Expectations run high on water transport project.

Modern ferries will soon link Vypeen and West Kochi with Kakkanad, the city with Chittoor and Varapuzha if the proposed water transport network becomes a reality. KFW Development Bank, Germany, has offered a loan of Rs. 624 crore for improving water transport in Greater Cochin region.

The loan offer has prompted stakeholders in the sector to focus on three crucial areas that were hitherto neglected. 'We are keen to procure modern boats that are faster and more comfortable than the existing lot, renovate boat jetties and augment public transport near the jetties,' said Elias George, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and Chairman of Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA).

He and a team of officials from State Water Transport Department (SWTD) conducted an exploratory visit of probable routes through which a new fleet of modern boats, which might be available in early 2015, will operate. The aim is to decongest roads by providing commuters with modern ferry services since water transport is a cheap, fast and convenient mode of transport.

Though a study report by National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) on boosting water transport is available, the German bank is keen to have a more detailed report. 'They also want an environment and social impact study done before sanctioning the loan,' Mr. George said.

He said ferries that could ply at maximum speed of up to 20 knots speed (36 km per hour) could operate from the city to West Kochi since there were no impediments such as fishing nets. Provision will be made to transport two-wheelers too, like in the Vyttila-Kakkanad ferry being operated by SWTD. The specifications will be finalised on the basis of a detailed project report that will be readied shortly by a competent agency.


THE HINDU