Mayor contests Behra’s claim on launching boat services through rejuvenated canals in Kochi

Kochi Metro Rail Limited's boat service plans for six canals face criticism from Mayor Anilkumar for lack of consultation.

Mayor M. Anilkumar said that Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) managing director Lokanath Behera’s claim that boat services will be launched along six canals in the city, which are to be rejuvenated under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB)-funded Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project, was impractical and made unilaterally without consulting stakeholders.

Mr. Anilkumar urged Mr. Behera to communicate more with the people’s representatives instead of making unilateral statements, which was not befitting of a democracy. KMRL is the special purpose vehicle for the IURWTS project, under which Edappally Canal, Perandoor Canal, Chilavannoor Canal, Thevara Canal, Market Canal, and Konthuruthy Canal will be rejuvenated.

“Boat services were not discussed at any point during the canal rejuvenation project. The service may be possible through Edappally Canal and Chilavannoor Canal, considering their relatively greater width. The Thevara-Perandoor Canal was wide enough until the Pottakkuzhi stretch, facilitating a potential boat service linking Chittoor River to Pottakkuzhi. At best, pedal boats may be possible in the other canals,” he said.

Mr. Behera, on his part, clarified that he had meant only Edappally Canal in the context of boat service, as it was not possible in other canals owing to the lack of vertical clearance caused by railway overbridges. “The priority now is the completion of the bridge along Bund Road, while we remain hopeful of receiving approval for the rejuvenation of Market Canal. We may also undertake dredging of Edappally Canal to restore at least the water flow, subject to sanction from the KIIFB. We are also trying to fast-track land acquisition in consultation with the government and the district administration,” he said.

Mr. Anilkumar said that a minimum width would be ensured for all canals, which would be flanked by walkways with seating arrangements to ensure access for future cleaning. Sewage lines and dedicated sewage treatment plants would be installed along the sides of the canals.

He called for speedy decision-making to avoid inordinate delays that lead to cost escalations. The cost has already risen from ₹2,000 crore to over ₹3,000 crore. “I am confident that the project will be launched this year and completed within the next two to three years. Just as solid waste management changed during this council’s term, the canals will witness a similar transformation during the next council,” he said.