Kochi: Services to and from the Mattancherry state water transport department (SWTD) boat jetty, which connects to Kochi city, have been completely stalled for approximately two months, yet authorities remain unable to resume operations. The boats cannot navigate through the backwaters due to significant silt sedimentation, and dredging in the navigation channel has not been carried out.
Background of the Suspension
Following the devastating floods in 2018, the SWTD halted services from Mattancherry. Since then, the department has not resumed services, citing that the accumulation of silt has made ferry operations difficult. According to SWTD officials, the responsibility for dredging was assigned to the irrigation department. However, the irrigation department failed to execute the necessary work. An official from the Mattancherry boat jetty stated, "We are planning to resume the services once the monsoon starts. During the monsoon, the water level will rise above the silt, allowing boats to operate."
Impact on Commuters
The suspension has forced passengers to rely on the Water Metro services, which are significantly more expensive. While the SWTD boat fare from Mattancherry to Ernakulam is just Rs 7, the Water Metro charges Rs 40 for the same route. This price disparity has placed a heavy burden on daily commuters, particularly commoners and workers who travel between Mattancherry and Ernakulam. Arafath Naser, a shop owner in Jew Town in Mattancherry, highlighted the issue: "Passengers are forced to depend on Water Metro services. Commoners and workers who commute between Mattancherry and Ernakulam have to pay high rates for their travel."
Current Status and Future Plans
As of now, no immediate solution is in sight. The SWTD is hopeful that the onset of the monsoon will naturally raise water levels, temporarily alleviating the silt problem. However, long-term measures such as dredging remain unaddressed. The situation underscores the need for coordinated action between the SWTD and the irrigation department to restore affordable and accessible boat services for the residents of Kochi.
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