Earlier, when highways and railways were not well developed in Kerala, people depended on the state’s backwaters for trade and travel. Rivers, lakes and canals served as important transport routes. While times have changed, the Kerala government now wants to revive this rich maritime network and transform the state into a major port and water transport hub. Read on to know more!
Kerala Government Wants To Revive Water Transport
Kerala’s waterways have been an important part of daily life for centuries. As per Times Of India, in the 14th century, explorer Ibn Battuta travelled by boat from Kozhikode to Kollam. This journey took nearly 10 days. Then, in the 19th century, a canal connected Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, creating a complete north-south water route by 1880. These routes help people reach places such as Shoranur railway station. Even famous personalities like Swami Vivekananda and Viceroy Lord Curzon chose to travel through these routes.
Also, goods imported from Britain and produce from the state’s hilly regions were transported through ports like Kodungallur, Alappuzha and Kollam. Boat travel was the quickest way to move people and goods before the rail and road networks developed.
What Is The Kerala Government Planning?
In his budget speech, Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced plans to strengthen Kerala’s maritime sector. Times Of India reported that he aims to make Kerala a global maritime power within five years. The government wants to create a better transport network by connecting Kerala’s 600-km coastline, two international seaports, 17 smaller ports and a container transhipment terminal with roads, railways, sea routes and inland waterways. It also plans to develop four key ports, Vizhinjam-Kovalam, Kollam, Beypore and Azhikkal.
Along with this, the state wants to improve passenger boat services and connect ports with rivers, lakes and other inland water bodies. The plan is part of Kerala’s Vision 2031 roadmap, which aims to make the state a modern and eco-friendly hub for ports and water transport. However, experts say the project will not be easy.
Challenges such as land acquisition, funding and infrastructure work remain. The government is also planning a shipyard near Vizhinjam, but building a strong port-based ecosystem in southern Kerala will require extra effort.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/ Augustus Binu
FAQs
How important was water transport in Kerala in earlier times?
Water transport was vital in Kerala's past as rivers, lakes and canals provided the fastest way to travel and transport goods.