Kadalundy: The Kadalundi panchayat has drawn up a ₹20-lakh project to restore the Jhankar jetty along the Chaliyam–Beypore coat. The plan envisages renovating the jetty to a length of 12 metres and a width of 10 metres, making it fit for services, including Ro-Ro vessels. The procedures for tendering of work will be completed by September 10.

The jetty on both shores will be rebuilt by levelling the existing slanted surface. Arrangements will also be made for the smooth movement of vehicles from the road to the jhankar. The jhankar service has remained suspended for the last three weeks following the collapse of the Beypore jetty.

People on either side of the shore are facing severe hardships due to the suspension. Fishing workers heading to the Chaliyam and Beypore fishing harbours, as well as students, are among those most affected as they are now forced to travel several extra kilometres. The Griffi Group, which had taken over operation of the Jhankar service, suspended it on August 5.

Many motorists, unaware of the suspension, are forced to turn back after reaching the jetty. In the absence of the service, those from Chaliyam now have to take a circuitous 8-kilometre route via Kaeruvanthiruthy, Feroke to reach Beypore. What was once a 10-minute crossing has now turned into a 30-minute journey for the commuters.

Tourists heading to Beypore and Chaliyam beaches are also inconvenienced by the suspension of jhankar services. The panchayat, which is responsible for the maintenance of the jetty, has already planned to introduce a Ro-Ro service at Beypore and the restoration of the jetties is seen as a step toward facilitating this.

Permission for ferry service
Meanwhile, a ferry service has been permitted in place of the Jhankar, which remains suspended owing to the ruined jetties. The panchayat has granted temporary approval to the Griffi Group, which had won the auction to operate the jhankar. The plan is to start running the ferry service once the heavy rains subside. Though the ferry cannot accommodate vehicles, it is expected to provide some relief to the travel woes of passengers.