Kerala's Coastal Tourism Boost: Rs 1.58 Crore Project for Boat Jetty & Wellness Park
A significant infrastructure initiative is underway to unlock the tourism potential of Thiruvananthapuram's northern coastal belt, with authorities planning to develop a modern boat jetty and wellness park at Meerankadavu in the Kadakkavoor–Anchuthengu panchayat. This ambitious project aims to transform the area beneath the Meerankadavu bridge into a vibrant tourism and recreation hub, complete with enhanced public amenities and water transport facilities.
Project Details and Implementation
Estimated to cost Rs 1.58 crore, the project will be executed under the West Coast Canal tourism initiative as part of the broader Nava Kerala Mission. The development focuses on the space beneath the bridge that connects Kadakkavoor and Anchuthengu, which has historically been neglected and misused.
Key components of the project include:
- Construction of a modern boat jetty to facilitate water-based tourism
- Development of a wellness park for recreational activities
- Renovation of the approach road to improve accessibility for visitors and local residents
- Installation of CCTV cameras for enhanced security and monitoring
- Creation of murals on the bridge pillars to enhance visual appeal
Enhanced Public Amenities and Connectivity
The project proposes several public amenities to create a more attractive and functional space. These include a children's park, rest areas, modern toilets, stone benches, safety fencing, and comprehensive street lighting. The visual transformation will be completed with artistic murals painted on the bridge pillars.
The proposed jetty is expected to support boat services connecting Meerankadavu with Muthalappozhi harbour and Ponnumthuruthu, a scenic island destination renowned for its backwaters and historic temple. Officials believe this connectivity will significantly strengthen water-based tourism in the region while improving links between coastal and backwater destinations.
Addressing Long-Standing Issues
Anchuthengu panchayat member S Praveen Chandra highlighted how the project addresses persistent problems with the neglected space beneath the bridge. "The area has remained largely unused for years and has often been used for dumping waste during nighttime hours," he explained. "This practice attracts stray dogs and creates inconvenience for pedestrians and commuters using the road. Once completed, the project will transform this space into a scenic public spot."
Chandra emphasized that the development would convert the neglected area into a clean, functional public space while significantly improving recreational facilities throughout the panchayat.
Tourism and Economic Benefits
Chirayinkeezhu MLA V Sashi expressed confidence that the project would help unlock the tourism potential of the coastal belt and attract more visitors to the region. "Once the infrastructure facilities are in place, the project is expected to draw tourists from different parts of the state," he stated. "This development will create employment opportunities for local residents through various tourism-related activities."
The initiative represents a strategic investment in Kerala's tourism infrastructure, aiming to capitalize on the natural beauty of the coastal belt while addressing practical concerns about public space utilization and community amenities.
