Considering that government authorities have failed to bring about any positive change in the water transport sector in the city, experts point out that private participation in this sector is the only way out.
With an event like ‘Emerging Kerala’ just a few days away, they believe there is an urgent need to take steps for the betterment of water transport in selected areas of the district, particularly in Kochi. The project ‘Kochi Cat’ was envisaged two years ago to improve water transportation facilities in Ernakulam, but it has reached nowhere as on date.
Since all efforts of the Corporation to form a company using a Public Private Participation (PPP) model for the improvement of water transport has failed miserably, the call for privatisation of the sector is intense. “The fuel expense ratio of the water, train and road transport modes are 1:7:18. Considering the cost factor, water transport is ideal for Kochi. The Corporation has wasted two valuable years and nothing has been done so far. Allowing private investment in the water transport sector is the only solution. New routes should be identified and the boat jettys have to be renovated and modified. Modern boats have to be used for transportation,” said Federal Bank chairman P C Cyriac, who is keen on the developmental activities of the city. Out of the 16 local bodies in the city, there is scope for water transport in as many as 12 local bodies. Another advantage is that Kochi is the only city that is adjacent to three national water ways. Two national highways, NH-17 and NH-47, can be connected through waterways. “Kochi is the sole city in the state with a possibility of multi-model transport. If we integrate rail, water and road transport, it will prove to be the ultimate solution for the transportation worries of the city,” said K J Sohan, chairman of town planning standing committee of the Corporation.
He added that events like ‘Emerging Kerala’ have to play a major role in attracting investment in this sector. According to Jacob George, a consultant in the field of water transport, if the cargo can be transported through waterways, the danger of accidents like the one in Kannur, could be avoided. “In other parts of the world,
modern boats are used for water transport with silent engine, more speed and low emission. This model has to be replicated here,” he said
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