Kochi: Commuters in West Kochi are facing severe disruptions as the state water transport department (SWTD) failed to re-induct two crucial passenger boats, FC-1 and FC-4, into service. Despite being pulled from operations a month ago for maintenance, the repair works are yet to be completed, triggering protests from regular passengers.
Crisis Amid Heavy Rush
The crisis comes at a critical time, with the heavy rush to Fort Kochi and Vypin currently being managed by just three boats — FC-2, FC-3 and FC-5. The shortage of vessels forced SWTD to cut down its standard schedule of 62 daily trips. Key morning and evening peak-hour services are bearing the brunt of the shortage, leaving hundreds stranded.
Passenger Association Voices Concerns
“It’s been nearly a month since these two boats were taken out of service for maintenance. This forced the cancellation of vital services like the 8.15am and 9.35am trips from Fort Kochi and back during morning rush,” said M M Abbas, president of West Kochi Passengers Association. He warned that the situation will turn chaotic with schools set to reopen next week, while urging authorities to deploy additional boats immediately.
SWTD Response
Responding to the concerns, an SWTD official claimed that repairs are now ‘progressing fast’ and that the boats will be back in service soon. However, no specific timeline has been provided.
Siltation Issue on Mattancherry Route
Meanwhile, operations on the Mattancherry route continue to suffer due to severe siltation along the navigation channel. Though SWTD resumed operations earlier this year post-partial dredging, boats can only ply during high tide. A Rs 4-crore dredging initiative to clear the navigation channel is yet to be completed.
Dredging Status
While the final phase of dredging near the jetty is still pending, irrigation department officials offered some hope. They indicated that licensing disputes with Cochin Port Trust were resolved, and that the remaining dredging will be completed within a month without further disrupting the current boat schedule.
