Kochi: The Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) will deliver the under-construction 150-passenger capacity boat, to be deployed in the busy Fort Kochi-Vypeen section, by next month end, much before the target date of March 15. “The construction of the state’s biggest passenger boat at Thevara yard is in the final stages. The work of the hull as well as fitting of the engine is complete. The boat will be rolled out by January-end and can be deployed for service within a week after trials,” a senior KSINC official said.
The new modern steel boat with twin engines is being built at a cost of Rs 1.76 crore. After the Fort Kochi boat tragedy on August 26, 2015, the Kochi Corporation had deployed a refitted barge ‘Pappy’ in the dangerous section cutting across the shipping canal till the new boat was rolled out. “The commuting woes in the region continue to be a major worry what with the temporary barge that has been deployed developing technical glitches frequently, resulting in trip cancellations. We have urged the Corporation to run the new boat directly rather than entrusting it with a contractor,” said Francis Chammany, President, Vypeen Boat Passengers Association.
Meanwhile, the KSINC is also planning to start a fast ferry service in the Vytilla-Fort Kochi section by March. “It’s a separate project wholly funded by us. The catamaran type fibreglass boat is under construction at Timblo Dry dock in Goa and is in the final stages. The boat, having a passenger capacity of 100 people, will also be delivered by end-January and we aim to conduct the service from Vytilla to Fort Kochi via Thevara-Mattancharry route,” the KSINC official said.
