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Kochi, Oct. 18 As part of its efforts to develop waterways in a holistic manner, the Kerala Government is in the process of setting up a body by name Kerala Inland Waterways Development Authority.

Rear Admiral (Rtd) B.R. Menon, Chairman of the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation, said that lack of coordination between various governmental agencies such as Irrigation and Fisheries departments and the absence of a dedicated team of experts has necessitated the formation of a separate authority for the development of waterways in the State.

Papers in this regard are ready and awaiting Cabinet approval, he added.

He pointed out that the development of waterways in line with NHAI and PWD deserves attention as the State has got 44 west flowing rivers to boost the cargo movement.

The development of waterways holds tremendous potential to boost the State’s economy by way of transporting cargo as well as passengers at very reasonable cost. Waterways are highly economical and environment-friendly and reduce the congestion of highways, he said.

Mr Menon, who is also Advisor to the Kerala Government for the development of inland waterways and ports, said that the stretch between Kollam and Kottappuram in the National Waterways (NW:3) will become operational on November 1 to coincide with the Kerala Formation Day.

Various industries situated in the Kochi belt could utilise it for the movement of raw materials and chemicals from the port.

A pilot run using the barge of KSINC carrying hydrochloric acid from Travancore Cochin Chemicals to Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd, Chavara, was successfully carried out recently. The development in other parts of NW:3 would be completed in a time bound manner.

The Centre has already made an investment of Rs 92 crore in developing the Kollam-Kottappuram stretch and another Rs 10 crore would be needed to carry out the work in the remaining parts.

According to Mr Menon, there are also plans to connect the airport at Nedumbassery with the Seaport at Kochi through waterways.

The KSINC is expecting an investment of Rs 18 crore for its development in the 17.2 km stretch and the State Government has requested the Centre to provide funds under the centrally sponsored scheme.

Besides, there are also plans to make navigable the 11 canals in Kochi. The National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac) has been entrusted to carry out a study and the funds in this regard will be met from Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, he said.

KSINC has also decided to give a facelift to the existing twin tunnels in Varkala, which was constructed in 1880, as well as the 12-km lakes connecting the tunnel as part of making Smart Waterway. Once the work is completed, it will be the finest water travel in India, benefiting tourism, he added.

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