At a time when narrow roads can no longer bear the brunt of increasing vehicular traffic at Tripunithura, the residents have urged the authorities to tap the possibilities of water transport in the area.
In a memorandum submitted before the Municipal authorities, the residents have sought the renovation of the local boat jetties, including the ones at Champakkara, Eroor and Kaniyampuzha.
“Years back, the jetties were active with enough boat services. However, all the services have been stopped and the jetties are in a dilapidated state,” said V P Prasad, chairman, Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Association (TRURA).
He added that the people are suffering owing to frequent traffic snarls. “Utilisation of water transport can be a remedy. The renovated jetties should be connected with those in the city,” he added.
The residents also want increased water connectivity between the local jetties and the one at Vyttila Mobility Hub. “Easy access to the hub will be a great relief for the residents of Eroor. The people here are struggling to reach the Hub. So, funds should be allocated in the annual budget to revive the jetties,” said Jayendran, secretary of TRUA.
Meanwhile, the district administration has been urged to renovate the Thulakan Kuthiyathodu that connects Ambalamugal- Udyogamandal commercial units. “Earlier there was proposal to renovate the canal but nothing materialised,” Jayendran added.
Meanwhile, the Tripunithura Municipal authorities said they have limitations in developing water transport in the area. “The municipality has little role in developing water transport. It is the responsibility of the district administration to come up with a master plan in this regard,” the authorities said.