Industry not enthused over waterway

Kochi: Chief Minister Oomen Chandy’s recent announcement on the commissioning of the much-awaited Kollam – Kottappuram National Waterway III evoked subdued response from the logistics sector as the industry is apprehensive over its feasibility.

It was during the opening of north rail over-bridge that the chief minister announced that the much-awaited Kollam – Kottappuram National Waterway III would be operational within a few weeks.

Minister for fisheries, ports and excise K. Babu told DC that relocating fishing nets from the waterway was underway and the NW III would be commissioned this financial year itself. “The state government is providing a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakhs to fishermen for shifting their nets. Though there are objections from certain corners, shifting of nets is underway,” he said.

However, the logistics industry in Kochi is not very optimistic over the opening of NW III as there are several practical difficulties in operating cargo service. “Using inland waterways for cargo movement is not feasible as barges can’t pass through small bridges as well as through the Thannermukkam bund along the Kochi – Kollam stretch.

Cargo transport will be feasible only if big barges are used for which the waterways has to be widened and deepened. In the current situation, there are limited chances for NW III to be operational,” said N.A Mohammed Kutty, managing director of Falcon Infrastructures Limited, who had conducted a detailed survey on the feasibility of national waterways and submitted a report.