Kochi's wooden boats back again

Kochi: Wooden boats, which were considered a safe option compared to iron or steel boats, are making a comeback in Kochi’s backwaters. The Kerala Ports Department has given in principle nod to the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) and the first of the boats will be introduced on the Ernakulam-Fort Kochi route by next month end.

“The Deputy Commissioner of Ports has given the nod to deploy wooden boats again here. The boats were withdrawn a year ago citing their age. Now we plan to redeploy the one conducting the service at Vaikom after carrying out overhauling works and submitting it for a fitness test by the Ports authorities,” said S Satyan, Ernakulam Superintendent, said.

“Wooden boats will not sink instantly like iron or steel boats. Though there is no policy decision against acquiring the type of boat, the department started purchasing steel and fibre glass boats since 2002 when boats over 25 years were replaced,” said Shaji V Nair, Director, SWTD.

The advantages of wooden boats are many. Besides having a higher passenger capacity – nearly 130, any leakage can be identified and the repair works carried out easily. However, they are costlier than steel or fibre boats. While a wooden boat can cost above Rs 50 lakh, a steel boat can be acquired for '38 lakh onwards.

Currently, only 20 wooden boats are remaining with the SWTD. What led to the dwindling fortunes of wooden boats was the closure of a manufacturing yard at Saktikulangara in Kollam.