The Fort Kochi–Vypeen Ro-Ro ferry service in Kochi is facing an uncertain future as ongoing financial losses, operational challenges and safety concerns mount, prompting the Kochi Corporation to reconsider its agreement with operator Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC).
A recent audit highlighted persistent deficits, high maintenance costs, including expensive annual dry-docking and discrepancies in revenue reports that have burdened the civic body with large subsidies. With one of the two vessels scheduled for dry dock soon and a third ordered boat still facing delivery delays, service capacity could be halved.
Service issues have also affected passengers, with uneven operating hours contributing to overcrowding on remaining runs. Safety concerns have grown after a recent collision with a barge in Fort Kochi’s navigation channel and deteriorating jetty infrastructure.
To address the crisis, the finance committee has recommended an all-party meeting to decide whether to continue with the current operator, open the service to competitive tenders, or explore integration with the Kochi Water Metro system.
