Ernakulam boat jetty
Kochi: As plans move forward to construct a Water Metro station near the Ernakulam boat jetty, questions are mounting over the neglect of the existing state water transport department (SWTD) terminal. Designed to be a vibrant public hub, the multi-storey building now lies underutilized and in severe disrepair — prompting transit experts and citizens alike to ask why the Water Metro cannot simply operate out of the SWTD facility as and when the revamp happens.
The authorities have floated tenders for the Water Metro terminal, which requires nearly 3,500 sq m of land area. The structure was built in 2004. The structure lacks an official building number from Kochi corporation and carries an unauthorised (UA) category number due to local zoning and construction rule violations, according to Kerala Tourism deputy director K G Ajesh.
So, there won’t be any need to shell out huge sum for building Water Metro station,” he said. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
However, the departments rejected the plan and there were no higher-level interventions,” a source with the Water Metro said. Gopakumar said that he is ready to carry out necessary modifications for a minimal fee. The authorities should conduct a comprehensive audit of unused state-owned properties, and they be repurposed or leased to generate public revenue,” said social activist Ranjit Thampy. “Our first aim is to legalize the building,” Ajesh explained, stating that efforts are under way to secure proper municipal authorisation.
the upper level remains locked While SWTD and the regional tourism office operate from parts of the lower floor. Social activists and experts are now calling for the structure’s effective revival, questioning why govt is spending crores on a separate Kochi Water Metro terminal nearby instead of using the existing space. Architect Gopakumar, who designed the SWTD jetty, believes the solution lies in joint operations. “The two departments can join hands and fully utilize the building for separate boat operations. There are two boat jetties on either side of the building. Designed with tourism in mind, the structure includes a watchtower, a toilet complex and two ticket counters, though all require far better maintenance. In fact, the Water Metro authorities initially aimed at utilising the boat jetty structure as well. “With the SWTD’s limited operation, we planned to utilize one of the jetties. It was part of the plan to make the boat jetty a mini transit hub, with the KSRTC stand located nearby. they do not hinder transit operations While the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) rules restrict commercial ventures like restaurants and shops close to the backwaters. The issue reflects a broader trend across the state, where prime public assets are constructed at great expense and then left to deteriorate. “Govt prioritizes building new structures over maintaining existing ones. A major hurdle to restoring the jetty is its legal status. Once a valid building number and necessary CRZ clearances are obtained, officials hope to expand the space beyond basic boat operations. “Located next to Subhash Bose Park, the boat jetty occupies one of the city’s most valuable waterfront locations. Repurposing the structure would not only eliminate a public safety hazard but also save significant taxpayer funds while delivering a fully integrated, modern transit hub for Kochi,” Thampy added. Download the TOI App.