ALAPPUZHA: Construction of the much-hyped night halt centres for houseboats and travellers has reached nowhere. The project was announced on September 16, 2011, and the Rs 400-crore first phase, as per the master plan, was aimed at a facelift to the backwaters. Earlier in February, KTIL had said it would be finished by May.
The halting station would have solved the long-felt need for berthing and allied facilities. The houseboats are not permitted to operate during nights, and they have to halt at various spots along the backwaters. Such halting points, mostly on private properties, had been causing inconvenience to the boat operators as well as passengers.
The new facility will provide the necessary infrastructure to stock water and fuel. Its passenger recreation centre includes an amphitheatre, cafeteria and shopping outlets. All Kerala Houseboat Owners Association vice-president Switten George said the amenity centres set up earlier for a stopover at different places along the backwater cruise route such as Pallathuruthy, Kumarakom, Nedumudi, Moonnattumugham and Kanjippadom had been in disuse due to inadequate facilities.
The centres could be revived with modern amenities. District Tourism Promotion Council officials said the works got delayed due to elections. “The centres are being constructed in a vast area near Vattakkayal so that it could offer most security to travellers during nighttime. Hopefully, works will be completed soon,” they said.
