THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A multi-storied mansion with modern amenities is coming up in the place of the demolished 'Pamba' block of MLA Hostel. The new building will have sixty flats spread over 11 floors and two basement floors (cellars) for vehicle parking. In addition to the gymnasium, a recreation area will be specially equipped for playing billiards and cards.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan laid the foundation stone yesterday. The building is being built by Uralungal Labor Contract Society at a cost of Rs 76.96 crore. Officials have announced that the building will be ready for use by January 31, 2026. Speaker A N Shamseer presided over the function. Finance Minister KN Balagopal, Minister PA Mohammed Riyas, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar, Assembly House Committee Chairman Kovoor Kunjumon MLA, and Assembly Secretary AM Basheer spoke at the function.

Old Pamba for bachelor MLAs
The old Pamba block was built in 1971 to accommodate bachelor MLAs. The new building is coming up where this 51-year-old hostel complex stood.

In new Pamba:

• 60 flats on ten floors. Six flats on each floor. Each flat will have an area of 1200 to 1350 sq ft.
• Each flat will have two bedrooms, an office room, dining hall, kitchen, work area, servant toilet and balcony.
• On the first floor, there is a hall with a seating capacity of 80 people, a stage, two suite rooms, and a gymnasium. The spacious lounge can accommodate 59 MLAs and 15 staff at a time. There will also be a spacious canteen.
• 27 cars can be parked on the 1st and 2nd floors of the cellar. Apart from this, the multilevel parking facility can accommodate 29 two-wheelers.