More passengers in Kerala are heading towards the waterways as Kochi Water Metro and the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) have reported increased footfall. Both the water transport organisations have announced plans to add more routes and more vessels.
The Water Metro has announced plans to start services on the Kadamakudy-Paliyam Thuruth and the High Court-Mattanchery routes in two months. SWTD will start tourism connectivity to Kakkathuruthu island.
“The construction of boat terminals at Willingdon Island and Mattanchery has almost been completed. Now the power supply needs to be provided. We’ve submitted an application to the Cochin Port Trust with regard to the Willingdon Island jetty. Also, dredging needs to be taken up first before starting the service in November. Along with the High Court – Mattanchery service, we’re considering the operation on the Vypeen-Mattanchery route via Fort Kochi. We are all set to start operations in the Kadamakkudy- Paliyam Thuruth section,” said Shaji P Janardhanan, chief general manager (Water Transport).