: A delegation from German Development Bank KfW has demanded environment and social-impact assessment reports prior to sanctioning loan for the Rs.624-crore project to develop water transport network in greater Kochi region.
This followed a meeting they had with stakeholders of Kochi’s Unified Metropolitan Transportation Authority (UMTA) here on Friday. The delegation is expected to visit islands and waterway hubs on Saturday and interact with people on their aspirations and expectations on fare structure. Chairman of Kochi Corporation’s Town Planning standing committee and former Mayor K.J. Sohan was among those who made an impassioned plea to revive what was once an effective waterway transportation network in the greater Kochi region.
They cited how dependence on roads is creating huge traffic snarls, pollution and accidents.
They further demanded introduction of faster and passenger-friendly ferries for commuters.
