Kochi Corporation mulls short-term direct operation of Ro-Ro services before engaging new operator

The Kochi Corporation is considering taking over and temporarily operating the roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services before entrusting them to a new agency, in a bid to replace the current operator, Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), citing mounting losses.

The civic body’s Budget for 2026–27 has proposed the formation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to manage the service, drawing criticism from the Left Democratic Front (LDF), which dubbed it as potential privatisation. The Corporation is yet to formally communicate its plans to KSINC.

“We will convene an all-party meeting to discuss the issue, as Ro-Ro services have been incurring heavy losses from the outset. We may even operate them directly through the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development [C-HED] for a short period to assess costs and revenue. Kochi Metro Rail Limited is our preferred agency for long-term operation,” said Mayor V.K. Minimol.

She alleged that the KSINC had submitted a bill of ₹83 lakh for a boat service suspended seven years ago. KSINC sources, however, maintained that the vessel Fort Queen was operated until 2023, after which the Corporation, as its owner, failed to undertake maintenance, leading to suspension of service. They added that patronage had declined as the Ro-Ro service proved cheaper and more convenient.

LDF Parliamentary Party leader V.A. Sreejith opposed the alleged privatisation move, warning that private participation had earlier led to the Fort Kochi boat tragedy. He accused the Corporation of failing to clarify its future plan for the Ro-Ro service, noting that the governing committee was merely speaking of convening an all-party meeting.

The dry dock of the two Ro-Ro vessels, originally due last December, has been extended by two years. “The extension was granted after inspecting only the hull, without checking the machinery, which is critical to safety. It was extended to avoid disruption of services during the Kochi Carnival. We have urged the Corporation to undertake dry dock without delay,” KSINC sources said. The Mayor estimated the cost at around ₹4.5 crore.

Discussions on forming an SPV have been ongoing since 2020, but little progress has been made. KSINC had recently proposed a marginal user fee, which the Corporation rejected, particularly in view of the upcoming Assembly elections. A private takeover, however, may make a fee hike inevitable.

At present, Ro-Ro services charge ₹3 for passengers, ₹10 for two-wheelers, ₹40–₹50 for small four-wheelers, and ₹55–65 for larger vehicles. Each vessel operates a minimum of 60 trips daily, with one service running from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and the other from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.