Kerala plans to start electric boat service through Parvathy Puthanar ahead of Onam
Kerala is preparing to launch a solar-powered electric boat service on the Parvathy Puthanar canal ahead of the Onam festival. The project is part of a larger waterway initiative, though it faces delays due to infrastructure damage and administrative reviews.
Why it matters
The project represents a shift toward sustainable public transport and tourism infrastructure in Kerala's coastal regions.
Rekindling old memories, the Parvathy Puthanar canal, a part of Kerala’s ambitious 616-km Kovalam–Bekal West Coast Canal (WCC) National Waterway project, is set for revival ahead of Onam, with the State government preparing to launch a passenger boat service.
The initiative, aimed at serving both commuters and tourists, will be rolled out by the Transport department in the first half of August with the introduction of a solar-powered boat service.
Speaking to The Hindu , Transport Minister C.P. John said preparations for launching the boat service are in the final stage, and the department is hopeful that a specially designed electric boat operated by Cochin International Seaport, and equipped with advanced onboard facilities, will begin operations before Onam.
The service, which will commence from Veli, will cover a distance of around 10 to 20 km through the canal, offering passengers, including tourists, a glimpse of the capital’s rural landscape.
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