Despite increased demand, ro-ro ferry schedules remain the same

Commuters, motorists angry about inadequate number of services

Jam-packed: Commuters on board a roll-on roll-off vessel plying between Fort Kochi and Vypeen.

Protest is mounting against the Kochi Corporation and Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) for their alleged apathy in making optimal use of two roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) vessels that ferry people and vehicles in the busy Fort Kochi-Vypeen sector, despite the increased demand due to the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale and peak tourist season.

While one vessel operates 72 trips on the stretch between 6.30 a.m. and 9.30 p.m., the other operates only from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., since KSINC — which operates them, has made available only two trained people to steer the vessels which are owned by the Kochi Corporation.

Non-availability of one vessel during the morning peak hours and after 8 p.m. results in a huge queue of vehicles on either side.

Majnu Komath, chairman of Fort Vypeen Janakeeya Kootayma, expressed shock at the two agencies showing ‘criminal negligence’ in streamlining the operation of the two vessels, over eight months since they were launched.

“They have not taken steps to appoint adequate number of drivers and in ensuring safe berthing of the vessels in Vypeen where the dolphin mooring points need alteration. This despite the assurance given at a meeting, in which Ministers Kadannapally Ramachandran and K.T. Jaleel were present, that the two agencies will make every effort to set things right. The agencies seem to be mere onlookers, unmindful of the difficulties faced by commuters and motorists,” Mr Komath said.

He added that the Corporation can save ₹5 lakh per month if the two vessels are operated from 6 a.m. to at least 10 p.m., since the 150-seater ferry that operates on the stretch can be withdrawn and diverted for operating on other routes.

Risky corridor

One of the drivers operating the vessels, Vincent Kalangara, said that two other drivers are undergoing training to steer the vessels.

They need training in the ‘risky corridor’ where there are severe undercurrents (since the backwaters meet the sea here). The mooring issue at Vypeen Boat Jetty too has to be redressed to ensure safe navigation. Only drivers familiar with such issues in the waterway can operate the vessels, he said.

Eleven commuters had drowned in a collision between a ramshackle ferry operated on the route and a fishing vessel in 2014.

Works Standing Committee chairman P.M. Harris, too said that only experienced drivers can steer the vessels. He sought the constitution of an SPV to operate the vessels. “Another option is to entrust their operation with KMRL which would launch modern ferries within a year as part of Water Metro project,” he said.