Inauguration of We Park in Kollam by Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas

Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas Makes Strategic Move on Big Chessboard at Inauguration of We Park in Kollam

In a groundbreaking move, Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas was seen making his move on a big chessboard after the inauguration of We Park in Kollam on Saturday. The pilot project, part of the State’s design policy to convert unused public spaces into sustainable and aesthetically appealing sites, was officially opened on February 1, 2025.

Located near SN College Junction below the railway overbridge, We Park is set to transform the space under bridges in a way that benefits the public. Minister Riyas highlighted that Kerala is the first state in the country to implement such a design policy in the public works and tourism sector, with plans to utilize the space under more than a hundred bridges in collaboration with various stakeholders.

‘We Park’ spans approximately 70 cents of land owned by the Public Works department and offers a range of facilities including walking tracks, a cafeteria, sports courts, a chess block, a skating area, an open gym, a yoga and meditation zone, an event space, toilets, and parking. The project, costing ₹2 crore and implemented by Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited (KTIL), aims to generate income for its maintenance, which will be overseen by District Tourism Promotion Council, Kollam Corporation, and other relevant departments.

Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, who attended the inauguration as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of transforming unused spaces across the State in a similar manner. Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J. Chinchurani praised ‘We Park’ as a symbol of development in the heart of Kollam city.

The event was also attended by M. Naushad, MLA, N.K. Premachandran, MP, Mayor Honey Benjamin, District Collector N. Devidas, and District Police Chief (Kollam City) Kiran Narayanan. The initiative has received positive feedback and is expected to have a significant impact on the community.

Published on March 01, 2025, at 06:49 pm IST, the inauguration of We Park marks a significant step towards utilizing public spaces for the benefit of the people in Kerala.