Vaikom-Ernakulam AC boat service to start soon

ALAPPUZHA: The state water transport department (SWTD) is set to start a new fast passenger (limited) AC catamaran service from Vaikom to Ernakulam.
The Rs 1.70-crore boat, with a seating capacity of 120 seats, will start its service in three months. The construction work of the vessel is nearing completion. The boat will conduct one trip from Vaikom and a return trip from Ernakulam daily.The boat will start its journey from Vaikom boat jetty and will go through Panavally, Aroor and Ernakulam through inland waterways. SWTD director Shaji V Nair said that the boat will have 120 seats and 50 seats will be in AC cabin.
"Passengers need to shell more money for travelling in the AC cabin. For non-AC seats, nominal fee will be charged. The boat will take one hour 75 minutes to reach its destination. The boat will be a boon for tourists who visits places in Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kottayam," said Nair.