Alappuzha, known as the land of water transportation, is one of the major tourist attractions in Kerala. However, its tourism potential has been negatively impacted by the lacklustre approach of authorities and inadequate planning.

Nevertheless, recent initiatives to rejuvenate the state's waterways, particularly the highly praised Grand Inland Waterway Project connecting Kovalam and Bekal, are viewed by many as the perfect remedy to revolutionise water transportation in the region.

Alappuzha, being the city of canals, has around 150 canals, big and small, in different parts of the district. Though there are ample opportunities that can be used, these canals are not properly protected, which prevents them from being profitable. It is said that the flow of water has reduced with the addition of the Thanneermukkom bund.

History of water transportation

Earlier, goods were transported to Ernakulam, Kollam, Kottayam districts, and other small towns like Vaikom, Changanassery, Chengannur, and various parts of Kuttanad through water transport. Due to a lack of maintenance, these canals became dumping grounds for waste. 

It has been learned that investors and traders may be attracted if barge systems are implemented, as the price of carrying goods through water is lower as compared to road transportation. There are many benefits to moving goods by water, like avoiding traffic congestion and air pollution and reducing the cost of cargo movement. Earlier, petroleum products were transported from Ernakulam to Alappuzha by water. 

Another brilliant way is to transport raw materials and products by water, as there are many public-sector industries operating on the banks of backwaters and rivers. One barge would be enough to carry goods that ten trucks could transport at a time. 

Even today, rice is being transported effectively in the Alappuzha and Changanassery area.

The resumption of waterway services should be given as much importance as railway path reconstruction and national highway development. Funds are allocated in every budget meeting, but the activities are nowhere to be seen. 
 
It has been three years since the Alappuzha-Kollam boat service of the Water Transport Department was stopped because of the inadequate depth of the canals. To reach Kollam from Alappuzha, passengers have to cross three backwaters, namely Ashtamudi Lake, Kayamkulam Backwater, and Vembanad Lake.

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Low-rise bridges are major challenges in the Alappuzha-Kochi and Alappuzha-Kottayam waterways. Chinese nets are also causing minor hindrances to navigation in the backwaters. Bridges will have to be raised so that barges can pass below them.