Kerala expands V-Park project: New sites identified across state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas innovative V-Park project, which transforms idle spaces beneath flyovers into vibrant recreational zones, is set for a major expansion. The tourism department has now granted administrative sanction for new V-Park sites across several districts as part of the next phase of the initiative jointly developed with the public works department under the states design policy. Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas informed the Assembly that a list of 77 bridges has been prepared under the V-Park project. He said that 19 bridges have been finalised for the next phase. For the second phase, four agencies have been granted NOCs (No Objection Certificates). The project will include walkways, open gyms, play areas, performance stages, food kiosks, gardens, seating areas and parking facilities beneath bridges, the minister said. Discussions have also been held with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to utilise spaces beneath bridges on national highways. Efforts are underway to address parking shortages across the state, he added. The minister added that a draft policy titled Gender-Inclusive and Responsible Tourism has been prepared to make Kerala a hub for gender-inclusive and women-friendly tourism. The plan aims to transform tourist destinations into women-friendly spaces, ensure womens participation in tourism and provide financial support for women-led tourism enterprises. As part of this, destination safety studies and gender audits have been conducted. Post Covid, there has been a noticeable rise in solo and group travel among women, the minister noted. The governments goal is to create networks and support systems to ensure safe travel experiences for women travelling both alone and in groups, he said. Minister V Sivankutty told the Assembly that the advent of AI technology poses a potential threat to IT sector jobs, but it will not completely eliminate employment opportunities. Instead, it will transform work patterns. He said the government intends to focus on reskilling and upskilling initiatives to help workers adapt to the new environment.