Veli in Thiruvananthapuram will be developed as a multimodal transport hub connecting air, rail, waterways and roads, Kerala transport minister C P John said while inaugurating a new solar-powered passenger-cum-tourism boat service to Kadinamkulam.
The minister said Veli had significant potential in both transport and tourism and would eventually become one of Kerala’s biggest transport hubs. The location’s proximity to Kochuveli railway station and Thiruvananthapuram airport would support its development, he said.
The proposed hub is also expected to strengthen the tourism circuit between Kovalam and Varkala. John said development projects would be implemented while ensuring the rehabilitation and welfare of local fishermen.
The newly launched boat service operates from Veli Tourism Village through the Parvathy Puthanar to Kadinamkulam Lake and back. A 24-seater, eco-friendly solar-powered boat owned by Cochin International Airport Ltd has been deployed for the service.
The one-way journey covers 14 km and takes about two hours. Two services will operate initially, from 9 am to 1 pm and from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm. As part of the tourism service, passengers can disembark at Kadinamkulam jetty for around 30 minutes to experience the backwater landscape before returning. Tourists choosing the package will also be served tea and food in association with Kudumbashree.
For regular passengers, the fare from Veli to Channankara is Rs 50, while the fare from Channankara to Kadinamkulam is Rs 30. A direct trip from Veli to Kadinamkulam costs Rs 80. The round-trip tourism package from Veli to Kadinamkulam and back is priced at Rs 400.
Passengers above 11 years will pay the full fare. Children aged five to 11 will be charged half price, while children below five can travel free of charge.
John also highlighted the historical importance of the waterway, saying it was initiated around 200 years ago during the reign of Rani Parvathi Bai. He said the effective use of existing waterways was as important as building new transport projects and that canals could be maintained properly only through regular use.
Chirayinkeezhu MLA Ramya Haridas presided over the inauguration. Thiruvananthapuram mayor V V Rajesh handed over the ticket to the first passenger, Raju. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and the State Water Transport Department also exchanged a memorandum of understanding during the event.
The minister later travelled on the newly launched boat service. The initial operations and the proposed multimodal development at Veli will determine how the waterway is integrated with the city’s existing road, rail and airport connections.