NATPAC report for development of five city canals in two phases

Suggests setting up of recreational spaces, commercial and housing plots

The detailed project report (DPR) readied by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) for the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) to enable resumption of navigation in five canals in the city suggests the development of recreational spaces, commercial and housing plots, apart from tourism projects on the waterfront.

It mentions the developing of Edappally (11 km), Thevara (1.40 km), Thevara-Perandoor (11 km), Chilavanoor (10 km) and Market (700 metres) canals in two phases. Obstacles posed by low-lying bridges and culverts need to be overcome for the smooth movement of boats. The canal banks must be reinforced and beautified. All the canals could become feeder routes for Kochi Metro and other public transportation modes. They would also decongest roads. Construction of boat jetties and roads leading to them too have been envisaged. The canals could be linked with the proposed Water Metro routes, states the DPR.

The Edappally canal that begins from Muttar bridge and merges with Champakkara canal (part of National Waterway 3) is a narrow one. Low clearance of a few bridges, and the presence of pollutants and weeds are problems. The canal has the potential to link the industrial areas with Vyttila Mobility Hub and NH Bypass.

The development of waiting area, parking slots, boat yard, information and food counter, commercial and office space has been mooted at jetties proposed on the canal.

The Thevara-Perandoor canal that passes through the city centre too is narrow, has low-clearance structures and is polluted. It too has link with National Waterway 3 at Champakkara. A water sports complex spread across 6.6 acres has been mooted at Perandoor, while a facilitation centre has been mooted at Panampilly Nagar.

Similar issues have to be overcome with the Chilavanoor, Thevara and Market canals too. At Chilavanoor, a 240-dwelling unit housing complex and a watersports training centre have been proposed. Walkways, cycle tracks and parks with benches too will come up on both sides of the canals, if everything works out as expected.