KOCHI: State water transport department (SWTD) is planning to extend the existing boat service operating between Kakkanad and Vyttila till Thevara Ferry. Also, SWTD is about to launch a high-speed vessel between Ernakulam Jetty and Vaikom on Sunday.SWTD took a decision after considering heavy traffic blocks at Tripunithura, Vyttila, Kundanoor regions as well as the bad roads leading to Kakkanad. Also, traffic congestion on Vyttila-Tripunithura stretch makes road journey a time-consuming affair.SWTD director Shaji V Nair said that the new vessel ‘Vega 120’ will leave Vaikom at 7.30am and reach Ernakulam boat jetty by 9.30am. The boat will begin its return trip to Vaikom by 5.30pm. “We have scheduled the services in such a way that officegoers and daily commuters get maximum benefit. It will halt at Thevara Ferry. Commuters, especially officegoers, who want to reach Vyttila hub and Kakkanad can take the connection boat from Thevara Ferry,” saidSWTD said the high-speed vessel will operate as a circular service once it ends the morning trip at Ernakulam. The boat will operate 12 trips. “It will link Kamalakadavu, Fort Kochi, Vypeen, Willingdon Island and Ernakulam Jetty. It will take around 15 minutes to cover this trip. The journey in ac cabin will cost Rs 20 and the fee for non-a/c cabin will be Rs 10,” said Nair.SWTD also briefed its plan to launch a water taxi in Ernakulam and Alappuzha. The first two water taxis will be launched within three months. State government has given administrative sanction to launch two more water taxis. Each water taxi will be able to carry 15 passengers. “We are planned to adopt the online taxi aggregator model for this service. A mobile number will be published along with each water taxi and commuters and tourists will be able to make advance payments,” he added.SWTD will replace its old fleet in Ernakulam and the first five steel boats will be introduced by the end of November. “Nine catamaran boats are being constructed. It will be launched within the next six months. Almost all boats operating from Ernakulam Jetty will be replaced,” said Nair.SWTD said it is aiming for a facelift before the commencement of water Metro. SWTD’s intention is to revamp its services before water Metro begins operations. Signalling the possibility of heavy competition between various services providers along Kochi’s backwaters, Nair said: “We are not water Metro’s competitor, but we have to ensure that our services survive the test of time.”

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