States » SouthPosted at: Sep 30 2026 6:29PM


Veli to be developed as major transport hub: Minister C P John

Thiruvananthapuram, Sept 30 (UNI) Kerala Transport Minister C P John on Wednesday said Veli would be developed as a major transport hub integrating air, rail, water and road connectivity, besides emerging as a key tourism destination in the state.
Inaugurating a new passenger-cum-tourism boat service from Veli Tourism Village, he said the area had significant potential for development in the transport and tourism sectors and would eventually become one of the state's major integrated transport centres.
The proposed development would bring together the airport, railway, water transport and road networks, making Veli an important connectivity hub, he said.
Veli would also emerge as a major centre of the Kovalam-Varkala tourism circuit in the coming years, with its proximity to Kochuveli railway station and Thiruvananthapuram airport providing an added advantage.
The Minister said the development initiatives would be implemented ensuring the rehabilitation and welfare of local fishermen.
Recalling the historical importance of the waterway developed around 202 years ago during the reign of Queen Parvathi Bai, John said greater attention should be given to effectively utilising existing waterways rather than focusing only on construction of new infrastructure.
Waterways and canals could be maintained properly only through regular use, he added.
The new round-trip boat service will operate from Veli through Parvathy Puthanar to Kadinamkulam Lake and back. An environment-friendly solar-powered boat owned by Cochin International Airport Limited, with a capacity of 24 passengers, has been deployed for the service.
The 14-km journey from Veli to Kadinamkulam will take around two hours. Two services will initially operate every day, from 0900 to 1300 hours and from 1430 to 1830 hours.
As part of the tourism package, passengers will be taken to Kadinamkulam jetty, where tourists will have an opportunity to enjoy the backwaters for about 30 minutes. Tea and food will also be provided to tourists returning to the jetty under a package arranged in association with Kudumbashree.
The fare for regular passengers is Rs 50 from Veli to Channankara, Rs 30 from Channankara to Kadinamkulam and Rs 80 for direct travel from Veli to Kadinamkulam.
The round-trip fare for tourists from Veli to Kadinamkulam and back is Rs 400. Passengers above 11 years will have to pay the full fare, while children aged five to 11 years will be charged 50 per cent. Children below five years can travel free.
MLA Ramya Haridas presided over the function. Mayor V V Rajesh handed over the ticket to Raju, the first passenger of the service.
An MoU between the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and the State Water Transport Department was also exchanged at the function. John later travelled on the boat as part of the inaugural journey.
Vettukad ward councillor Kinsey Evin, Water Transport Department Director Dr J O Arun, KTDC Managing Director Sumit Kumar Thakur and Inland Navigation Kuttanad Package Chief Engineer (in-charge) Arun K Jacob were among those present.
UNI DS
Tags: #Veli to be developed as major transport hub: Minister C P John
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