The new catamaran ferry that the State Water Transport department launched on the Ernakulam-Fort Kochi route on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: H. VIBHU
Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar has declared a new water tourism package linking tourist spots in Kuttanad and Pathiramanal along the lines of desert safari in Gulf countries.
He said special boats would be designed for the proposed package under the State Water Transport department. The Minister said the new package would also offer a platform for showcasing the indigenous artforms of Kerala that were becoming extinct. The package will be implemented in association with Tourism and Culture departments.
Mr. Ganesh Kumar was speaking after launching the renovated Fort Kochi boat jetty, Water Transport department’s modern boats, and a silt pushing machine.
He said the stretch between Mangalavanam and Durbar Hall in the heart of Kochi would be turned into a silent zone thus prohibiting horn on the entire stretch covering the Kerala High Court, educational institutions, and the General Hospital among others. He added that the Motor Vehicles department would be told to initiate steps in association with the Kochi Corporation in this connection.
The Minister said the renovation of the Ernakulam KSRTC depot would be speeded up. A design proposing state-of-the-art pumps, including underground pumps, has been drawn up. A high-level meeting will be held at the Secretariat to discuss removal of hurdles to the entry of private buses from Vypeen to Kochi city.
He said a special boat service would be launched on the Arookutty-Kochi route to ease the hardships faced by commuters on account of the ongoing NH 66 works.
The department has bought two catamaran boats with a capacity of 75 and five dinghies, while Cochin Smart Mission Limited has funded the silt pushing machine.
T.J. Vinod, MLA, presided.
Published – February 05, 2025 01:42 am IST