SWTD’s renovated boat jetty inaugurated at Fort Kochi

Kochi: Giving a fillip to the transport and the tourism sectors in Fort Kochi, the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) inaugurated its renovated boat jetty in the area on Tuesday. The SWTD also launched two more passenger boats and introduced a night luxury boat service, which would take tourists through the sea mouth. One of the passenger boats will be operated in the Ernakulam-Vypeen-Fort Kochi route.
Transport minister KB Ganesh Kumar officially launched two new boats and opened the renovated boat jetty. The two new catamaran boats can accommodate 100 and 75 passengers, respectively.
‘Indra', the solar boat service launched by SWTD earlier, also started night service for tourists on Tuesday. Indra is the country's largest solar-run vessel for night cruises. The 100-seater, air-conditioned double-decker vessel has a specially designed open upper deck, which was refurbished for night services. The nearly three-hour-long night trips will start at 7pm, informed SWTD authorities.
The minister also inaugurated five new dinghy boats, similar to those used by the fire force, at the function. He also launched a new silt-pusher machine for the quick removal of silt and waste deposits from the city's canals and backwaters. The machine was purchased under the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) project. The delay in silt removal badly affected the boat service in several parts of the backwaters and the new silt-pushers are expected to support SWTD in ensuring the smooth conduct of operations.
Meanwhile, the govt has granted permission to resume the long-distance boat service connecting Ernakulam Jetty to Arookkutti, providing relief to the travel woes of people from Aroor and Arookkutti regions. With the commencement of the boat service, those commuting to the city for work and other needs can reduce the travel time lost while using the national highway.
Daleema Jojo, MLA, who also attended the event said that SWTD has received approval to start the new boat service from Ernakulam Jetty to Arookkutti via Thevara and Kumbalam. Initially, the service is planned to operate during the morning and evening hours. If profitable, more services will be added.