The uncertainty over the launch of roll-on roll-off vessels of the Kochi Corporation is snowballing into a political controversy as the all-party meeting convened to discuss the issue on Wednesday failed to reach a consensus. It’s the confusion over the construction of mooring facility of the vessels at Fort Kochi that is now obstructing the smooth sail of the ro-ro ferries between Fort Kochi and Vypeen.
Civic officials had taken the representatives of political parties and officials concerned to the site on Wednesday before the meeting.
K.J. Antony, the leader of the LDF in the council, said the local body could not take a decision on where to construct the mooring facility at Fort Kochi.
There were apprehensions over the viability of the proposal to construct the facility on the eastern side of the existing jankar jetty. If the local body decides to construct it on the western side, it would lead to a situation where the vessel will stay close to the shipping channel, he said.
Moreover, the existing jankar service will have to be suspended for at least three months for the construction on western side. One should also needs to find out whether the new boat of the local body would be able to touch the boat jetty safely, he said.
Soumini Jain, Kochi Mayor, said the construction works of the facility were almost over as planned in the Detailed Project Report. Its the construction of the guiding facility, which is part of the mooring system, that needs to be completed. The local body was working on some proposals to complete it without affecting the passenger amenities, she said.