KSINC still in deep water over launch of full-fledged service

KOCHI:Even a little over a month since the May 10 deadline originally announced by the KSINC for starting the Ro-Ro’s(Roll-on, Roll-off)  full-fledged operations on the  Fort Kochi-Vypeen route, there has been hardly any progress on the ground, with the KSINC still in the dark regarding the date for launching the second vessel.

Though the KSINC managed to provide partial relief from travel woes to western Kochiites, by resuming the operation of a single vessel for eight hours daily about a month ago, the government-run agency is still clueless on getting enough experts for operating the vessels. The KSINC authorities on Tuesday briefed Mayor Soumini Jain on this at the meeting convened by her to discuss the issue. Members of the steering committee, Corporation officer and KSINC authorities were present at the meeting.

“According to the KSINC officers, the services of at least five drivers are needed before  the Ro-Ro’s full-fledged operations can be launched. However, at present there is only one driver available, with the services of a second person expected by this month-end. They could not also give a final date on launching the full-fledged operation of the vessels,” said a Corporation officer present at the meeting.

Additionally, the Corporation  decided to allocate funds for buying spare parts for the vessels which the KSINC had been insisting on since the  first vessel was pressed into service. “ Following the KSINC’s request to remove the debris near the Vypeen Jetty, the KSINC and Corporation will jointly inspect the Vypeen Jetty on Wednesday, “ the officer said.

The civic body also asked the KSINC to renew the passenger ferry’s registration within three days before it expires . “ They have been asked to submit the renewed registration by Friday. Though we have been asking them to renew it they were delaying it. At the meeting they promised to submit the renewed registration by Friday,” said  Jain.