Koorachundu, Kozhikode: The popular speedboat service operated by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) at the Kakkayam Dam site has been suspended, disappointing hundreds of visitors.

The boat rides through the dam’s reservoir were the main attraction and lifeline for visitors to this remote and scenic destination, which still lacks even basic tourist infrastructure.

The service was halted in mid-May after the fitness certificate of the boat expired. Though the KSEB had completed the vessel’s annual maintenance well in advance and submitted all necessary documents to the Kerala State Port Department before the certificate’s expiry on May 20, the surveyor has not yet visited the site to inspect the boat and issue the renewed certificate. As a result, the boat has remained out of service for over a month.

This delay has caused significant financial loss to the hydel tourism project, especially during the Bakrid holidays, when hundreds of tourists had arrived expecting the boat ride. Most of them had to return disappointed after travelling several kilometres to reach the dam.

Hydel tourism officials stated that the boat service can resume only after the site inspection and issuance of the renewed fitness certificate.