Alappuzha-Kollam boat service woos tourists
State water transport department resumes service to promote tourism.
Alappuzha: The State Water Transport Department has resumed its Alappuzha -Kollam boat service from October 9 to promote tourism. It was first introduced in June 2012, but was discontinued as it was uneconomical.
The boat with a carrying capacity of 25 people on the upper deck begins its journey at 10.30 a.m. on alternate days from the Alappuzha boat jetty and returns after a day.
Anilal, boat master, said that the tourists would get at least eight hours of cruising time for sight-seeing. The tourists will be briefed on the importance of tourist destinations and the historic places during the journey. Domestic tourists especially from Malabar coast have started using the service, which costs Rs 400 per day, he said.
The staff members in the boat include a driver, a srank, a boat master (equivalent to conductor in a bus) and two lascars. Refreshments are provided on the upper deck.
The SWTD had introduced successfully (during the season and on special days) the ‘See Kuttanad’ project from Alappuzha to Kainakariin four years ago.
Mr K.T. Dhanapalan, station master, SWTD, says there were 40 passengers for the inaugural boat trip and there are a lot of enquires from tourists. The carrying capacity of the boat is 75. With one more boat to join the service soon, it could be made a daily affair, he added.