Kerala's Waterways To Get Solar-Powered Boats Soon

The backwaters of Kerala are dotted with beautiful villages connected by a c network of canals and lagoons. Taking an excursion by boat on the backwaters is a must-do, with quotidian life continuing at the same calm pace as it must have aeons ago. So far, noise and pollution have ruined the experience. However, all that is about to change as diesel engines on backwaters are being replaced by solar-powered propulsion. Working towards creating more sustainable travel options, the Kerala State Water Transport Department (SWTD) intends to add at least one solar boat to its fleet each month this year. The drive will begin in two weeks with the launch of 'Indra, ' India's largest solar-electric boat.

About The Boat

According to reports, the solar cruise boat is an AC double-decker with a double hull designed for tourist cruises. The country's largest solar boat will contain 100 seats, a food counter, and onboard entertainment amenities. The cruises on the ship will be in areas near the mouth of the sea, such as Vypeen and Fort Kochi. The boat will be added to the SWTD fleet within two weeks.

The boat, which can accommodate 100 guests, features a specifically designed "open-spaced" upper deck from which travellers may enjoy the enchanting scenery of the backwaters. The Indra will operate three-hour trips twice a day, at 10.30 am and 3 pm. Because it runs on solar energy, the cost of operations and ticket prices will be lower than it is now.

A Water Highway For Tourism

In 2012, it was announced that Kerala's West Coast Canal project, traversing through 11 districts, is being transformed into a tourism water-highway. The main 633 km West Coast Canal (WCC) arterial waterway in the state has been made navigable to allow seamless transportation for people and cargo.

The canal will be constructed with the specification of the National Waterways to give a major fillip to inland backwater tourism in Kerala. The water-highway is expected to reduce the pressure on the road networks and provide tourists with the opportunity to cruise through the ancient water highways.

Around 50 tourism spots will be created along the banks of the WCC corridor from Kovalam in the south to Kasaragod in the north with the involvement of local bodies. Kerala's new eco-friendly and fuel-efficient mode of transportation corridor will also help local artisan communities in promoting the state's handicrafts, folk arts, local cuisine, and culture.

The government aims to connect the existing canal network with the rest of the state by making a 53-km-long artificial canal in Malabar. The goal is to support tourism that will benefit entrepreneurs and local communities as they expect 20 lakh foreign tourists and 3.65 crores domestic tourists by 2025.

In recent years, Kerala has earned recognition as a prime responsible tourism destination. In a move to elevate its tourism appeal, Kerala, is also promoting heli-tourism in its picturesque hill areas. The state is also positioning itself as a top-notch wedding destination, accentuating responsible tourism and community welfare. Read more about it in our report here.