Extension of Kochi Water Metro service proposed in developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination
Extending the Kochi Water Metro service using feeder boats from Kakkanad to Kadambrayar in Ernakulam for sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly transit for tourists and Infopark professionals figured among the recommendations included in a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed enhancement of Kadambrayar tourism destination centre.
A well-designed, eco-friendly boat jetty has been proposed to facilitate the service. A floating or fixed reinforced cement concrete jetty based on water conditions, covered passenger waiting area with seating, safety railings, signage, and lighting, information display about the water metro schedules, easy pedestrian access from the riverfront promenade and integrated CCTV and Wi-Fi zones for safety and digital access are some of the features proposed for the jetty.
'We have already discussed the proposal with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited, and the outcome has been, by and large, positive. A more detailed discussion will have to be held,' said P.V. Sreenijin, Kunnathunadu MLA.
Smaller boats
He said that boats smaller than those used for the water metro services will have to be designed for the proposed service, considering the lack of vertical clearance under the Brahmapuram Bridge.
The project has already received administrative sanction from the government. Once the technical sanction is also granted, the tourism department will tender it. The ₹3.50 crore project was approved during the chief minister's Nava Kerala Sadas.
The DPR, however, proposes a three-phased development with an estimated investment of ₹5.50 crores. The first phase proposes a walkway widening, lighting, parking, and a café at an estimated ₹2 crores to be completed in six months. The second phase includes a proposed amphitheatre, gym, a boat jetty and parking facilities at an investment of another ₹2 crores in six months. Beautification and other amenities for ₹1.50 crores have been proposed in the final phase.
The DPR observes that the Kadambrayar riverfront, with its natural beauty and ideal urban-rural interface, presents an exceptional opportunity for Kerala to showcase a sustainable tourism success story. It concludes that through targeted interventions, smart infrastructure, and community involvement, Kadambrayar can be developed as a model riverfront destination attracting urban professionals, families, and global tourists alike.
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The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
Extension of Kochi Water Metro service proposed in developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination
Extending the Kochi Water Metro service using feeder boats from Kakkanad to Kadambrayar in Ernakulam for sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly transit for tourists and Infopark professionals figured among the recommendations included in a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed enhancement of Kadambrayar tourism destination centre. A well-designed, eco-friendly boat jetty has been proposed to facilitate the service. A floating or fixed reinforced cement concrete jetty based on water conditions, covered passenger waiting area with seating, safety railings, signage, and lighting, information display about the water metro schedules, easy pedestrian access from the riverfront promenade and integrated CCTV and Wi-Fi zones for safety and digital access are some of the features proposed for the jetty. 'We have already discussed the proposal with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited, and the outcome has been, by and large, positive. A more detailed discussion will have to be held,' said P.V. Sreenijin, Kunnathunadu MLA. Smaller boats He said that boats smaller than those used for the water metro services will have to be designed for the proposed service, considering the lack of vertical clearance under the Brahmapuram Bridge. The project has already received administrative sanction from the government. Once the technical sanction is also granted, the tourism department will tender it. The ₹3.50 crore project was approved during the chief minister's Nava Kerala Sadas. The DPR, however, proposes a three-phased development with an estimated investment of ₹5.50 crores. The first phase proposes a walkway widening, lighting, parking, and a café at an estimated ₹2 crores to be completed in six months. The second phase includes a proposed amphitheatre, gym, a boat jetty and parking facilities at an investment of another ₹2 crores in six months. Beautification and other amenities for ₹1.50 crores have been proposed in the final phase. The DPR observes that the Kadambrayar riverfront, with its natural beauty and ideal urban-rural interface, presents an exceptional opportunity for Kerala to showcase a sustainable tourism success story. It concludes that through targeted interventions, smart infrastructure, and community involvement, Kadambrayar can be developed as a model riverfront destination attracting urban professionals, families, and global tourists alike.
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- The Hindu
DPR proposes multi-pronged infrastructure facelift for developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the development of Kadambrayar in Ernakulam as an attractive tourism destination has proposed multi-pronged enhancement measures for improved infrastructure. Developing Kayaking routes along designated stretches of the Kadambrayar river is one of the proposals to promote eco-tourism and attract adventure seekers. This calls for safety gear and trained lifeguards for all participants, docking stations and rental kiosks for kayaks and pedal boats, and floating platforms and river pontoons for guided water exploration. Events like weekend river marathons or group kayaking challenges may also be introduced seasonally, the DPR says. Improved infrastructure has been proposed in nature-integrated amenities, health and wellness, food and refreshment, cultural and leisure activities, sanitation, kids, and digital safety services. An open-air gym with elderly-friendly units, a jogging track with rubber surface and signage, and yoga or meditation zones have also been proposed. A mini amphitheatre, public art murals and sculpture zones, and birdwatching points and eco-trails have also been proposed. Walkway widening Widening the existing walkway to 5 meters with durable paving blocks and elevating it by 2 feet to prevent waterlogging and improve resilience against seasonal flooding have also been recommended. Setting up long slab benches for paddy field watching, a tea or snack café as a scenic pit stop, the renovation of the existing DTPC hotel, and a beer parlour have been included in the proposals. The DPR foresees the local economy and community benefiting from the proposed developments. It lists out boost to local economy via tourism, employment/self-employment for youth and women, income from food stalls, boat rides, cafés, and events and the promotion of local culture and crafts as the obvious advantages. Environmental conservation measures like solar-powered street lighting, rain gardens and bioswales, native tree planting campaign, a total ban on single-use plastics, and community-driven river clean-up drives have also been proposed.
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
JNPA's ex-chief manager, 4 others booked for causing losses over ₹800 cr
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The PE was initiated to look into allegations of complicity between port officials of JNPA and the private companies that CBI says led to inflated estimates, restriction of competition in order to extend undue favour to some international bidders, and suppression of reports of independent experts/organisations. The PE also examined allegations of pecuniary advantage obtained by the named private companies as a result of JNPA officials' connivance, resulting in wrongful loss to the exchequer from the period between 2003 to 2014 (phase-l of the project) and 2013 to 2019 (phase-2 of project). 'During the course of the PE, the criminal conspiracy between JNPA officials and private parties that caused wrongful losses to JNPA amounting to ₹ 365.90 crore in phase-1 and ₹ 438 crore in phase-2 also surfaced,' says the FIR. JNPA is one of the 12 major ports in India and shares a common navigational channel with the Mumbai port for a substantial part of its length. 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