Kerala's ambitious waterway project, spanning 616 km from Kovalam to Bekal (Kovalam-Bekal West Coast Canal), is making significant progress, with a key 235 km stretch set to be commissioned by March 2025. The State Water Transport Department is targeting December to complete and open the section from Aakkulam in Thiruvananthapuram to Chettuva in Thrissur. This expansion aims to enhance connectivity and boost economic activity, although challenges persist, particularly in the 160 km Kottappuram-Kozhikode stretch, where renovation efforts have stalled due to apparent inaction by the Inland Waterways Authority of India.

Renovation work is underway from Aakkulam to Kollam and from Kottappuram in Thrissur to Chettuva. The project retains the existing tunnels under the 5-metre-wide hill at Varkala. A new tunnel may be constructed in the future if the waterway encounters congestion.

Currently, cargo barges can only reach the Varkala tunnel section, while passenger and tourist boats navigate through the over 150-year-old tunnel. Around 500 families have been rehabilitated in Varkala as part of this initiative.

Renovations are also ongoing in Eranhikkal, Kuttiadi, and Vadakara in Kozhikode and Mahe. The Kovalam-Aakkulam section, being the beginning of the canal, presents more construction challenges. Efforts are underway to rehabilitate approximately 960 families in the Kovalam area.

Plans are being made to upgrade the Conolly Canal in Kozhikode city, with a new 26 km canal to connect the Mahe and Valapattanam rivers, along with an additional 6 km canal in the Nileshwar-Bekal section. Land acquisition for these projects is currently in progress.

Inland Waterways Authority of India turns a blind eye

A significant challenge remains for the state waterways: the 160 km Kottappuram-Kozhikode stretch, part of the national waterway, has seen renovation efforts stalled. The Inland Waterways Authority of India is responsible for this renovation. Despite the State Water Transport Department submitting a detailed Rs 1,200 crore plan years ago, no action has been taken yet.