Muziris Water Taxi, Kayak Services Launched Under International Tourism Plan

Muziris to be made international heritage tourism destination, says Satheesan

Water taxi and kayak services were launched in the Muziris region as the government moved to develop the Muziris Heritage Project as an international heritage tourism destination.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan launched the services on Sunday as part of the project and said they would be expanded to other regions.

He said the government was planning to extend the services to Ezhikkara, Kottappuram and Azheekode.

Water links and heritage sites

The project will also connect regions including Kodungalloor, Azheekode, Kaipamangalam and Vypeen, Mr. Satheesan said.

The Chavittunatakam centre at Gothuruth will be developed further as part of the heritage project.

Restaurants serving traditional cuisine will also be developed further, according to the Chief Minister.

The plans include the launch of new museums and water sports facilities in the region.

New star hotels and restaurants will be brought to Paravur, Kodungalloor and neighbouring areas for tourists, Mr. Satheesan said.

The proposed expansion combines transport services with heritage, food, museums and recreation facilities across locations linked to the project.

Public participation will be ensured to generate more job opportunities and promote local businesses, Mr. Satheesan said.

Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunadh, who chaired the meeting, said the Muziris Heritage Project would be made a global model in tourism.

He said the boating services, which had been suspended, were revived in a time-bound manner as part of the government’s 100-day programmes.

KSRTC expansion

Earlier, at a meeting in North Paravur, the Chief Minister said his government was aiming to make the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation a professional entity with advanced facilities.

He was inaugurating seven new KSRTC services from North Paravur to different routes and a new bus bay.

Mr. Satheesan said three people had already donated ₹40 lakh each to buy new buses for the KSRTC.

He added that more people had expressed interest in donating for the purchase of buses.

Thirty-three MLAs had also granted permission to buy buses using their development funds, he said.

“The government is committed to improving public transport facilities,” the Chief Minister said.

The KSRTC was set to roll out new inter-State services to destinations including Palani, Madurai and Velankanni, Mr. Satheesan said.

The heritage tourism plans and the proposed transport expansion were announced during programmes held in the Muziris region and North Paravur.

Source: The Hindu