Akkulam-Chettuva waterway a milestone in inland navigation: Pinarayi

The 280-km Akkulam-Chettuva waterway, a milestone in inland navigation in Kerala, will contribute significantly to the making of a new Kerala and redefine the tourism prospects of the State, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.

After inaugurating the first phase of the waterway at Chilakoor Beach Park at Varkala on Thursday, he announced that the historic waterway would be extended up to the Vizhinjam international port in the State capital.

“This linkage will pave the way for a strong multi-model logistic network in the State,” said the Chief Minister who also launched the Chilakoor tourism project and a string of other development initiatives completed by the Inland Navigation department as part of the West Coast Canal renovation project.

“The Akkulam-Chettuva waterway is part of the 616-km Kovalam–Bekal Waterway project which links lakes, rivers and canals across the entire stretch of the State. Extending the waterway to Vizhinjam will attract more investments, besides enabling industries,” he said.

Apart from enhancing the tourism potential, the waterway will help the State shift a significant portion of goods movement to the waterway on its completion. The completion of the Thrikkunnapuzha navigational lock gate will be another milestone in this sector, he said.

The waterway will give a boost to water-based tourism also as it will be a unique experience for tourists. Massive infrastructure activities, including building of boat jetties and beautification of tourism destinations, are in progress, the Chief Minister said.

He exuded confidence that the Chettuva-Bakel waterway will be completed within the time limit. The Vadakara–Mahe canal will be developed on par with national standards as part of the project.

The West Coast Canal renovation project aims to create a State-wide inland navigation system by linking rivers, backwaters, and canals for hassle-free passenger and freight movement.

Cochin International Airport Limited was entrusted with the renovation of the Chilakoor tunnel at Varkala, a vital link of inland navigation in southern Kerala, along with tourism-oriented beautification works to tap the potential of the site.

The Akkulam-Chettuva waterway, spanning 10 districts, is set to accelerate Kerala’s sustainable and inclusive development by unlocking opportunities in multiple verticals. Built in 1876, the Chilakoor tunnel is a 340-metre engineering marvel aimed at facilitating hassle-free end-to-end inland navigation in the erstwhile princely State of Travancore. The canal has been restored to navigable condition as part of the project.

CIAL will also be conducting a gliding light-and-sound show in the tunnel, highlighting a 3D video of Kerala’s history and a six-minute visual spectacle about the life and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru. The show, powered by mapping technology on the tunnel’s surface, has been designed and executed at a cost of ₹4.5 crore.

The State government has made an outlay of ₹325 crore for the Phase-1 of the West Coast Canal renovation, of which ₹150 crore has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of 579 families. The project is being implemented by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited, a joint venture formed by the State government and CIAL.