In a significant step towards revitalising Kerala’s inland navigation network, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the first phase of the 280-km Akkulam–Chettuva Waterway at Chilakoor Beach Park in Varkala on February 26.
The Akkulam–Chettuva stretch forms a key component of the State government’s ambitious West Coast Canal Renovation Project, aimed at repositioning inland water transport as a sustainable and efficient alternative for cargo movement, passenger connectivity and tourism. The initiative is expected to unlock new economic opportunities while supporting balanced regional development.
The event will also mark the launch of the Chilakoor Tourism Project and a series of infrastructure works completed by the Inland Navigation Department under the canal renovation programme. These interventions are designed to enhance navigability and improve the overall tourism appeal of Kerala’s backwater network.
The West Coast Canal Renovation Project is being implemented by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Ltd (KWIL), a joint venture between the State government and Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL). As part of the initiative, CIAL has renovated the historic Chilakoor Tunnel in Varkala, a crucial link in South Kerala’s inland navigation corridor.
Of the ₹325 crore allocated for Phase-1 of the renovation and rehabilitation project, around ₹280 crore has been utilised to create safer and improved living conditions for residents along the canal banks.
Beyond navigation improvements, the tunnel restoration and beautification works aim to harness the scenic and heritage value of the region, positioning Chilakoor as a destination that combines infrastructure development with tourism-led growth.
Tourism-Focused Initiatives
As part of the tourism component, CIAL will introduce an electric boat to conduct a gliding ‘Light and Sound Show’ inside the renovated tunnel, showcasing the life and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru, the pioneering social reformer of Kerala.
S. Suhas, Director of KWIL, said the 616-km Kovalam–Bekal waterway project is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, creating an integrated navigation link connecting lakes, rivers and man-made canals across the State.
The waterway will pass through historic canals such as Parvathi Puthanar, Kollam Thodu, Ponnani-Chettuva Canal, Canoli Canal, Purappuzha Canal, Payyoli Canal and Vadakara-Mahe Canal, besides linking 39 rivers and lakes across Kerala.
KWIL is also developing extensive infrastructure along the corridor, including bridges, boat jetties, canal dredging works and canal-side beautification projects, laying the foundation for a modern, sustainable inland water transport system in the State.
