Trivandrum Finally Parks Its Chaos: The City's Most Awaited Multi-Level Facility Is Here

Nikunj Parikh - Mumbai Bureau May 10, 2026 8,000 Views

Thiruvananthapuram's long-delayed multi-level car parking (MLCP) facility at Putharikandam Ground near East Fort has finally become operational, ending months of anticipation. Built at a cost of ₹20 crore under the Smart City Mission, the automated facility serves one of the city's most congested commercial corridors and aims to put an end to the unchecked overcharging by private parking operators near Central Railway Station.

A City That Never Had Enough Space

Finding a parking spot in Thiruvananthapuram has historically been harder than navigating its famously narrow roads. The East Fort–Chalai market belt and the area around Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station have long suffered from acute parking congestion, forcing thousands of daily commuters into the hands of unregulated private parking operators. The Putharikandam MLCP was conceived as the city's answer to this chronic urban headache, and after years of contractor changes, cost escalations, and inter-agency negotiations, it is now finally a reality.

What The Facility Brings To The Table

Developed by Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), the Putharikandam facility is a state-of-the-art automated parking structure that caters to both four-wheelers and two-wheelers. It is equipped with EV charging stations, making it future-ready for the city's growing electric vehicle population. Mayor V.V. Rajesh confirmed that the facility is designed to eliminate the overcharging practices rampant near the railway station and bring structured, affordable parking to the area.

Smart City Parking Network

The Putharikandam MLCP marks the fourth operational multi-level parking facility within Thiruvananthapuram city limits, joining existing facilities at Thampanoor, Palayam, and the Corporation Office compound. The city has been systematically building out this network under the Smart City Mission, with the Medical College MLCP also set to become fully operational soon. Together, these facilities represent a significant step toward organized urban mobility in Kerala's capital.

From Inauguration To Operation: A Long Wait

The Putharikandam facility was inaugurated with considerable fanfare in November 2025 alongside the Medical College MLCP, but months passed before either opened its gates to the public. Civil works remained pending, and complications arose when Indian Railways requested use of nearly half the parking floors to accommodate vehicles from the adjacent Central Railway Station, which was undergoing its own construction. SCTL officials had confirmed as recently as March 2026 that remaining works were minor and nearing completion, with a trial run expected within a week.

Smart Parking Insights

Built at a cost of ₹20 crore under the Smart City Mission by SCTL
Automated parking system designed for both cars and two-wheelers
Equipped with EV charging stations for electric vehicle users
Located at Putharikandam Ground, adjacent to Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Aims to ease parking congestion at East Fort, Chalai Market, and the railway station rear entrance
Fourth MLCP in Thiruvananthapuram city, joining Thampanoor, Palayam, and the Corporation Office
Designed to end overcharging by private contractors in the area

Sources: Times of India, Manorama News, New Indian Express

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