Kerala to resume royal era boat service in TVM; Service to be launched during Onam season

Many years ago, during the rule of the royal family, Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram, had a popular boat service. It was also used by merchants from the capital to transport goods, flowers for the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and more. Over time, when road and rail transport got popular, it eventually stopped. However, the Kerala government is all set to restart the service on the Parvathi Puthanar River, from Veli to Kadhinakkulam. The service is expected to be launched around Onam.

Parvathi Puthanar, named after the kingdom's former ruler, Rani Gouri Parvathi Bai, was created under her supervision by digging a stream and connecting the backwaters from Vallakadavu to Varkala. The main purpose of its construction was the easy movement of goods. Enough space for the movement of 'kettuvallams' (the model that inspired houseboats) was ensured during its construction.

Its banks have always been blessed with exquisite natural beauty. However, in recent times, the river is known by the name of an accident that happened in 2011. Seventeen children and their caretaker drowned here after a school bus fell into the river. Six months before this incident, six children had also lost their lives in the river in a similar incident.

The new service
The government plans to introduce a solar-powered boat service here for tourists. It will be a 4.5-hour trip. The service, which starts at Veli, will stop at Kadhinamkulam and Channankara. Construction of boat jetties at these stops is complete. The service will also have guides to narrate the history of Thiruvananthapuram, Parvathi Puthanar and Anjengo Fort. It will be run by the Kerala Waterways and Infrastructure Limited.