Latest news with #SWTD
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Boat travel goes digital: Online booking and GPS tracking soon
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking a boat trip on the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) services is about to become much easier. The department is preparing for a major digital upgrade that will allow passengers to plan trips, book seats, and make payments online – just like on KSRTC buses. As part of the plan, SWTD will adopt a customised mobile ticketing app and introduce Android-based Electronic Ticket Vending Machines (ETVMs) that support GPS tracking. These upgrades aim to make travel simpler, especially for those unfamiliar with the region's geography. Unlike KSRTC, SWTD faces difficulty in setting up information counters in the remote locations. In Kuttanad region alone there are 450 boat jetties and SWTD is the lone operator. 'The new system will help passengers get info about available trips, timings, and fares from any jetty. We are even planning to include location maps to help people reach the jetties,' said Shaji V Nair, Director, State Water Transport Department. Currently, SWTD operates 100 boats and runs around 750 trips daily across Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kollam, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The digital facilities are expected to boost the demand as SWTD plans more budget tourism services. In the first phase, tourists will be able to select seats in advance. Passenger boats will get this feature in later phases, after necessary system updates. Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar is leading the department's digital transformation, responding to long-standing demands for boat tracking and digital ticketing. The facilities would cater to 150 lakh commuters who use the boat services annually, along with the growing number of tourists exploring the backwaters. The government would be spending close to Rs 2.7 crore for developing the mobile application and for purchasing ETVMs. SWTD has already received approval for integrating a payment gateway with its treasury accounts. Once implemented, the system will generate valuable data, helping the department to plan better routes, cut down operational costs, and identify areas with tourism potential. Officials also hope to introduce travel cards in the future, similar to those used in KSRTC services. KSRTC has recently introduced the facility tracking app and travel cards.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Boat services fly flag for SWTD's backwater tourism endeavour
ALAPPUZHA: The state water transport department's 'Vega' and 'See Kuttanad' tourist boat services have been crafting a success story, delighting both domestic and international travellers with affordable, scenic cruises along Alappuzha's backwaters. Launched to offer a budget-friendly yet unforgettable visual treat of rural Kerala, the vessels have rapidly become favourites of tourists. They wind through the famed Punnamada backwaters, the tranquil expanses of Vembanad Lake, and the lush paddy fields of Kuttanad, all while serving authentic Alappuzha delicacies like karimeen, kappa, and kakka erachi on board. In 55 months of its operations, Vega has carried nearly 1.15 lakh tourists and helped SWTD to a revenue of Rs 5 crore, while the double-decker See Kuttanad has earned Rs 1.55 crore and handled 40,000 tourists in 24 months — in a major boost to the tourism sector in Alappuzha. The 120-seater Vega, the star cruiser of the SWTD, was commissioned on December 24, 2020. Built at a cost of Rs 2.10 crore, the vessel achieved its projected seven-year cost recovery period in under four years, a milestone that highlights both its popularity and operational success. 'The response has been phenomenal. We've crossed break-even well ahead of schedule, which proves that quality services at affordable rates will always have takers,' said SWTD director Shaji V Nair. Following Vega's success, the 90-seater See Kuttanad service was introduced on November 1, 2022. Within just two years, it has edged closer to recovering its Rs 1.90 crore production cost. 'The growing interest in our services has encouraged us to plan more tourist-centric initiatives. One of the upcoming projects, Kuttanad Safari, the brainchild of Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, is progressing rapidly and is expected to set a new benchmark,' Shaji added. Both Vega and See Kuttanad sail daily from the Alappuzha boat jetty at 11am and 11:30am, respectively. The voyage includes stops at the picturesque Pathiramanal Island, and views of the SAI rowing facility, Chithira-Marthandam Kayal, Kamalante Moola, and Mangalassery before returning by late afternoon. Tourists are treated to light refreshments and a sumptuous traditional Kerala lunch arranged by Kudumbashree. At a time when houseboats are offering relatively pricey day cruises, the department's low-budget rides are proving a hit with travellers.
New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- New Indian Express
SWTD unable to resume long-haul boat service on Alappuzha-Kollam waterway
KOCHI: An unplanned, low-height bridge at Thrikkunnapuzha continues to cripple the Alappuzha-Kollam waterway, severely affecting the State Water Transport Department (SWTD), which is unable to resume its popular long-haul service. The department is finding it hard to maintain its fleet in the Kollam region, forcing costly makeshift solutions and threatening the long-term health of the vessels. The Alappuzha-Kollam waterway, a nearly 80-km-long stretch from the Vembanad lake to the Ashtamudi lake, was once a cherished eight-hour cruise for tourists and locals alike. The trip on a double-decker boat offered breathtaking views and was a significant revenue earner, generating an average of Rs 60,000 daily during peak season. However, this popular trip has been impassable since the reopening of the route after the pandemic, due to the new low-height structure at Thrikkunnapuzha. What is worrying the authorities now is the delay in the construction of a new bridge with a height of 6.5m at the site as part of the National Waterway-3 (NW-3) project, which will replace the current temporary bridge, having only a height of 1.5m. 'The low bridge has forced us to stop our boat services. Furthermore, we are not even able to bring the vessels deployed at Kollam for repair work at our central boat yard in Alappuzha. We have written to the authorities concerned and the minister, but to no effect,' a senior SWTD official said.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- The Hindu
Kerala Water Transport department to launch Kuttanad Safari boat tour in Alappuzha
The State Water Transport Department (SWTD) in Kerala is set to launch Kuttanad Safari, a tourism boat service that will connect various destinations across the region. As part of implementing the project, Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar visited Pathiramanal island in Muhamma grama panchayat on Tuesday. Mr. Kumar said Kuttanad Safari would be modelled after the popular desert safaris in Gulf countries. 'The project will be implemented in such a way that tourists can experience the entire scenic beauty of Kuttanad in a single boat journey, much like a desert safari,' he said. The journey will begin from Alappuzha boat jetty at 11 a.m., with the first stop at the Nehru Trophy finishing point. From there, the cruise will continue through the Azhikkal canal, where tourists will be served a traditional breakfast featuring local flavours. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe and try their hand at traditional coir making, palm frond weaving and mat weaving. Handcrafted items such as palm-frond hats, winnowing baskets, and mats will be available for purchase. An artist will be onboard to sketch portraits of tourists and offer them as keepsakes. The safari will then take visitors past real chundan vallams (snakeboats) and offer close-up views of the stunning Kuttanadan landscape, including insights into the formation of the C Block and R Block regions. Upon reaching R Block, a traditional Kuttanadan lunch will be served, featuring a blend of backwater delicacies and toddy shop specialities, including locally brewed toddy. During the trip, cultural performances such as panchavadyam, shinkari melam, velakali, and kuthiyottam will be staged onboard. By evening, the boat will reach Pathiramanal island, where traditional art forms will be staged at an eco-friendly amphitheatre made of sustainable materials. On the return journey to Alappuzha, tourists can watch clam harvesting and processing in the backwaters. They will also have the opportunity to shop for Alappuzha's signature products at floating stores. The safari will conclude at Alappuzha boat jetty at 5 p.m. 'Kuttanad is a rich cultural hub, home to various art forms and folk traditions. The package will allow tourists to experience them up close. Efforts are underway to make the project a reality before the upcoming session of the Legislative Assembly,' Mr. Ganesh said, adding that discussions have already been held with Indian Oil Corporation regarding sponsorship of the amphitheatre. The package will be linked with Kerala State Road Transport Corportaion's budget tourism scheme.
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Old tea godown threatens Fort Kochi boat jetty; SWTD seeks its demolition
KOCHI: An old godown building, in dilapidated condition, is threatening the Fort Kochi customs boat jetty, which is relied on by hundreds of commuters and tourists. In fact, a portion of the large building has already caved in, damaging the ceiling of the walkway of the boat jetty, which was reopened to the public just a couple of months ago following a `80-lakh renovation. The 'Imperial' building, owned by a Willingdon Island-based export company engaged in tea packaging, used to exhibit artwork during the Kochi Biennale. But now, it's mostly employed as a godown. Constructed using stones and mud bricks, it has the height of a two-storey building. With the structure threatening to cave in at any time, the state water transport department (SWTD) and the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) has written to Kochi corporation, demanding that the building be demolished. 'A portion of the building caved in last week, damaging the roof of the jetty, which was aesthetically renovated using a false ceiling and illuminating lights. We suffered a damage of Rs 20,000. We've also taken up the issue with the Disaster Management Authority,' a senior SWTD official said. The portion of the walkway facing the godown building is restricted for commuters to ensure their safety. As a result, the walkway connecting the jetty with the road remains crowded during rush hour. Meanwhile, ward councillor and health standing committee chairperson T K Ashraf has also filed a complaint, demanding the immediate demolition of the 'dangerous' building, following which the corporation assistant executive engineer served a notice to the owner, A V Agencies. The notice threatened action under the Kerala Municipality Act if the owner fails to act. 'Firm to bear expense' Meanwhile, Kalvatty ward member Ashraf said he held talks with representatives of the company, which owns the building, and the latter agreed to demolish the portion posing a danger to the boat jetty. 'The company agreed to bear the expense for levelling the section, which will probably start tomorrow itself. Demolition experts visited the site today. A fire force team also examined the building and agreed to assist the process. The continuous rain has worsened the situation. We've initiated action on a war footing,' he told TNIE. 'A portion caved in last week, and no measure has been taken yet to ensure the safety of commuters. We demand that authorities demolish the building at the earliest,' said M M Abbas, president of the West Kochi Passengers Association.
