Kochi Corpn. mulls hybrid ro-ro ferry for Vypeen–Fort Kochi amid noise complaints

Taking into account the public’s demand for noise-free travel on the Vypeen-Fort Kochi corridor, the Kochi Municipal Corporation is considering introducing a hybrid double-decker roll-on-roll-off (ro-ro) ferry to transport passengers and vehicles along the route.

The move comes in the wake of alleged complaints about noticeable and disturbing levels of noise pollution caused by three diesel-powered ro-ro ferries in the once quiet Fort Kochi heritage tourist area and Vypeen. The third diesel-powered ro-ro ferry built by Cochin Shipyard joined the fleet on 12 July.

Mayor VK Minimol said Kochi Corporation is making efforts to secure partial funding from the Urban Challenge Fund of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for a hybrid, eco-friendly ro-ro ferry that can carry up to 50 vehicles at a time on the passenger-heavy corridor.

“Municipal bonds will be used to cover 50% of the project cost. For now, ‘noise remediation’ will be carried out on two old ro-ro ferries scheduled for dry docking works worth ₹ 5 crore. During this comprehensive repair process, measures will be taken to reduce noise and improve cooling of their engines, which tend to heat up quickly,” he said.

Stating that the company cannot afford to spend such large amounts on repairs, he said that the transition to hybrid ferries that rely more on electric power and do not pollute the environment will lead to lower operating and maintenance costs.

Hotelier Jose Dominic, who owns a heritage hotel in Fort Kochi, said considering tens of thousands of discerning tourists from India and abroad visit Fort Kochi beach and its heritage streets, now is the time for relevant stakeholders to introduce modern solar or electric motor-powered ro-ro ferries in the corridor.

“Over the past decade, diesel-powered vessels have been hindering the serene backwater and beach experience that tourists seek. This also impacts the quality of travel for passengers and the quality of the environment at Fort Kochi, Vypeen and along the route. Kochi should not miss out on eco-friendly solutions to noise and air pollution caused by such fossil fuel-powered ferries,” he said.

Sajan John, Chief Operating Officer of Kochi Water Metro Limited, said eco-friendly mobility solutions are gaining traction globally and the electric hybrid Kochi Water Metro ferries, which do not cause noise or air pollution, are an example of this. Electric ro-ro ferries are also becoming increasingly popular and there is no reason for Kochi to miss out on the bus, he added.