Governor P. Sathasivam’s mention in his Friday’s address before the Assembly about nine catamaran-type ferries with double hull and double engine being introduced in the backwaters is an apparent reflection of the increased emphasis on safety of boat passengers.
Another five catamaran ferries having single hull and five rescue vessels too will be pressed into service, using the Rs.20 crore granted by the State government to the State Water Transport Department (SWTD), in the wake of the Fort Kochi ferry accident which claimed 11 lives in August. “Five rescue boats will be added to tackle emergency situations. Modern equipment such as GPS Vessel Tracking System and display system on vessels will be installed to educate passengers on the use of various safety equipment in vessels and stations during emergencies,” the Governor said.
No mention of flyovers
While key infrastructure projects related to Kochi found mention in the Governor’s speech, there was no mention about kick-starting construction of flyovers at Vyttila and Kundannoor, two of the busiest junctions in the city.
Pertinent among the projects he mentioned about Kochi was the commencement of implementation of the proposed Rs.747-crore Integrated Water Transportation Project in the Greater Kochi area. Under the project called Metro Aqua, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) will procure 78 fast and modern boats by 2020 for operating in 16 routes.
