Kochi: Tourists to coastal cities of the state like Kochi, Alappuzha and Kollam could soon enjoy inland water rides at lesser costs. In a development that marks a shift of policy of state water transport department (SWTD), which would now cater to the tourism sector, the state government has sanctioned its proposal to purchase two water taxis, two passenger-cum-tourist service boats and a solar cruise boat. “The site-seeing water taxis will be deployed at Ernakulam and Alappuzha while the passenger-cum-tourist boats with a passenger capacity of 90 and christened ‘See Ashtamudi’ will be operated in Kollam,” said Shaji V. Nair, director, SWTD.
The solar cruise boat having a passenger capacity of 100 persons will be deployed in Alappuzha. The Kochi-based Naval Solar and Electric Boats (P) Ltd will construct them at an estimated cost of Rs 3.15 crore. “The water taxis will woo more tourists. Each can accommodate 15 tourists and can travel at a speed of over 10 knots. Tourist groups can rent them on an hourly basis. They can also be used as water ambulance during emergency situations, especially connecting islands with the mainland. They will be launched in a year,” said another SWTD official.
The water taxis will be constructed by Navgathi Marine Design & Constructions (P) Ltd at the cost of Rs '1.54 crore. The construction of two passenger-cum-tourist service boats, at an estimated cost of 'Rs 3.8 crore by SILK Ltd, too is expected to be over by December next year. Meanwhile, the SWTD is set to start fast ferry service in the Vaikom-Ernakulam section. “The construction of catamaran-type twin-engine boat at a private boatyard in Aroor is over. The ferry will initially conduct two trips in the 35-km section, one each in the morning and evening, and will be mainly used to operate tourist ride services in the Kochi backwaters.
