Kerala all set to reopen a century old tunnel in Varkala for tourism, transportation: Details
The canal's renovation was undertaken by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited, a joint venture between the Kerala government and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).
The canal's renovation was undertaken by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited, a joint venture between the Kerala government and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).
The canal's renovation was undertaken by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited, a joint venture between the Kerala government and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL).
Kerala's historic Chilakoor Tunnel in Varkala, built during the erstwhile Travancore era, is set to reopen on February 26. The 350-metre-long tunnel is part of the Akkulam-Chettuva Waterway project, aimed at promoting tourism and transport. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the first phase of the project on Thursday at 4 pm.
Significance of the tunnel
The Chilakoor tunnel was constructed around the 1860s under the supervision of Dewan Sir T Madhava Rao, cutting through the laterite rock under the Varkala cliff. In this period, inland waterways were the main mode of transport in Kerala. It was considered an engineering marvel of the time as it was constructed without modern drilling equipment. The canal connected the northern and southern canal networks. However, as road and rail transport became popular in the 20th century, their significance declined and fell into neglect. But in recent years, many have pointed out the canal's significance as a heritage and tourism site, which can also improve Kerala's water transport. Varkala has two tunnels: the 350-metre Chilakoor tunnel and the 722-metre Sivagiri tunnel. Both were built in the 1860s.
The renovation works
The canal's renovation was undertaken by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited, a joint venture between the Kerala government and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). They said it was restored, ensuring that its original structure is maintained.
Electric boat rides
CIAL will introduce eco-friendly electric boat rides through the tunnel for inauguraton. They will have 20 seats and will be equipped with onboard audio-visual systems. A boat jetty has also been developed as part of the project. There will also be a light-and-sound show, using advanced projection and mapping technology, for the inauguration, to enhance the tourism experience. The light-and-sound installation will present visual narratives on social reformer Sree Narayana Guru and his connection with Varkala.
How to reach the canal
Get down at the Varkala-Sivagiri Railway station and take an autorickshaw to reach the canal in Chilakoor, near the Chilakoor Govt LP School. It is just about 10 minutes from the Railway Station.
(With inputs from PTI)