T’puram: Veli will be developed as a major transport hub integrating air, rail, waterways and road connectivity, said transport minister C P John on Wednesday.The minister was speaking after inaugurating a new passenger-cum-tourism boat service from Veli Tourism Village. He said Veli had significant potential for development in the transport and tourism sectors and would eventually emerge as one of the biggest transport hubs in Keralam.Veli will also become a key destination in the tourism circuit from Kovalam to Varkala, with its proximity to Kochuveli railway station and Thiruvananthapuram airport providing an added advantage, John said. He added that development projects would be implemented while ensuring the rehabilitation and welfare of local fishermen.The new round-trip service operates from Veli through the Parvathy Puthanar to Kadinamkulam Lake and back. A 24-seater eco-friendly solar-powered boat owned by Cochin International Airport Ltd has been deployed for the service. The one-way journey covering 14km takes about two hours.Two services will operate initially — from 9am to 1pm and from 2.30pm to 6.30pm.As part of the tourism service, tourists will be allowed to disembark at Kadinamkulam jetty and spend around 30 minutes enjoying the backwater scenery. On their return to the jetty, tourists opting for the package will be served tea and food in association with Kudumbashree.For regular passengers, the fare is Rs 50 from Veli to Channankara, Rs 30 from Channankara to Kadinamkulam and Rs 80 for a direct trip from Veli to Kadinamkulam. The round-trip tourism package from Veli to Kadinamkulam and back costs Rs 400. Passengers above 11 years have to pay the full fare, while children aged five to 11 will be charged 50%. Children below five can travel for free.John also highlighted the historical importance of the waterway, which he said was initiated around 200 years ago during the reign of Rani Parvathi Bai. He said effective utilisation of existing waterways was as important as construction projects, and canals could be maintained properly only through regular use.Chirayinkeezhu MLA Ramya Haridas presided over the function. Mayor V V Rajesh handed over the ticket to the first passenger, Raju. KSRTC and State Water Transport Department also exchanged a memorandum of understanding. The minister later travelled on the boat after the inauguration.
