KOCHI: In a move which is expected to revolutionise the ferry service in the country and eliminate the watery graveyards in future, the Ro-Ro Jankar would start its operation from Kochi in another six months. It would be the first twin-edged Ro-Ro service functioning in India.
The service which would connect Vypin Islands and Fort Kochi would cost Rs 10 crore to the Cochin Corporation. This includes the cost of the two Ro-Ros and the two jettys.
“The effort will make the services and the life of thousands who depend on the service faster. It will be almost like a floating bridge. With openings at both the ends, people can enter and exit in a a faster manner from the new jankar. It depends on a thruster propeller. Both the Ro-Ro or the vehicles need not hange the direction.
“This will enable a faster movement of people and vehicles. We expect it can be operationalised in six months,” said K J Sohan, Chairman, Standing Committee for Town Planning, Cochin Corporation. The new Ro-Ro Jankar, which started its construction a month back, would measure 30metres in length and 10 metres in width. It would cost Rs 3.5 crore each and the cost of the jetty would come around Rs 3 crore. It can accommodate 15-20 cars, one or two trucks lorries and a number of two-wheelers at a time.
“Three agencies bearing the name of Cochin will be giving a unique gift to the city in their titles. The Cochin Ship Yard (CSY) is building the Ro- Ro, the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) is constructing the Jettys. Cochin University of Science and Technology also is giving support to this”, Sohan said.
He felt that though private parties had expressed interest in the project, the names of CPT and CSY will give more credibility. A total of Rs 1.5 crore has been allotted and Rs 2.5 crore will be provided through People’s Planning.
Rest of the amount would be arranged as loan from Kerala Urban And Rural Development Finance Corporation.