Solar boat service linking Veli and Kadinamkulam to launch on September 30
A solar-powered boat service between Veli and Kadinamkulam Lake will begin on September 30, offering a four-hour round trip with separate fares for tourists and commuters.
A new solar-powered boat service connecting Veli and Kadinamkulam Lake will begin operations on September 30, opening up a fresh inland water route in the capital. The round trip starts from the Veli Tourism Village boat jetty, travels along the Parvathy Puthanar canal to Kadinamkulam Lake, circles the backwaters and returns to Veli.
The service has been planned to cater to both tourists and regular commuters, with distinct fare structures for the two groups. The full journey covers 14 kilometres one way and takes two hours in a single stretch, making the complete round trip a four-hour affair.
Although two daily services are planned eventually, only one will run in the initial phase. The first phase will use a solar boat leased from Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), which can carry 24 passengers at a time. The proposed slots for the two services are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
For tourists, the boat will cruise for half an hour after dropping passengers at the Kadinamkulam jetty, allowing them to take in the scenic backwaters. On the return to the jetty, tea and food will be arranged in collaboration with Kudumbashree.
Fares for regular passengers are ₹50 from Veli to Channankara, ₹30 from Channankara to Kadinamkulam, and ₹80 from Veli to Kadinamkulam. Tourists will be charged ₹400 for a round trip between Veli and Kadinamkulam. These full fares apply to passengers above the age of 11. Children aged between 5 and 11 will pay half the standard fare, while those under five travel free.
The launch is part of the State Water Transport department's 100-day action plan. Transport Minister C.P. John will inaugurate the passenger-cum-tourism boat service at the Veli Tourism Village on Wednesday, with Ramya Haridas MLA presiding over the function.