Photo by Kris Kumar
Rendering of the same
Any Updates on this one?? (Photos??)
NEW FACILITIES: The area near the main boat jetty in Ernakulam where a parking lot and tourist amenities have been planned.
KOCHI: Backwater tourism in Kochi is all set to get a boost, with two boat- jetty terminals nearing completion at Marine Drive.
The integrated tourist-boat jetty near the Rainbow Bridge and a terminal in place of the Ernakulam main boat jetty will be ready in two months. The Union Government has sanctioned Rs. 160 lakh for each project.
While the tourist jetty can berth 12 big and as many small boats, the integrated jetty can accommodate eight each of them. Both ferry and tourist boats will operate from the latter. A high-ranking official in the Tourism Department said that a tourist-amenity centre had been planned alongside the jetty. People would be able to book taxis and boats at the centre.
“A parking centre for 150 cars and a shopping centre are in the offing. An estimate of Rs. 150 lakh will soon be submitted to the Tourism Department,” said M. Balachandran, Executive Engineer, Central Public Works Department, which is executing the works. District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish said that all unauthorised jetties protruding into the backwaters from Marine Drive would be removed once the tourist-boat jetty is ready. “A comprehensive master plan is being readied to make the entire Marine Drive stretch a green lung,” he said. An area near the main boat jetty may be converted into a hub like the Durbar Hall Ground.
parts taken from hindu.com