The Hindu Business Line : KSINC unveils plans to expand operations

THE State-owned Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) plans to focus on boat maintenance, tourist boat operations and bulk cargo transportation through waterways as part of diversification plans, said Mr R. Balakrishna Pillai, Transport Minister.

The Minister was speaking to reporters aboard the new boat Skate (named after a flat, diamond-shaped fish) constructed by the Corporation for the State Water Transport Department.

KSINC, as part of its diversification programme, has taken up repair of the Thanneermukkom Lock Gate and works on the national waterways.

Sagar Rani, the double-decked tourist boat of KSINC, will be ready for service by next month, Mr Pillai said.

KSINC is also planning to start a training institute with the help of the State Youth Welfare Board to impart training to youths in driving heavy-duty boats and barges, he added.

The Minister said that the passenger ferries to Mulavukad and Vypeen would be withdrawn only if they are found unviable.

Despite the opening of the Goshree bridges, ferry services had been drawing a good number of passengers. He also said that junkar services to Fort Kochi and Mattanchery would be introduced soon.

The Minister said that all the wooden boats would be converted into steel boats in a phased manner since they are much safer and technologically advanced.

The new steel boats were constructed at the KSINC Slipway complex at Thoppumpady at a cost of Rs 36.5 crore each.

Regarding the commencement of the shipping service between Vizhinjam and Colombo, Mr Pillai said that the State Government was awaiting the clearance of the Union Government for starting shipping services to the UAE, Colombo and Mumbai.

The commencement of a shipping service to the UAE will hold a lot of potential, he said, adding that he hoped the Union Shipping Minister would take a favourable decision in this regard.

The matter will also be taken up with the External Affairs Minister, he said.

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