A-88, which was acting as a spareboat was redeployed to Vaikom
Picture for representational purpose only.
Kochi: At a time when commuters in the Fort Kochi-Ernakulam section were demanding more services, the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) has redeployed a boat to Vaikom, resulting in cancellation of peak hour boat services in the section.
A-88, which was acting as a spareboat was redeployed to Vaikom. This even as another boat S-36 was withdrawn from the service after fire was noticed in the engine room.
“We’re demanding more services in the section as a heavy rush is experienced during the morning and evening peak hours. But now the services at 7.45 am, 8.50 am and 9.35 am are being cancelled on a daily basis. Now it takes at least an hour to catch a boat to Ernakulam. Similar is the case in the evening to the return direction,” said S Padmanabha Mallya, Secretary Pashchimakochi Passengers Association.
The passengers also complained that only around 80 commuters were allowed to travel n boats with 100 passenger capacity.
“They say they have only 80 life jackets and the rule stipulates to keep the safety equipment in 1:1 ratio. However, it’s not our lapse and we’re made to suffer,” another commuter Anil Kumar said.
When contacted, an SWTD official said the boat (A-88) was withdrawn as it was old. “They should have brought a steel boat as replacement. Certain boats operating in Paanavally, Vaikom and Alappuzha are over 25 years and still in service,” Mallya charged.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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