KOCHI: The two modern roll in-roll out (Ro-Ro) ferries built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for operation in the busy Vypeen-Fort Kochi sector are yet to begin service, despite frequent and, sometimes, unilateral withdrawal of Pappy, the ferry that was being operated on the route.
Pappy has been out of operation since Wednesday after its owner suspended the service citing non-payment of dues by the contractor.
Popularly known as ‘floating bridges’, each Ro-Ro vessel costs ₹3.80 crore. It weighs 150 tonnes and can carry another 60 tonnes — from two-wheelers to lorries and passengers. “The robustly-built vessels are the first of their kind to be built in India. Vehicles can be driven in through one side and out through the other, saving considerable time,” said Bejoy Bhasker, Chief General Manager (Design), CSL.
Meanwhile, Kochi Corporation is yet to take delivery of the vessels, despite CSL shooting off letters. The civic agency has cited delay in the construction of landing terminals at Vypeen and Fort Kochi as the reason. For the record, the work had been entrusted to Cochin Port Trust. The initiative to introduce Ro-Ro vessels gained impetus after a recklessly-driven fishing boat rammed a ramshackle ferry in September 2015, resulting in the death of 11 commuters.
The corporation had placed orders for the two vessels in March 2015, and they were to be delivered in July 2016, according to the agreement with CSL. Work on the first vessel got over in December, while the construction of the second vessel was completed in February. Trial runs too are over.
“Idling the vessels will damage their mechanical parts, and hence, we often operate them in the backwaters. Though not a contractual obligation, we will impart training to the vessel drivers because of the unique nature of its propellers,” Mr. Bhasker said.
Another remarkable feature of the vessels is that they can be raised using crane and placed on land for inspection or repair. It has a hydraulic ramp too. Besides, a few seats have been arranged beneath the roofed area for elderly people. The Shipping Ministry has evinced interest in operating similar vessels across the Ganga, after a visit by its officials, he added.
The corporation has so far paid the expenses, except for the final instalment, which is due when it takes delivery of the vessels. Incidentally, the vessels are built to the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) specifications.
The delay in taking delivery of the vessels has also held up their registration with the Ports Department. They have to be christened for being registered.
150-seater ferry
Reacting to the issue, Mayor Soumini Jain said CPT had sought suspension of the jankar service in the sector for a month to complete piling works at both terminals. “This will leave commuters with just Pappy to cross the waterbody. A new 150-seater ferry, being built by the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), can carry more commuters than Pappy. The ₹1.68-crore vessel will be ready in two months and will hopefully provide some respite to commuters who now depend on the jankar [which also ferries vehicles in either direction],” she added.
