The city is gearing up to operate safer, faster and less polluting boats procured using JNNURM funds to West Kochi, Goshree islands, Kakkanad.
The Union Urban Development Ministry has agreed to set apart a portion of funds for augmenting ferry services in Kochi, which would in turn be integrated with Kochi Metro’s stations wherever possible, MD of Kochi Metro Rail Limited Elias George said.
“The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) had given a proposal to operate water buses and sought funds from the ministry. The ministry has promised funds,” he said, following a meeting held with the Union Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna here on Friday.
As part of this, KMRL has tied up with State Water Transport Department (SWTD) to operate a ferry service from Vytilla Mobility Hub to Kakkanad, once Irrigation Department readies a boat jetty at the hub.