The State government is hopeful of making navigable a vast stretch of the West Coast Canal project from Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram to Chettuva in Thrissur in the next six months, said R. Girija, Managing Director, Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC). Speaking at a session titled ‘Navigating the Future: Shipping, Logistics, and the New Supply Chain Revolution’ on the second day of the Vizhinjam Conclave 2025, she said the government was also prioritising the development of inland waterways, with focus on operationalising the stretch from Akkulam to Bekal.
While the stretch between Bekal and Kovalam is technically navigable, the shallow draft of 2 to 3.2 metres in several sections poses a challenge. “Once we are able to operationalise the inland waterways, it will have a significant positive impact. The government is keen on this initiative, and weekly monitoring is in place,” said Ms. Girija.
Hurdles to project
However, she pointed out key obstacles, including the Varkala tunnel, which currently does not allow passage for large barges, and the lock at Thirukkunnappuzha in Alappuzha district, which requires upgrading to facilitate smooth navigation. The Akkulam-Kovalam stretch presents an additional challenge, as approximately 1,000 families will have to be rehabilitated. “The government is taking this issue seriously,” she said, adding that National Waterway 3 is expected to become fully operational by 2028.
Published – January 29, 2025 07:47 pm IST