Boat ride to Pondy may be a reality soon

CHENNAI: The 132-km stretch of inland waterway between Pulicat lake and Puducherry will be made navigable, making the waterway travel an economical mode of transport, Minister for Public Works, K V Ramalingam informed the State Assembly on Friday.The Pulicat-Puducherry stretch is among the five inland waterways notified by the Union government. The State has a proposal to make it a navigable waterway with the support of the Centre, he said. The Rs 650-crore proposal envisages, among other things, de-silting the entire Buckingham Canal, besides modifying drainage and culverts.“Once the project is complete, the waterway will become an economical and popular mode of transport for both commercial goods and passengers. It would also foster tourism.”To go ahead with the plan, the State has sought 90 per cent central assistance. “The State government would undertake detailed investigation and make all necessary efforts to carry out the scheme.”