The City

Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram (as it is called in Malayali), is the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala. Given the title of being the 'Evergreen city of India' by Mahatma Gandhi, the city is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland. It is Kerala's most populous city with the wider urban agglomeration having a populace of around one million.

Many central and government offices, organizations, and companies have set their establishments in Thiruvananthapuram that embraces scenic surroundings and picturesque beauty. Apart from being the hub of political activities of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is also a home to major educational institutions including the prestigious Kerala University, and science and technology institutions. The most famous of all is Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).

Most people from central and northern parts of the state and other cities come in Thiruvananthapuram in search of employment, medical treatment and to learn higher studies.

Infrastructure

The city enjoys the status of being 'the knowledge city' and is one of the places that offer healthy lifestyle. Thiruvananthapuram is well connected with other parts of India by excellent networks of rails and roads. It has both domestic and international airport. The latter directs flights from the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Singapore and caters to the airlines such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways, Paramount Airways, Air Sahara, Air Deccan etc.

The mega Deep Water Container Trans-shipment Port at Vizhinjam is likely to commence in 2007. Its development will be taken up in three phases, and likely to be the main competitor in the ports business, with the international shipping lanes between Europe and the Far East very close to the port, and also with major ports like Colombo, Kochi and Tuticorin in vicinity.

Local buses and auto-rickshaws provide the chief means of transportation in the city. However, people here prefer shorter commuting by personal vehicle like scooters, motorcycles and regular bicycles.

The public transport within Thiruvananthapuram is looked after by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), which offers services from six depots including the City depot, Peroorkada, Pappanamcode, Vikas Bhavan, Vellanad, and Kaniyapuram.

The rapid growth of IT companies coupled with the city's tourism potential has caused a substantial strain on the government to improve the city's transport infrastructure. Several multi-million dollar development projects are on their way. This includes the construction of new underpasses and flyovers, which are to be completed before June 2007.

The city has good power system as maintained by Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), which has categorized three circles for the city: Transmission circle, Thiruvananthapuram city and Kattakkada.

Water supply schemes are accountable for 100% within the city limits. Peppara and Aruvikkara dams are the main sources of water for distribution in Thiruvananthapuram. As per the new plan to improve the water supply into the city, Japan would be aiding the city. Overall, Thiruvananthapuram is certainly a rich and forward looking city.