The controversy over the roll-on roll-off service may take a definite turn by Wednesday as Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Limited (KSINC), which has been selected for operating the ro-ro service, is likely to make its position clear on the issue.
The agency is understood to have decided to write to Mayor Soumini Jain regarding the issues it was facing in relaunching the service. When asked about the letter, Ms. Jain said she was yet to receive any communication from the agency.
It’s important for the civic body too to hear from the agency as the Kochi Corporation is keen to see the vessels plying. “The civic body will discuss the stand of KSINC, which it may convey through the letter, and decide accordingly,” Ms Jain said.
Ms. Jain said she had not approached the Kerala State Women’s Commission over the reported physical assault she had suffered at the last council meeting.
“No one from the Commission has approached me or sought any information from me in this regard,” Ms. Jain said.
At the same time, Benedict Fernandez, a senior councillor of the CPI(M), said the civic body had failed to carry out the basic infrastructure development works that had to be in place for the smooth operation of the vessels. The LDF councillors had earlier pointed out the shortfalls in the facilities, including the mooring berths constructed at Vypeen, he said.
LDF march
Meanwhile, the LDF took out a march to the Kochi Corporation office on Tuesday demanding steps for resuming the operation of the vessels.
Inaugurating the agitation, C.N. Mohanan, chairman of the Greater Cochin Development Authority, said the Mayor was answerable to the people of Kochi for launching the service without making the necessary arrangements.
Mr. Mohanan alleged that the civic administration and the Congress leadership were adopting dubious positions regarding the operation of the vessels. There was every reason to believe that attempts were being made to hand over the service to a private agency, he alleged.
“The LDF will go in for continuous agitations demanding the safe operation of the twin vessels,” he said.