Kochi Corporation adopts Kerala govt's free travel model, clears free Ro-Ro ferry travel for women

The Kochi Corporation council, led by the United Democratic Front (UDF), has approved a resolution to provide free travel for women on its roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ferry services.

The initiative is modelled on the UDF-led Kerala government's Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme and is aimed at supporting regular commuters, including domestic workers and casual labourers, who depend on the Fort Kochi-Vypin ferry crossing.

While the ruling UDF described the measure as an essential public service, opposition councillors questioned its financial viability, arguing that the ferry service is already under strain.

At present, pedestrians pay Rs 3 for a one-way journey. Under the approved scheme, women travelling on foot will no longer have to pay the fare. However, women crossing with two-wheelers will continue to pay the existing Rs 10 vehicle charge.

Mayor V.K. Minimol said the council had passed the resolution. She added that the date for implementing the scheme would be announced after the necessary administrative arrangements are completed.

Supporters call it a welfare measure, opposition seeks financial review

The Vypeen-Fort Kochi Passengers Association welcomed the decision, saying women account for nearly 75% of pedestrian commuters on the route.

According to the association, the ferry significantly reduces travel time. The crossing takes around 15 minutes, compared with nearly an hour by road through congested city traffic.

UDF councillors, including M.G. Aristotle, argued that public transport should be treated as a welfare service rather than a profit-oriented enterprise.

The corporation is also preparing to expand the service. A third Ro-Ro vessel, built by Cochin Shipyard at a cost of Rs 18 crore, is expected to be commissioned soon to accommodate more passengers and vehicles on the route.

The opposition, however, urged caution over the financial implications.

LDF parliamentary party leader V.A. Sreejith said the Ro-Ro service was already operating at a loss. He warned that additional financial liabilities could eventually lead to demands for privatisation of the service.

BJP councillor Priya Prasanth also called for a detailed study to identify eligible beneficiaries, saying the scheme should not become an excessive financial burden on the civic body.

The debate echoes concerns raised over Kerala's Priyadarshini bus scheme. The programme has drawn criticism from private bus operators, who claim it has affected their revenue, and from some groups that argue eligibility should be determined by economic status rather than gender.