When the competition is fierce

The entry of government-operated services, including iron and water, prompted private operators to cut fares and strengthen marketing, leading to skirmishes that once were the docks on the seashore of Cochiete, a transboundary marine drive. |Picture source: File Photo

Competition is heating up among private tour boat operators in Kochi as the State Water Transportation Department (SWTD) will run its tour boats until night in retirement beside Marine Drive.

The tour boat operated by Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Company (KSINC) has arrived that night, and many tourists choose Kochi Ferry ferries from the seafront to experience an affordable backwater cruise. Official sources said: “The air-conditioned hybrid ferry runs well late at night, providing a unique cruising experience for commuters and visitors, especially along the High Court – Ford Kochi and Vyttila – kakkkanad corridors.”

Private ship operators say they feel in trouble as government-run services expand operations. In response, many resorted to active marketing and lowered ticket prices to Woo visitors. However, this fierce competition has led to a small-scale clash between operators of Ocean Avenue terminals, which disturbed the otherwise peaceful seafront. Concerns about what he calls unhealthy competition among private boat operators, Sahu Tuberculosis, secretary of the Ocean Avenue Tourism Boat Association, said unruly scenes are becoming more frequent at and around Ocean Avenue’s tourist boat docks.

“As many tourists choose to choose rides on water ferries, fierce competition among small and medium-sized boat operators and the advent of competition have led to debate and occasional melee,” he added. He said when the number of boats on the beach was drastically rising to old fishing boats that were converted to tourist boats, he said many of them were run by crew members and without the necessary permits. He added that police verification certificates should be requested for all crew members. He also noted that some small boats carry twice the number of passengers allowed, which poses a serious safety hazard

Another ship operator said police officers should be stationed near the ship terminal rather than the High Court area to help prevent skirmishes along the operators in the GCDA-owned waterfront, where families and visitors come to relax.

Meanwhile, SWTD is finalizing plans to operate in other vessels Indela– Said to be the largest solar ferry in India – from morning to Ernakulam – the corridor of Ford Kochi.

“Talks were held with other companies to ensure that the 100-seat double-decker boat would get a good patron for its packaging journey,” said a senior official from the department.