Vypeen-Fort Kochi RoRo service: commuters demand SPV for smooth operation

Kochi: The regular commuters of RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and ferry services on Friday demanded the Kochi corporation take urgent measures to set up a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to streamline the operations."State govt gave the nod for an SPV five years ago, yet the previous council failed to act," Francis Chammany, president of Vypeen -Fort Kochi Passengers Association, said. The association argued that a dedicated SPV is essential for professional management and reliable scheduling. Beyond administrative shifts, the group is demanding immediate infrastructure upgrades. The current boat jetty at Vypeen is in a dilapidated condition, making it physically impossible to anchor a RoRo vessel and the Fort Queen boat simultaneously. The association also demanded extending the Fort Queen's route to include Goshree Junction. By connecting Goshree, Vypeen and Fort Kochi, the service could capture a larger commuter base and transition from a loss-making venture to a profitable one. "We will submit a formal memorandum to the mayor in the coming days," he said, insisting that the new council prioritise these measures to ensure safe, smooth and sustainable transit for the island's residents.