CM Pinarayi Vijayan Inaugurates Akkulam–Chettuva Stretch of Kerala’s Ambitious Inland Waterway Project

Thiruvananthapuram: The first phase of the West Coast Canal project — stretching from Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram to Chettuva in Thrissur — has been completed, marking a significant milestone in Kerala’s inland water transport development. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the project and took a boat ride along the newly developed stretch.

The 280-kilometre waterway has been developed as part of the state government’s ambitious inland waterway initiative and is expected to substantially enhance both passenger travel and freight movement across the region.

The project is being implemented by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited (KWIL), a joint venture between the Kerala government and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). The larger vision of the project involves developing the canal network from Kovalam to Bekal, creating a continuous and modern inland water corridor along the state’s western coastline.

'Boat jetties' will be constructed along both sides of the route to improve accessibility and connectivity. Apart from easing transportation, the project is also expected to provide a major boost to Kerala’s tourism sector.

Notably, the West Coast Canal features the only inland waterway tunnel in the country. The Chilakur tunnel at Varkala, measuring 340 metres in length, is a key highlight of the project.

The state government initiated the West Coast Canal project in 2018, undertaking extensive renovation of the historic canals originally developed during the royal era. The master plan for the Kovalam–Bekal Canal corridor was finalised in 2021–22. A total of ₹2,556 crore was allocated through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for land acquisition, canal restoration, and rehabilitation activities under the Punargeham project.