KOCHI: The prestigious project that connects the city to the international airport via the water network will commence in August. The Seaport-Airport waterway will connect the city to the airport through the waterway stretching from the High Court jetty to the international airport in Nedumabassery. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months at an estimated cost of Rs 107 crore.The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is the implementing agency of the project with support from the Irrigation Department.The project will cover a total of 49.5-km stretch. The total distance will be covered as three different reaches, from Cochin Seaport to Eloor, Eloor to Kanjoor and Kanjoor to Airport. The primary connection, in the first phase, will be from Cochin Seaport to Eloor. The 23-km stretch in this area is a part of the national waterway 3 (NW3) which is being maintained by IWAI. “This stretch of the proposed route does not require any further improvement and if required it will taken up by IWAI,” as per the preliminary report of the project. At present country boats are plying on this route.The second phase will connect Eloor to Kanjoor. The stretch from Eloor to Kanjoor is 26 km and is part of river Periyar. “The hydrographic survey conducted by IWAI and Irrigation Department through this route reveals that sufficient draft can be ensured during all seasons. The stretch also requires only marginal improvement like deepening at some shallow portions,” said the report.The report also says that the project will lay emphasis on steps required to ensure maximum safety and environmental balance. “Protection work of river banks is required at some portions. As there are rocky stratas, underwater blasting for removal of sheet rocks will be done at some places. As this route comprises sharp curves and deltas, concrete guide posts are required to ensure safety,” stated the report. The 500-metre final reach is a tributary of river Periyar known as Chengalthodu and is extensively silted. “The development proposed in this route is deepening and widening of existing Chengalthodu and it requires extensive desilatation,” as per the report. The report also suggests vegetative bank protection to the side berms of the embankment.To stabilise the side berms above water level, vegetative bank protection is proposed for the entire length. The project also suggests the construction of terminal building at the destination along with proper connectivity to the terminals in the Airport.On completion of the project, Kochi will become the first major port having direct inland waterway connectivity to the Airport. Another advantage of the project is that it does not require any displacement or rehabilitation as no private property is involved. The tourism potential of the area will also get a tremendous boost. The cargo movement through this connectivity will be very cost-effective and therefore would boost the cargo traffic in this region. By shifting the movement of goods from roads to waterways, the traffic congestion on roads can be reduced to a considerable extent.
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