Multi-crore Kochi waterway project in limbo.

The greater-Kochi area might miss a golden opportunity to modernise waterway transport in the region since State government has not cleared a Rs. 819-crore project to modernise waterway transport in the greater Kochi region.

'The Finance Department had cleared the project for which a Rs. 590 crore loan promised by German development assistance bank, KfW is awaited. The project to purchase 78 modern, air conditioned boats, to build/renovate boat terminals and augment road connectivity to terminals might be a non-starter if the government does not clear it by this week. This is crucial to obtain formal nod of Union Urban Development Ministry, following which the KfW’s Director Board must clear the loan,' said sources associated with the initiative.

THE HINDU