The daily fare collection of Vyttila-Kakkanad ferry service continues to be abysmal despite the recent introduction of Wi-Fi connectivity aimed at youth and IT professionals.
The average daily collection is less than Rs 2,000, said A. Asok Kumar, Ernakulam Station Master of State Water Transport Department (SWTD). “The collection is low despite Wi-Fi link, provision in the boat for carrying two-wheelers and availability of a feeder bus from the boat jetty in Kakkanad to Collectorate premises. The boat takes 20 minutes for the trip, while the road route to Kakkanad takes more time.” The daily operational cost of boat with a capacity to carry about 100 passengers and ten two-wheelers is about Rs.5,000.
The Wi-Fi service was installed since passenger patronage remained low despite the introduction of feeder bus, for promoting water transport alongside Kochi Metro. Using this, commuters on board can access internet on their laptop or any hand-held device.
Ernakulam Traffic Superintendent of SWTD Satyan M. said daily collection was increasing at a marginal pace. “More employees of Infopark are boarding the boat since junctions in Kakkanad route are choked because of traffic snarls, apart from Palarivattom flyover and Kochi Metro works. Not many people know that feeder buses are available from Kakkanad jetty for all six trips.”
The agency’s Director Shaji Nair said a plan to extend the service to Pallikara through Kadambrayar for drawing more passengers was hanging fire, since Irrigation Department had not deepened the waterway.
