In a major relief to the residents of Varapuzha and Mulavukadu panchayats, the Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) has decided to launch a new boat service from Ernakulam to these islands.
Residents of these regions had been left in the lurch for the past two months after its lone private service M B Velankanni, plying between Varappuzha and Ernakulam was brought to a halt citing financial losses.
The Kerala State Water Transport Department had not been operating services in the route owing to non-viability.
Hibi Eden MLA had brought this to the attention of the Transport Minister owing to frequent demands by the panchayat officials as well as coordination committees. The minister then sanctioned a new boat for the same. The department will be using its newly repaired boat for the service to the islands.
According to Hibi Eden MLA, the service which will start from Ernakulam will ply to Cheranellore, Mulavukadu, Kadamkudy and Varapuzha.
Transport Minister Aryadan Mohammed will flag off the service at the Chitoor Ferry on July 22. The services will also benefit the residents of Korankotta, Thanthoni Thuruth, Moolampilly and Kothad.
“The boat services will run at timings which are favourable for school students. When the Velakani service had stopped, it left students of Holy Infant Boys High School and St Joseph’s Girls High School at Varappuzha in a lurch”, Hibi Eden said.
Lack of boats and shortage of staff were the reasons as to why the KSWTD had earlier declined to start services on the route.
“A total of 7 staff would be required to launch the service. Initially, we will start with the available staff and look for a permanent measure. Since the demand was high, we have decided to start the service”, officials at the Kerala State Water Transport Department said.
