Coming soon: Hi-Tech double-decker boats

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KOCHI: Hi-tech double-decker boats will soon be flaunted by the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA). Get ready to e..

KOCHI: Hi-tech double-decker boats will soon be flaunted by the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA). Get ready to enjoy a luxurious ride on them across the backwaters of Kochi. GIDA is planning to introduce air-conditioned double-decker boats by December, 2011, to conduct a circular service connecting major islands of the city. This is the first initiative of the GIDA in the water transport sector.According to the sources, the GIDA will use its own funds for the purchase of boats. The cost for purchasing a boat is estimated at Rs 60 lakh and the administrative sanction for the purchase has already been given. “A tender will be floated soon to identify an agency for the construction of the boat. The Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO) will help in preparing the tender. A technical committee will do the scrutiny of the tenders. The committee will consist of experts from the water transport sector,” sources said.The double-decker boats will be the most modern type and navigable even through shallow waters with a depth of 80 cm. The upper deck of the boat will be fully air-conditioned and the authorities expect it will attract more tourists. The pilot service will be launched by December and will connect Ernakulam-Willingdon Island-Mattanchery-Fort Kochi islands. GIDA is also planning to begin ferry services to Bolgatty, Vallarpadam, Mulavukadu, Kadamakkudy and Vypeen. The authority is also planning to construct new boat jetties in areas that lack basic facilities to support the boat services. The Kochi Corporation had announced an ambitious project for the development of water transport network in the city. The civic body is planning to purchase new hi-tech boats under the Jawaharlal Nehru national Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The plan is to include the purchase of boats under the second phase of JNNURM projects. If both the projects are implemented in a time-bound manner, they will uplift the water transport sector and help solve the travel woes of the islanders.