The Kerala state government is set to kickstart development projects worth Rs 325 crore for the 633-km West Coast Canal, a vital waterway spanning 11 districts. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate these initiatives on February 20, aimed at enhancing the West Coast Canal that links Kovalam to Bekal.
Collaboratively undertaken by the Coastal Shipping and Inland Navigation Department, Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Ltd (KWIL), a special purpose vehicle of Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), and the state government, the project is anticipated to conclude by March 2025.
Key elements of the launch include the inauguration of the first-ever steel lifting bridge across Parvathy Puthanar in Karikkakom and the opening of four boat jetties along the Kadinamkulam-Varkala stretch. Additionally, dredging work, costing Rs 120 crore, will commence at canals in Varkala, Kadinamkulam, and Vadakara.
Focusing on the waterway’s tourism potential, a beautification project worth Rs 23 crore is slated for the Arivalam-Thottilpalam area. The initiative also incorporates plans for a light and sound show at the 320-meter-long Chilakkoor tunnel. This innovative project, with a completed trial run, features a high-quality projector installed on a 20-seater electric boat manufactured by CIAL. The light and sound show aim to offer infotainment and entertainment, contributing to the tourism potential of the Varkala region.
