KOCHI: Feasibility study for tourism and commercial projects on Kovalam-Bekal (Kasaragod) waterway is in progress. A detailed project report will also be prepared with special consideration for the Malabar region. It will be implemented in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

The projects are connected to the West Coast Canal including the Kollam-Kottapuram National Waterway. The feasibility study divides the waterway into 13 sections. Two studies have been completed and it is in the final stage in four places.

The Kovalam-Bekal waterway is being developed by Kerala Waterways and Infrastructures Limited (KWIL), a joint venture between the Department of Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation and the Cochin International Airport Company (CIAL). DPR is prepared by agencies appointed by KWIL.

KWIL sources told 'Kerala Kaumudi' that tourism projects, fish processing centres, food enterprises, etc., will be launched.

The land will be acquired by the government and leased to entrepreneurs. Priority will be given to projects that have economic benefits for local residents. Importance will be for tourism. Entrepreneurs have expressed interest in tourism projects using solar, electric and hydrogen boats.

Tourism potential has been identified in Kovalam, Parvathi Puthanaar in Thiruvananthapuram, Ashtamudi Lake, Neeleswaram, Kadinamkulam Lake, Valapattanam river, Kottapuram, Parassinikadavu and Connolly Canal in Kozhikode. Once the canals are ready, houseboats can also be plyed in the Malabar regions. Small ports can be connected with Kochi and Vizhinjam ports for transshipment. KWIL officials also said that small ships and barges can be used to transport chemicals, petroleum products and containers.

Kovalam - Bekal waterway

620 km

The cost is Rs 6,000 crores

Funded by KIIFB