Restore Ro-Ro, Kochi Corporation told

Kochi: People of Vypeen and West Kochi areas have submitted a memorandum to Kochi Corporation demanding full utilisation of the two RO-RO services and the boat service on the Fort Kochi-Vypeen route and extension of the boat service to Goshree junction.

According to them, KSNIC operates only one RO-RO service from 6.30 am to 10 pm.

“The other RO-RO operates from 3.30 pm to 8 pm only, because of which passengers are not fully benefitted. The vessels were deployed, and the special jetties were constructed spending Rs 20 crore. So KSINC should be asked to operate the second RO-RO like the first one,” said Francis Chammany, president of Vypeen-Fort Kochi Ferry Passengers Association.

He said that when the Kochi Mayor Soumini Jain was approached on the issue, she told them that only an MoU for the service had been signed with KSINC in this regard and the issue will be addressed in the soon to be signed agreement with KSINC.

According to Xavier Augustine, a passenger from West Kochi, the KSINC is not operating the boat service from 1 pm to 3.30 pm during which time only one RO-RO operates, leading to heavy rush.

“In fact, KSINC is making good revenue out of the operation of both RO-RO and boat services, and the Kochi Corporation gives it Rs 22,500 for a day for operating the boat service alone. So it must enforce its operation throughout. In fact, the Kochi Corporation itself can run the services which it should do,” he said.

Francis Chammany said that the passengers association has also asked the Mayor to extend the boat service to Goshree Junction so that more passengers to and fro are benefited.

“There is an old KSINC jetty at Vypeen and Customs Jetty at Fort Kochi. A new jetty needs to be constructed at Goshree junction. The boat service can operate smoothly connecting these three jetties benefiting people from Mattancherry and Fort Kochi and other parts. The mayor has agreed to consider this demand,” said Mr Chammany.