KOLLAM: 288 km of the Kovalam-Bekal waterway from Thiruvananthapuram Akkulam to Thrissur Chettuva will be navigable by May. Upgradation of 7.5 km is left. 4.5 km in the Varkala tunnel section and 3.5 km from Puthenthura to Anakkapilla in Kurakulam is to be widened and deepened. Rehabilitation of 500 families has been completed.

The rehabilitation of 194 families from Puthenthura to Anakkapilla has reached its final stage. There is dredging and cleaning from Paravur backwater to Chettuva. Kovalam to Akkulam was not included in the first phase of commissioning due to delay in rehabilitation. Work is also underway to make the remaining stretch from Chettuva to Bekal navigable.

The waterway development started in 2006 when the Finance Commission allocated a grant of 225 crores. However, the work did not take place. It was in 2018 that the three-phase renovation started, namely deepening and making it suitable for traffic, land acquisition and widening, and preparation of basic facilities including the boat jetty. Dredging from Akkulam to Chettuva was completed in 2012. Akkulam to Kollam section is a state waterway and Kollam to Chettuva national waterway.

Akkulam- Kollam

25 meters wide

1.7 to 2 meters deep

Kollam- Chettuva

32 to 45 meters wide

2.2 meters deep

Light show at Chilakkoor tunnel

A light and sound show on the history of Sreenarayaguru and Travancore will be set up with the help of a projector in the 350 meter tunnel at Varkala Chilakkoor on the waterway. A 20-seater electric boat to tour through this tunnel is under construction.

"The development of Akkulam to Chettuva section is on track to be completed by April. Commission will be done in May for sure." -Inland Water Transport Department officials