The State Water Transport Department has flagged off its solar-powered tourist boat ‘Indra’ at Kochi Lake, adding an impetus to the tourism scope of the city. Two trips that are two hours long would be operated daily in the stipulated route. Meanwhile, the air-conditioned boat can accommodate up to one hundred passengers at the same time. Interestingly, Indra is the longest solar-powered cruise boat in India. The lower deck of the two-storied boat is air–conditioned. The boat was constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.7 crore. Meanwhile, the boat operates entirely on a 25-kilowatt solar power system.
However, the boat could switch to electricity when adequate solar power isn’t available. The boat operates two services daily at 11 am and 4 pm. The two-hour long trip covers popular tourist destinations like the Bolgatty Palace, Vallarpadam Container Terminal, Vypin, Kamalakadavu, Fort Kochi and Willingdon Island. The ticket fare for adults is Rs 300 per head while it is Rs 150 for children. Kudumbasree has arranged food service on the boat. For booking call: 94000 50351, 94000 50350.
