Kudumbasree to operate feeder service

Kochi: There seems to be no end to the woes of those commuting to Kakkanad by the newly opened ferry route from Vyttila.

According to officials, uncertainty looms large over the proposal to operate feeder transport between the boat terminal at Chittethukara and Kakkanad town.

“The Kudumbasree will be operating its auto-taxis to connect commuters from the boat jetty to the town,’’ said District Collector P.I. Sheikh Pareed. In his opinion, deploying a bus service on this sector was not financially viable.

But Tani Thomas, district mission coordinator, Kudumbasree Ernakulam, said that they were not in a position to start the operations any time soon. “We have received a direction in this regard from the district administration and will be deploying at least two of our auto-taxis on the route. But we are unable to spare the vehicles right now as we have to meet school-trip contracts,” she said.

Officials of the Kerala State Water Transport Department said that the lack of public transport has cast a shadow over the ferry service. “The service is receiving a lukewarm response even on week days due to the absence of a feeder transport system.