Kerala launches its fastest, part-AC inland ferry on Ernakulam-Vaikkom route

The new vessel comes as a big relief for the commuters in the route, especially office-goers as this ferry service will be linked to other major points on the route through connection boats. The ferry can carry a total of 120 passengers – 40 in the AC cabin and 80 in the non-AC cabin with fixed ticket rates at Rs 80 and Rs 40 respectively.

Kerala’s fastest ferry, Vega 120, has begun its service. The partially air-conditioned ferry connects Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts. The vessel can cruise at a speed of 25 km/hr, which makes it the fastest inland ferry in the State. pic.twitter.com/pcyChBXn7N

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) November 5, 2018

Vega 120 was inaugurated on Sunday by Finance Minister Isaac Thomas and made its first trip from Vaikkom to Ernakulam on Monday morning. The first trip from Vaikkom to Ernakulam was covered in 1 hour 55 minutes with three stops at Perumbalam South, Panavally and Thevara Ferry.

Reached EKM at 9:25 AM. The first trip from Vaikom to EKM in 1 h 55 Mts. Three stops at Perumbalam South, Panavally, Thevara ferry. #encouragewatertransport #engagewatertransport #fastestferry #kochipublictransportday #watermetro pic.twitter.com/9kx79bn5nJ

— navgathi (@navgathi) November 5, 2018

Designed and built by Navgathi Marine Design and Constructions, the ferry is equipped with marine grade glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). Sandith Thandassery, CEO of Navgathi, earlier told indianexpress.com that the ferry will save a lot of money because of its ‘fuel-efficiency.’