Kerala capital to have one more ‘night street’ at Palayam

The capital city, which once had the reputation of being a place which sleeps early, appears to be extending areas dedicated for nightlife activities. Modelled on the existing ‘night street’ at Manaveeyam Veedhi, another project on the same lines is set to come up at Palayam. Work, taken up under the city Corporation’s Smart City project, is currently ongoing on either side of the short stretch beginning from the main gate of the University College to the University Library.

The project, being implemented in cooperation with the Kerala Road Fund Board, involves the installation of specially designed streetlights, construction of a small makeshift stage and gallery for performances, paving of the wider, differently-abled friendly walkways, installation of video wall for important updates of the Corporation, food corners and other amenities. The street will also be beautified with potted plants and landscaping. The ongoing work for the night street is expected to be completed by May or June.

It is still not known whether restrictions in traffic will be imposed on the road at night, like in Manaveeyam Veedhi, as it is a major connecting road. Traffic on the Manveeyam Veedhi is regulated especially on weekends, when the crowds surge, and during various events.

The Tourism department as well as the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation have been in recent years actively considering various locations to expand nightlife activities in the capital city. Although initially there were minor controversies related to a few violent incidents involving revellers after the opening of the night street at Manaveeyam Veedhi in October 2023, things have now settled down. Youngsters as well as families now frequent the street, which remains a hub of activity until late in the night. Police personnel posted on either side of the street as well as a police aid post set up at one of the corners have ensured the safety of visitors.

The Kowdiar-Pattom stretch, along which a large number of popular eateries have come up in recent years, has also been under consideration for expanding night life activities, but the residents’ associations in this region have not warmed up to the idea.