The New Indian Express 15.06.2010
Bid to boost water transport
KOCHI: The potential of water transport in Kochi is yet to be tapped. The authorities swear that they will take measures to vitalise boat services connecting various parts of the city. According to the Transport Minister the government is making efforts to give a boost to the water transport system in Kochi.If the plans of the authorities materialise, water transport will be an important mode of transport. A proposal to include the projects to boost water transport systems in Kochi in the JNNURM is on the anvil.
Lack of adequate boats that hampers even the existing services across Ernakulam- Vypeen, Ernakulam-Fort Kochi and Ernakulam-Mattanchery routes. As of now there are only three fibre boats, two wooden boats and a steel boat available for services.
Fibre boats are not operated in rough weather as a safety measure and one of the wooden boats requires urgent repair.
If the funds of the JNNURM scheme can be used for buying steel boats, there will be no shortage of boats.
“We have taken it up with the authorities including the Kochi Corporation and expect a decision in this regard soon,’’ Transport Minister Jose Thettayil said while addressing a press conference in Kochi on Monday. "If we switch over to water transport, traffic congestions, high cost for travelling, and increased level of pollution can be avoided.’’ Two steel boats will be brought to Kochi within three weeks, Thettayil said. If more boats are made available, many of the waterways in Kochi can be used.
Once the Vyttila bus terminal comes into existence, a main chunk of the buses in the city will be shifted there.
The KSRTC city services will be started by September.
