The dreamy Kerala backwaters just got more alluring for travellers as India’s first water taxi will soon make its debut in Alappuzha starting October 2020. By Kumar Shree
The State Water Transport Department of Kerala is all set to launch water taxis in Alappuzha by October 2020. Initially, four such taxi boats will be deployed in the region. These boats will be powered by diesel engines and will ply just like any other taxi that we see on roads. In order to book the water taxi, all you’ll need to do is call on the given number, and you’ll be picked up from your location and dropped to the desired destination. The prices for these services will be defined on an hourly basis.
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These water taxis will be tied to a boat station, and you can access them from anywhere. In fact, even the routes won’t be fixed either. The first of these four boats will begin operations in Alappuzha, which is one of the most popular destinations in the region.
These water taxis can carry up to 10 passengers in one go and will have a maximum speed of 15 nautical miles per hour (approximately 27.8 kilometres per hour). Each boat will have three staff members. Reports further suggest that an official inauguration ceremony for the new service will take place on September 28.
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These boats have been built by a Kochi-based firm called Navgathi. Interestingly, it is the same company that had brought accolades to India after it had won the prestigious Gustave Trouve Award for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating for making India’s first solar ferry called Aditya.
While the move is certainly a positive step in the direction of promoting tourism, the use eco-friendly fuel might perhaps be a better option, considering the fact that Kerala is known for its matchless greenery and clean environment.
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