The
Department
Kerala is a land with abundant water bodies.
Backwater is a wonderful gift of nature to the God’s
Own country.
Ashtamudy
and Vembanadu lake which completes the network of waterways
not only provides natural beauty but inland navigation facilities
also.
State
Water Transport Department is the main agency who provides
inland water transport facilities to the people residing
in the water logged areas and to enjoy the everlasting memory
of backwaters.
This
inland Water Transport system consists of 1895 kms of waterways.
This include navigable river, backwaters and man made cross
canals. Most of these are in Travancore-Cochin region.
Of
the 44 rivers in Kerala, the 41 west flowing rivers together
with back waters and man made canals form the integral part
of inland navigation system.
State
Water Transport Department formed during 1968 with the objectives
to provide Transport facilities to the people residing in
the water logged areas at cheaper rates and Cargo transportation.
Construction of roads, bridges and speedy transportation-roadways
shortened the operation of the department to passenger transport
only-in the backwaters and ferries. But in the world of
speed and hurry the advantage of this pollution free, accident
free and cheaper transport system beckons least preference.
Operational
Statistics
Major
areas of operation:-
Backwaters
(1) Vembanattu lake - 52 sq kms.
(2) Ashtamudy lake - 200 sq kms.
(3) Ernakulam - Vypeen ferry (Cochin port
& Harbour)
(4) Muhamma - Kumarakom
(5) Vaikom - Thavanakkadavu
(6) Payyannur - Parassinikkadavu
. Total
distance operated .......79,00 km per day
. No.
of passengers carried....... 80,000 per day
. No.
of operating centers ....... 14 stations
Ernakulam District .... Ernakulam Station Office
Alappuzha District ....Alappuzha, Nedumudy, Kavalam, Pulincunnu,
Edathua, Muhamma and Panavally Stations
Kottayam District .... Kottayam, Changanachery and Vaikom
stations
Kollam District .... Kollam Station
Kannur District ....Payyannur and Parassinikkadavu stations
. No.
of Passenger boats....... 81
. Longest
route operated....... 60.km
. Capacity
of boats....... 50 passenger to 150 passengers (wooden boats)
Boats are constructed in the traditional way with well seasoned
teak wood.
. Speed
of boat.......10 to 15 km per hour
. Size of boats
Length.......20 mtr to 35 mtrs Width - 3 to 4.5 meters Depth
- 2 mtrs Weight - 5 to 15 tonns
. No. of crew
for a boat .......5 persons at a time
