Kochi: The deployment of two modern roll-on roll-off (RORO) vessels on the busy Fort Kochi-Vypeen section will get further delayed even as the local residents have come out against the Kochi Corporation’s failure to introduce new seaworthy double engine boats in the section as promised earlier. It was earlier claimed that construction of the mooring facility at Fort Kochi for launching the RO-RO vessels was set to begin from October 23. However, the construction activity has now been postponed to November 15.
“The current jhankar service will be stopped when the construction works begin. The busy Xmas and New Year season is nearing and if the jhunkar service is stopped, it will affect thousands of regular commuters and tourists,” said Francis Chammany of the Vypeen-Fort Kochi Ferry Passengers Association. He charged that despite construction of a new double-engine ferry boat to be deployed in the section, completed several months ago, the Kochi Corporation is yet to deploy them. “When we took up the issue with Corporation officials, they had promised to start the service on Monday. However, no action has been taken.”
Following public demand, the civic body had planned to entrust operation of the ferry service to the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC). But the agency is yet to get an official communication from the Corporation.
