Kochi: An internal probe by the State Water Transport Department authorities has revealed that the lack of technical know-how of the boat crew who used to pour salt water in the “heat exchanger jacket” was causing frequent glitches in boats in the Ernakulam-Fort Kochi section.
“The crew indulge in the practice as part of engine cooling process which results in corrosion of cooling system parts. In the past three weeks alone, two boats S-30, S-32 got damaged in a similar fashion,” a circular issued by the management to the crew read.
It also points out that the hull of the boats is damaged due to carefree attitude of the employees while the boats are anchored or started off from the boat jetties. “The boats hit the jetty with force which results in quick damage of the boat. The employees are being warned against the practices and strict action will be taken in future,” it reads.
“This happens due to lack of proper training of the boat crew besides the carefree attitude of the staff,” an STWD official said. S Padmanabha Mallya, Secretary, Paschimakochi Passengers Association, charged that the cancellation of boat trips has now become a regular affair.
“Upto seven trips are being cancelled on most days. This includes the peakhour service from Fort Kochi to Ernakulam at 7.45 am, 8.50 am and 9.35 am. Also the boats are not being maintained properly and often they won’t allow more than 70-80 passengers to board despite heavy rush,” he said.
