West Kochi Residents Demand Immediate Action Over Stalled Mattancherry Jetty Boat Services
Residents of West Kochi have urgently demanded the district collector's intervention to resume stalled boat services from the historic Mattancherry jetty. The jetty, once a vital lifeline for West Kochi, has now become a glaring symbol of administrative neglect and bureaucratic inertia.
Abrupt Halt of Services Sparks Public Outcry
After a long-awaited relaunch in February 2025, the boat services were abruptly halted just two months later, leaving thousands of daily commuters stranded and frustrated. This sudden stoppage has ignited a wave of public resentment against the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) and the Irrigation Department, with residents accusing them of failing to address critical infrastructure issues.
Stalled Renovation Project at the Heart of the Crisis
The core of the crisis lies in a stalled Rs 4.78-crore renovation and dredging project. Despite allocations of Rs 78 lakh for the jetty's renovation and Rs 4 crore for deepening the navigation channel, the project has hit significant bureaucratic obstacles. Currently, the dredging machinery intended to clear the path has itself become an obstruction.
A dispute over pending payments has reportedly led the contractor to abandon equipment and install pillars at the jetty entrance, effectively blocking all vessels. This situation has paralyzed operations and highlighted severe coordination failures among government agencies.
Commuters and Tourism Sector Bear the Brunt
While the Irrigation Department blames the Cochin Port Trust for licensing delays, and the SWTD remains a passive spectator, the public continues to suffer immensely. Commuters are now forced back onto congested roads, facing significantly longer travel times and higher transportation costs.
"Besides the daily struggle of residents, the stalemate is dealing a heavy blow to Mattancherry's tourism sector too," said M M Abbas, president of the West Kochi Passengers Association. The area's historical significance and tourist appeal are being undermined by the lack of reliable transport options.
Residents Petition for Accountability and Vigilance Inquiry
Frustrated residents submitted a formal petition to the collector on Wednesday, demanding an immediate high-level meeting between the conflicting departments to resolve the deadlock. The petition also called for a vigilance inquiry into the suspected nexus between officials and contractors, alleging mismanagement of public funds.
"With Rs 4.78 crore of taxpayer money at stake, we demand accountability. If the deadlock is not resolved soon, we plan to launch protests as citizens have the right to efficient public transport," stated Padmanabha Mallya, secretary of the residents' group. This underscores the growing public pressure for transparent and effective governance.
The situation in West Kochi reflects broader issues of infrastructure neglect and administrative delays, with residents now taking a stand to reclaim their essential public services and ensure proper utilization of government resources.
