Representative image | Photo: PTI
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala water transport department will launch more services at a low budget to attract tourists to explore the scenic backwaters in the state. The newly proposed projects will assure boat trips via sea and backwaters by enjoying the sights of sunrise and sunset.
‘See Ashtamudi’ project will commence in February last at Kollam by deploying the services of two boats daily. Meals will also be served for the tourists in the boat trips which cost only a small fee.
Another backwater trip will take tourists for a 12-kilometre-long journey from Veli to Kadinamkulam in Thiruvananthapuram. Two services will be operated here in the morning and evening.
A luxury cruise service will be launched in Ernakulam next month in the model of a ship voyage. Two cruise ship trips will begin at 10 am and 3 pm from Kochi daily. Besides this, the department will also start the services of many luxury boats. The manufacturing of these air conditioned boats which can occupy nearly 120 passengers is at its final stage. One among these luxury boats will be deployed in Kannur and another in Kottayam.
Rs 24 crore allocated for the Water Transport department will help in the renovation and launch of more boat services. The department informed that at least 50 per cent of boats will be facilitated with solar panels within 5 years.