Waterways transport in Kerala

The 41 West-flowing rivers together with the backwaters are an integrated part of the inland navigation system in Kerala.

The majority of those inhabiting the region adjoining water ways were engaged in traditional industries such as coir, cashew, brick-making and fishing.

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam presented a 10-point development agenda aimed at making the State an economic powerhouse by 2015.In this he mentioned strongly about the potential of water ways of Kerala.

The SPV is entrusted with duties such as cross structure construction, dredging, widening and cleaning the waterways.

Their first project was rejuvenation of the 18 km Akkulam - Kovalam stretch of Parvathi Puthannaar in Trivandrum awarded to them in May 2018.

The water way system in Alappuzha developed because of architect of the city Raja Kesavadas in 18th century.

The major canals and waterways in Alappuzha town and adjoining areas are, Water transportation also exists as numerous small ferry (kadathu in local dialect) at various parts of the state mainly on rivers.

It is cost effective and can be established even at higher reaches of river which are normally not having formal navigation facilities.

There are also few places such as Amboori, Neyyar Dam where there is country boat ferry services through reservoir to connect tribal hamlets.

[26] Numerous Tourist Boats and Kettuvallam (Houseboats) of Kerala are found near Kollam, Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kochi and Valiyaparamba in North Malabar.