The Kochi Corporation is exploring the possibility of bringing in a new agency, including Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), to manage its roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) vessels. The move comes amid ongoing financial losses reported by the current operator, Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), since the services were launched six years ago. With a new vessel set to join the existing fleet of two, the civic body anticipates that operational expenses and overall losses will rise further. The Corporation is reviewing a ₹4.50 crore estimate submitted by Cochin Shipyard Limited for the annual dry docking of the vessels and is negotiating to reduce costs. “Ro-Ro services have been a drain on Corporation resources since their launch, reporting huge losses. We are looking for a new agency, including the possibility of KMRL, to hand over their operations,” said Mayor V.K. Minimol.
Current Operator’s Challenges
KSINC has attributed the losses to unchanged fares that date back to the jhankar services, which preceded the ro-ro vessels, while fuel costs have nearly doubled since the launch. “While the jhankar consumed about 100 litres of fuel a day, ro-ro uses around 350 litres. Fuel costs have risen from ₹52 per litre at launch to ₹96 now, yet user charges haven’t increased. Additionally, most ro-ro components are imported and expensive,” a KSINC source explained. Previously, the Corporation renewed its agreement with KSINC annually, and this arrangement has been extended until a special purpose vehicle (SPV) is formed. Plans for a tripartite agreement involving Kochi Corporation, KSINC, and the Cochin Port Authority, proposed years ago, have seen little progress.
Operational and Staff Issues
Some concerns have been raised about ro-ro staff operations. Fort Kochi division councillor Shiny Mathew alleged that a one-and-a-half to two-hour lunch break during peak traffic was causing issues. KSINC sources denied the claim, noting that staff take a 45-minute break alternately to ensure at least one vessel is always operating. Currently, twenty staff members manage the two vessels.
Service Details and Fares
Ro-ro services charge ₹3 for passengers, ₹10 for two-wheelers, ₹40–₹50 for small four-wheelers, and ₹55–₹65 for larger four-wheelers. Each vessel makes a minimum of 60 trips per day. One service operates from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., while the other runs from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Corporation’s move to consider new operators reflects growing concerns over rising operational costs and the sustainability of the ro-ro service, particularly as it expands its fleet and plans for future operations.
