Kochi: Kochi Corporation is in a dilemma as the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has given an ultimatum to take possession of the two RO-RO vessels kept at its yard. But the problem is that although the civic body took delivery of the two modern RO-RO vessels four months ago, the jetty it is building at Fort Kochi will not be ready for another three to four months and therefore the vessels are still docked at CSL.
CSL has served a notice to the Corporation asking it to take immediate measures to clear its space by taking possession of the vessels. During the council meeting on Tuesday, the Corporation Secretary informed the council members that a letter had been received from CSL.
"Though the Corporation took delivery of the two modern RO-RO vessels constructed by the CSL, they have been docked in the yard for more than four months. The vessels have become a problem for us as the civic body is not shifting it from the Shipyard premises. Now, it has become our responsibility to maintain the vessels," spokesperson of Cochin Shipyard told DC.
There were reports that CSL had demanded demurrage charges for keeping the vessels, which were denied by the Shipyard spokesperson. "The Corporation is in an imbroglio as the vessels cannot be shifted to any other place. It would take at least three or four months to complete construction of the mooring jetty at Fort Kochi after which the vessels can be launched. The vessels would rust if they are kept idle for four more months," said V.P Chandran, CPM parliamentary party leader in the council.
Meanwhile, there are apprehensions over the feasibility of the proposed mooring jetty, the landing terminal. "It is the myopic planning of the civic administration which sabotaged the prestigious project worth Rs.15 crore," alleged K.J Antony, Opposition leader.
Protest against KSINC role in vessel service
Protest is mounting over the civic body’s plan to entrust the operation of the vessels to Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation.
If the service is entrusted to the agency, the Corporation will suffer a loss of Rs.1.35 crore per year, according to the Opposition.
“During the discussions held with the civic administration, KSINC wanted to be paid Rs.34, 500 per day to run the service in addition to the revenue from ticket sales. The civic body will suffer a revenue loss of Rs. 1.35 crore annually if the RO-RO vessels are entrusted to it,” said K.J Antony, Opposition leader in the council.
Following popular demand, the Corporation is planning to entrust the operation of the vessels to a firm in the public sector.
“Instead of selecting a particular government agency, the civic authorities should float an open tender and select the firm based on merits. The decision to rope in KSINC will lead to an audit objection as there is a revenue loss to the civic body,” added K.J Antony.
