The smooth flow of public water transport in Kochi has been severely disrupted, with the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) currently operating only about half of its scheduled services on a key route. This significant reduction is a direct result of ongoing and delayed dredging works in the Mattancherry backwater region, which have sparked growing public protests and even legal action.
Navigation Crisis Halts Half of Services
Heavy silt deposition in the water channels around Mattancherry has created a major navigation hurdle. Boat services are frequently suspended during low tide, making smooth movement nearly impossible. An official from the SWTD indicated that given the current pace of the dredging work, a return to normal services is unlikely within this month. In response to the crisis, the SWTD has formally approached the major irrigation department, urging them to expedite the dredging operations to restore uninterrupted boat services on the affected route.
Passenger Woes Amplified by Biennale Rush
The timing of this infrastructural failure could not be worse. With the prestigious Kochi-Muziris Biennale currently underway, passenger traffic on the route has surged significantly. The Water Metro service, which also operates in the region, is unable to single-handedly meet the increased demand, leaving commuters stranded. The problem stems from inadequate dredging in the Mattancherry backwater, which poses serious challenges for both the Water Metro and the SWTD. While the irrigation department has begun removing silt near the boat jetty, a large volume remains, continuing to cause major navigation difficulties.
Protests Escalate to Rights Commission and High Court
Frustrated by the prolonged disruption, the West Kochi Passengers' Association has taken the extraordinary step of approaching both the State Human Rights Commission and the Kerala High Court. Their action underscores the severity of the public inconvenience caused by the delays. Although dredging work has been initiated along the 1.8-kilometer stretch from Mattancherry to Fort Kochi, the project is far from complete. The authorities are now under intense pressure to speed up the process and resolve the mobility crisis affecting thousands of daily commuters and visitors to the city.
