ernakulam boat jetty

Ernakulam and Fort Kochi boat jetties, the gateway for thousands of passengers to reach Ernakulam mainland and tourists to reach two major tourist destinations in West Kochi, are in shoddy condition due to poor maintenance.

Complaint has been submitted to the tourism minister alleging that the ‘Take a Break’ refreshment centre and restroom set up by the district tourism promotion council (DTPC) near ernakulam boat jetty has been modified into a restaurant which is not comfortable for the public to use.

The unlit areas of the ernakulam boat jetty have become a haven for eve-teasers and pick-pockets, making it an unsafe place for tourists and commuters.

Chief Secretary Jiji K Thomson said that he would inquire into why Kochi corporation had backtracked from renaming ernakulam boat jetty after Swami Vivekananda, though the local body passed a resolution in 2013. He made the statement while visiting the boat jetty and Vivekananda statue in Children’s Park on Sunday.

According to the study, the crossing connecting Vyttila Junction and Vyttila mobility hub records the highest pedestrian traffic in Kochi followed by the one linking ernakulam boat jetty to the Maharaja's College.

When waiting for a boat to Thanthonnithuruthu on Saturday noon at the High Court Boat Jetty, all Eldhose Varghese prayed was for the rains to be kind.

None of the boats operated by the Kerala state water transport department could anchor at the new boat jetty that was inaugurated at Thanthonnithuruthu islet on Thursday morning.

The city would soon get its first ever roadside refreshment centre under the brand name 'Take a Break' at the ernakulam boat jetty.

The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has urged Kochi corporation mayor and other authorities concerned to take immediate action to make water transport facilities in West Kochi region more efficient.

Many decades ago, they were two regular commuters who waited impatiently for the arrival of the Ernakulam ferry at Vypeen jetty.

Unlike other public transport systems, the boat services operated by the state water transport department (SWTD) find many takers. The department is of the view that the reduced number of buses and increased number of private vehicles on city roads have made the boat service more enduring to the public.

The District Tourism Promotion Council has initiated steps for renovating the boat jetty and make it a hub for tourist boat service at a cost of Rs 15 lakh.

As Ernakulam district sealed its borders with Kottayam, the city police and officials with the state water transport department are constantly monitoring movement of water transport through Vembanad lake, particularly that of country boats. Many regions in Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alappuzha are along the banks of Vembanad lake and residents use country boats to cross over to the various places on the opposite bank. There are local jetties and ferry points which facilitate movement of country boats and canoes.

If adequate steps are not taken without delay, chances are high that the city might witness a major tragedy similar to the Thekkady Boat mishap (in which 35 persons lost their lives when a boat capsized in Periyar lake on September 30, 2009).

Overcrowding At Ernakulam Kochi Boat Jetty May Lead To Disaster

The state water transport department (SWTD) is set to start a new fast passenger (limited) AC catamaran service from Vaikom to Ernakulam.

The district administration is gearing up to start the Ernakulam-Kakkanad boat service by the end of the year.

The government is trying to make the state selfsufficient in milk production. The dairy development minister said that the milma on wheels' project near ernakulam boat jetty will be developed to meet the milk demands of every household in the state.

Finally, there will be light at ernakulam boat jetty. Passengers and tourists, who have suffered for long, can heave a sigh of relief as the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) is all set to install three high mast lights in the jetty, which was renovated four years ago.

The state water transport department (SWTD) will launch two catamaran ferries in Ernakulam on Monday. The catamarans, constructed at a cost of Rs 1.9 crore each, will soon operate between Ernakulam and Fort Kochi by replacing the existing steel boats.