The much-anticipated Neyyar Drinking Water Project, aimed at solving Thiruvananthapuram’s growing water crisis, remains stuck in limbo due to delays in the submission of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and lack of coordination from the Kerala Water Authority (KWA).
Despite being entrusted with the task two years ago, KIIFB has yet to submit the DPR, preventing both financial and administrative approvals for the Rs 680 crore project. With rising water demand exceeding 400 million litres per day (MLD), and the current supply falling short at under 320 MLD, key regions like Vizhinjam, Technopark, and Kazhakkoottam continue to suffer.
The proposed construction includes a 120 MLD water treatment plant, water storage tanks, a 23.8 km transmission pipeline, and a new road from Kattakada to PTP Nagar for pipeline installation. However, progress has stalled, with RITES—KIIFB’s chosen agency—facing hurdles due to lack of support from KWA.
In a bid to accelerate construction planning, KWA has now set up its own five-member team to draft the DPR within two years. Until then, the critical project to address Thiruvananthapuram’s water woes remains delayed.
