajaypp;11852935]@ Mind - We should take a holistic picture of the business situation. As has been reported, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has seen a 87% increase in aircraft movements and 40% increase in passenger traffic (Due to smaller aircraft being used for new domestic, short-haul routes) in the last year. It will be handling about 2.1 million people this year.

[QUOTE=Ajaypp;11853254]Kerala's largest IT building, the 850,000 sft Thejaswini was inaugurated today at Technopark, formally pushing Technopark into the number one slot among IT parks in India and, perhaps by extension, the world!

Great News Ajay:) Proud to have the largest office structure in the state right at the IT hub of Kerala. I am assuming most of 850000 has already been booked?