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V. Sajeev Kumar

Kochi , Oct. 30

The National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) is planning to prepare a master plan for Kerala waterways and its feeder routes with a view to reviving the inland water transport sector as well tourism.

The State Government is keen on developing inland water tourism in small stretches as part of its integrated projects as Kerala waterways has become a major attraction amongst the tourists in addition to its cargo and passenger movement, Mr V. Rajagopal, Chief Project Co-ordinator, NATPAC, said.

He said that NATPAC had completed the studies of feeder canals in Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts as part of identifying the stretches suitable for developing navigation, development works and identifying its constraints.

In addition, it is also recommended that the dredging of the canal should be carried out to a depth of 2 metres and a width of 30 metres to provide a uniform bed. There should also be suitable bank protection of canal banks wherever necessary providing terminal facilities and wayside amenities. It is also recommended putting up signboards and other facilities to attract tourists and also provision for navigational aids.

Enhancing the depth and width, land acquisition for widening the stretch, pollution, improvement of cross structures are some of the constraints being faced in the development of canals.

According to Mr Rajagopal, the economic benefit of the project comes mainly in the form of enhanced earnings from tourism related activities, then passenger and cargo movement. In addition, the canal development would facilitate growth of traditional cottage industries, socio-economic development of the region, conservation of eco-system, fuel saving and reducing congestion in the road sector.

More Stories on : Shipping | Tourism | Kerala

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Master plan to revive inland water transport in Kerala

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