No end to travel woes on Vypeen-Fort Kochi route

 

“As per the schedule, the boat services should be operated till 10 pm when the last boat leaves for Vypeen. However, currently the ferry boat stops operation by 8-8.30 pm. There are lots of traders and sales persons who return after closing shops at Fort Kochi by 9 pm. They are left with no option but to take a two hour ride via the road to reach the other end,” said Francis Chammany, President, Vypeen Boat Passengers Association.

 

The problem has been compounded with one of the jhankars operating in the route, developing a technical glitch and not running since Sunday last.

 

“There is a heavy rush of vehicles at that time and often the passengers cannot board the jhankar, primarily meant for carrying vehicles,” said Joseph Mathew, a trader and a resident of Ochenturuth in Vypeen.

 

In the morning too, the services, both ferry and jhankar, start by 6.30 am instead of the earlier 6 am. On Tuesday, around 30 passengers protested when the crew of the Jhankar did not allow them to board while proceeding to Vypeen from Fort Kochi at 6.20 am.

 

As per the schedule, the first service starts at 6.30 am from Vypeen. However, the crew used to take commuters from Fort Kochi, where the jhankar halts for the night while proceeding to Vypeen.

 

“Now, if there is only one jhankar as is the case now, the first service starts from Fort Kochi at 6.20 am. Tickets will be issued and normal rates charged. However, if two jhankars are operating, one would start from Fort Kochi at 6.30 am and the other from Vypeen at the same time,” a Kerala Ports official said.