Thousands of tourists and daily commuters in Kochi are facing mounting frustration as ferry services to two key jetties—Mattancherry and Kamalakadavu—remain stalled, disrupting travel across the waterways of this historic port city.

Key facts

  • Ferries unable to call at Mattancherry jetty due to pending dredging
  • Kamalakadavu jetty completed but not handed over to SWTD
  • Services halted affecting tens of thousands of commuters and tourists

The Heart of the Problem

At Mattancherry, one of Kerala's oldest ferry terminals with immense tourism potential, the issue is literal depth: insufficient dredging has left the waters too shallow for ferries to safely berth. The State Water Transport Department (SWTD) says it has sent multiple letters to the Irrigation Department about the delay, despite a ₹4-crore dredging contract awarded two years ago.

Meanwhile, at Kamalakadavu in the Fort Kochi heritage zone, floating pontoons and infrastructure are ready—funded by Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML)—but the jetty hasn't been formally handed over to SWTD. Until that happens, no ferries can run.

Voices from the Waterfront

Abbas M.M., president of the West Kochi Passengers’ Association, doesn’t mince words. “The SWTD and the other agencies concerned ought to remember that ferries have been calling at the Mattancherry jetty since the time when kings ruled Kochi,” he said. His frustration is palpable—and shared by many.

“Steps must be taken to dredge the jetty premises regularly so that there is adequate depth for ferries to berth safely.”

He notes that passengers, many from low-income groups, are tired of empty assurances. Tourists, too, are affected, often forced to disembark at more distant jetties and trek over a kilometer to reach Fort Kochi’s heritage streets and famous Chinese fishing nets.

A Glimmer of Resolution?

There might be movement—if paperwork aligns. A CSML official confirmed that work on the Kamalakadavu floating jetty is complete, and all that’s needed is a joint inspection and formal takeover by SWTD. Once that happens, ferry schedules are ready to roll.

But for now, the wait continues. And with each passing day, the city’s commuters and visitors feel the strain a little more.