Kerala Chief Minister Announces Major Waterway Extension to Vizhinjam Port
In a significant development for Kerala's infrastructure, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared that the Akkulam-Chettuva waterway will be extended to Vizhinjam port. This announcement was made during the inauguration of a 280-kilometer stretch of the revamped waterway in Varkala on Thursday, marking a pivotal step towards strengthening the state's multi-modal logistics network.
Boosting Investments and Industrial Growth
Vijayan emphasized that the waterway is an integral component of the broader 616-kilometer Kovalam–Bekal Waterway project, which interconnects lakes, rivers, and man-made canals across Kerala. Extending the waterway to Vizhinjam port is expected to attract substantial investments and foster industrial development, providing a competitive edge for businesses in the region. He highlighted that the state government has allocated an outlay of Rs 325 crore for Phase I of the West Coast Canal Renovation, with Rs 150 crore specifically earmarked for rehabilitating 579 affected families, ensuring social welfare alongside infrastructure progress.
Enhancing Tourism and Infrastructure
The Chief Minister also underscored the project's potential to revolutionize water-based tourism in Kerala. Tourists will enjoy a unique experience as massive infrastructure activities, including the construction of boat jetties and beautification of tourism destinations, are currently underway. Additionally, Vijayan expressed confidence that the Chettuva-Bekal waterway will be completed within the stipulated timeframe, with the Vadakara–Mahe canal being developed to meet national standards, further elevating the state's connectivity.
Implementation and Historical Significance
The project is being executed by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Ltd (KWIL), a joint venture between the government and Cochin International Airport Limited (Cial). During the inauguration, Vijayan took a ride in a solar-powered boat through the restored Chilakoor tunnel, a 340-meter-long structure built in 1876 that once facilitated end-to-end inland navigation in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Cial plans to conduct a gliding light-and-sound show in the tunnel, featuring a 3D video of Kerala's history and a six-minute visual spectacle on the life and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru, blending heritage with modern entertainment.
Launch of Tourism and Development Initiatives
As part of the West Coast Canal Renovation project, the Chief Minister launched the Chilakoor Tourism Project and a series of other development initiatives completed by the inland navigation department. S Suhas, director of KWIL, detailed that extensive infrastructure work is in progress, including:
- Construction of bridges and boat jetties across multiple locations
- Canal dredging to ensure navigability
- Canal-side beautification to enhance aesthetic appeal
These efforts aim to create a robust logistics and tourism framework, positioning Kerala as a leader in sustainable and integrated transportation solutions.
