Commuters stranded as SWTD yet to re-induct two boats even after a month

Kochi: Commuters in West Kochi are facing severe disruptions as state water transport department (SWTD) failed to re-induct two crucial passenger boats, FC-1 and FC-4, into service. Despite being pulled from operations a month ago for maintenance, the repair works are yet to be over, triggering protests from regular passengers.The crisis comes at a critical time, with the heavy rush to Fort Kochi and Vypin currently being managed by just three boats — FC-2, FC-3 and FC-5.The shortage of vessels forced SWTD to cut down its standard schedule of 62 daily trips. Key morning and evening peak-hour services are bearing the brunt of the shortage, leaving hundreds stranded.“It’s been nearly a month since these two boats were taken out of service for maintenance. This forced the cancellation of vital services like the 8.15am and 9.35am trips from Fort Kochi and back during morning rush,” said M M Abbas, president of West Kochi Passengers Association.The situation will turn chaotic with schools set to reopen next week, he warned, while urging authorities to deploy additional boats immediately.Responding to the concerns, an SWTD official claimed that repairs are now ‘progressing fast’ and that the boats will be back in service soon.Meanwhile, operations on Mattancherry route continue to suffer due to severe siltation along the navigation channel. Though SWTD resumed operations earlier this year post-partial dredging, the boats can only ply during high tide.A Rs 4-crore dredging initiative to clear the navigation channel is yet to be completed.While the final phase of dredging near the jetty is still pending, irrigation department officials offered some hope. They indicated that licensing disputes with Cochin Port Trust were resolved, and that the remaining dredging will be completed within a month without further disrupting the current boat schedule.