Kochi airport to get waterway connectivity

Kochi: The Cochin International Airport Ltd is likely to be the first airport in the country to get direct waterway connectivity to a major seaport if the announcement made by the State Water Resources Minister to commence work in this regard is any indication.
The Minister, Mr P.J. Joseph, while speaking at a function at the Cochin International Airport Ltd, said work on the proposed project, expected to involve an investment of Rs 50 crore, would commence in the 100-day action plan of the Government to connect the airport with the High Court jetty through the waterways. This would enable an air passenger to travel by boat to the city thereby saving time and money.
The CIAL also expressed its willingness to participate in the venture and has offered to invest Rs 3 crore, he said, and expressed the hope that the project can be completed within 18 months.
Company officials said the announcement, which is a long pending proposal, will give a major fillip to the proposal of the airport company in its efforts to set up a cargo village in the area.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India survey in this regard has divided the 49.5 km-long waterway into three stretches — from the Seaport to Eloor, from Eloor to Kanjoor, and from Kanjoor to the airport.
While the first stretch of 23 km is already a part of the National Waterway-3 and will require no improvement, some upgradation works including river bank protection, deepening of shallow portions and installation of concrete guide posts will have to be carried out to develop the second stretch of 26 km through the River Periyar.
20/06/11 Business Line

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Jun 2011, New Jun 2011