Kochi: The deployment of the second modern RO-RO (Roll on-Roll off) vessel, commissioned amid much fanfare in April, in the Fort Kochi – Vypeen route is getting delayed indefinitely.
While the double-ended Ro-Ro vessel could not be operated for nearly six months due to shortage of expert drivers, the vessel ‘Sethusagar II’ suffered damage two months back after the bottom part hit shallow river bed near Vypeen during trial run. The vessel was then docked at the Cochin Shipyard for repair.
However, even after the works got over two weeks back, the vessel is remaining with the Cochin Shipyard as the corporation is yet to pay the repairing charge amounting to nearly Rs 20 lakh.
“Currently only one RO-RO vessel is operating in the section connecting Fort Kochi with Vypeen region,” said Francis Chammany, president, Vypeen Boat Passengers Association. “There is a huge queue of vehicles at both ends most time. We demand immediate deployment of the other RORO vessel too.”
KSINC sources said the delay is affecting the training programme of drivers. “Currently there is no expert driver who could handle the modern vessel except for the two we deployed in the first vessel. We’re in the process of training four more candidates. However, we could restart the training only if we get the vessel,” theys aid.
When contacted, Corporation welfare standing committee chairperson A.B. Sabu said the corporation agreed to pay the repairing works after the KSINC said it had no fund.
“We’ll pay the amount soon and recover from them later. We don’t want to further delay its deployment,” he said.
