Transporting goods via waterways hampered due to technical glitch

KOCHI: A technical issue within the Customs has hampered the movement of containers through inland waterways. In three years, only 16 containers were transported from Kottayam to Kochi by waterway.

Container service from Kochi to Kottayam Port has been started with the objective of increasing cargo through National Waterways. KPAT-One Barge started service on March 9, 2019 with four containers. The service was halted after 16 containers were delivered by water on four trips. Container shipment by waterway was halted due to inability to record barge information.

The Ministry of Customs, Shipping, Cochin Port, Inland Water Transport Authority and the State Government were also informed.

Although the Customs Board has studied the problems directly, no final decision has been taken. Currently, the container is being transported from Kottayam to Kochi by road.