First Phase of Kerala’s West Coast Waterway Nears Completion; Two-Day Cruise On The Stretch In Pipeline

The Kerala government is preparing to launch a two-day luxury cruise along the 590 km West Coast Waterways, from Kovalam to Chettuva, The New Indian Express reported.

A specially designed 21-seater air-conditioned electric cruise vessel for the tour is currently under construction and expected to be operational by the time the first phase of the waterway, a 235 km stretch from Akkulam (Thiruvananthapuram) to Chettuva (Thrissur) is commissioned later this year.

“The cruise vessel will offer an unforgettable experience to tourists. One of the highlights will be the journey through the tunnels at Chilakoor and Sivagiri in Varkala, during which travellers can enjoy immersive light and sound shows played via an on-board projector,” a senior official from the Chief Minister’s Office was quoted as saying by TNIE.

The boat will pause at five designated stops that are being developed as tourist destinations.

The Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) is manufacturing the vessel.

Once launched, authorities intend to operate the cruise service up to Chettuva and later expand it as the project progresses.

An official from Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Ltd (KWIL), the special purpose vehicle under Cochin International Airport Ltd implementing the National Waterways project, stated that tourism would gain immensely from the development.

“The on-board projector will start automatically when the boat enters the Varkala tunnel to entertain visitors with a light and sound show,” the official added.

Initially launched in 2006 with a Rs 225 crore grant, the West Coast Waterway project remained dormant for over a decade before being revived in 2018.

The full 590 km waterway, which connects rivers and backwaters along the state’s coast, is targeted for completion by 2028 and aims to boost transport, tourism, and trade in the region.

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