Thiruvananthapuram: Nearly a decade after it was first envisioned, the Chalai Heritage Street project continues to remain in limbo, with the proposed redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram's historic market awaiting funding approval from the Union govt. The project was conceived during the previous LDF administration, when the corporation's town planning standing committee proposed transforming the centuries-old Chalai market into a heritage shopping destination on the lines of Kozhikode's SM Street. The objective was to preserve the market's traditional character while modernising its infrastructure and improving the experience for traders, residents and visitors. A proposal was submitted a year ago, and there has been no communication from the Centre since. While progress has been made in improving the road network around the market, the core heritage redevelopment remains stalled. Under the Smart City Mission, eight feeder roads leading to Chalai were upgraded with improved pedestrian facilities. The main commercial corridor, however, has yet to undergo any significant transformation. Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) has submitted a proposal seeking nearly Rs 60 crore from the Centre's Urban Challenge Fund to revive the long-pending project. The proposed redevelopment includes tiled pedestrian walkways, heritage-themed arches, underground electric cabling, LED lighting, Wi-Fi connectivity, umbrella-style canopies, landscaped seating areas and public art installations. “The vision behind the project is not merely beautification. Chalai is one of the oldest and most vibrant commercial spaces in Kerala. The redevelopment aims to preserve its heritage identity while creating a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment. The eight feeder roads have already demonstrated how urban renewal can improve connectivity. What remains is the transformation of the market itself, which depends largely on central funding,” a senior SCTL official said. Corporation town planning standing committee chairman M Radhakrishnan said the project remained relevant despite repeated delays. “The Chalai Heritage Street project was conceived to protect the unique character of the market while improving infrastructure and public spaces. Though we had prioritised the redevelopment of Palayam market, Chalai is equally important. We will soon call a meeting to revive the project,” he said. First launched in 2018, the project has faced multiple setbacks including funding shortages, redesigns and concerns raised by traders over rehabilitation and market space. Authorities were eventually forced to scale down portions of the original plan and prioritise road connectivity improvements. The redevelopment, estimated to cost around Rs 200 crore, is planned in phases. The revised blueprint envisages an octagonal layout with eight strategic access points, featuring smart paving, dedicated pedestrian zones, improved drainage and signage. A second phase will incorporate heritage arches at all entry points, wall murals depicting the market's history, roofed walkways, tiled footpaths and underground electric cabling across a Wi-Fi-enabled stretch. Authorities have clarified that the redevelopment will proceed without displacing any traders.