Kochi Corporation persists with bid to rope in KMRL for ro-ro service
The Kochi Corporation is actively seeking to transfer the operation of its struggling ro-ro ferry service to the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). Despite the civic body's persistence, KMRL remains hesitant due to infrastructure concerns and potential public backlash, leading the city to consider forming a special purpose vehicle to manage the service.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the challenges of managing public transportation infrastructure and the financial strain of maintaining legacy services in rapidly urbanizing regions.
The Kochi Corporation continues to pursue an agreement with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to take over the operation of its fleet of roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) vessels, despite the agency’s reluctance.
KMRL, which operates the Kochi Water Metro, has so far resisted taking over the service. The civic body has been exploring the option of replacing the current operator, Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC), which has consistently reported losses since the launch of the service six years ago. Councillors across party lines have criticised the management of ro-ro operations. KSINC has attributed its mounting losses to fares that have remained unchanged since the era of the old jhankar services, even as operating costs, including fuel costs, have nearly doubled since the ro-ro service was introduced.
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