Kochi: In an initiative that provides passengers with a cheaper and faster option, the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) is set to deploy more fast ferry services in sections like Kottayam-Alappuzha and Kottayam-Kumarakam soon after the launch of Vaikom-Ernakulam service on October 4.
"We'll deploy fast ferry service in the Alappuzha-Kottayam section by December end. The twin-engine catamaran boat will be having similar features as that of 'Vega', the fast ferry service to be launched on October 4," said Shaji V Nair, Director.
Finance Minister Thomas Issac will inaugurate the first fast ferry inland service, Vega, on October four during a function to be held at Vaikom. The boat will cover the 28-km Vaikom-Ernakulam Boat Jetty section in one and a half hours."The second fast ferry is being constructed by Aroor-based Praga Marine Pvt Ltd. The hull of the boat has been completed and currently the Super Structure works are progressing," sources said.
Similar to Vega, the second ferry to will have 120-passenger capacity and separate air-conditioned and non-AC cabins. The ferry will take 1.5 hours to cover the 32-km distance. The service will start from Kottayam at 8 am in the morning. After reaching Alappuzha, the boat will be deployed in the Alappuzha-Kumarakom section. In the evening, the return trip to Kottayam will be conducted," the official said.
"The service to Kumarakom is aimed at tourists. They can reach Alappuzha town in just 20 minutes. This, even as, the journey by road will take nearly an hour," the official said.
