India's First Water Taxi To Start In Kerala From October In Backwaters Of Alappuzha

A few months ago India's first solar ferry Aditya built by Navgathi, a Kochi-based firm won the prestigious Gustave Trouve Award for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating.

Now, Kerala is set to launch India¡¯s first water taxi service of the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) from October. This will give a new direction to the state's public water transport. The boats have reportedly been made by the same company that built Aditya.

Representational Image/Mathrubhumi

To first test the service, the state is planning to roll out 10-seater water taxis in the backwaters of Alappuzha district which is a key region in Kerala's tourist map. Studies were conducted last year and after that SWTD had placed orders for four boats that can be operated as taxis for public use.

For the first time, the Kerala government is launching such a facility in the city. According to officials, this is also the first such service in India.

"Four boats with advanced safety features will be used as water taxis. Each of the boats costs Rs 50 lakh and the construction of the vessels is in the final stage," Shaji V Nair, Director, State Water Transport Department, was quoted as saying by OnManorama.

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TNIE

An official inauguration has been planned September 28, after which the trips will start next month. Just like regular taxis, commuters can call the 'water taxi' on a specific number, after which the boat will arrive at the destination to transport the passenger. The passengers will be charged on per hour basis.

The taxi can reportedly carry 10 passengers at a time and has a maximum speed of 15 nautical miles or around 35 Km per hour. Each boat will have three employees.

The Indian Express

Water taxi in India will certainly be something to look forward to. May be this initiative by Kerala will be adopted by other states as well.

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