Sun Nov 24 20:18:30 UTC 2024: ## Kochi Ferry Jetty Dredging Delay Prompts Legal Action
**Kochi, Kerala – November 25, 2024** – A protracted delay in dredging the Mattancherry Boat Jetty in Kochi has prompted the West Kochi Passengers’ Association to seek legal intervention. The association plans to file petitions with the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and the Kerala High Court due to the continued inability of ferries to dock at the jetty.
The dredging project, awarded to a contractor by the Irrigation department for ₹4.50 crore, missed its revised deadline on Sunday. This has left residents of Mattancherry and surrounding areas, tourists, and traders facing significant commuting difficulties for over six years. Ferries have been unable to use the jetty since 2018, forcing commuters to rely on overcrowded buses or transfer from ferries at the Customs Jetty in Fort Kochi.
The delay is particularly frustrating given that the jetty building itself was renovated a year ago, with the dredging initially scheduled for completion by March 1, 2024. Padmanabha Mallya, secretary of the passengers’ association, expressed commuters’ frustration and the association’s decision to pursue legal action, citing the unaffordability of the Water Metro ferry for many as an added burden.
The Mattancherry Water Metro Action Council has also criticized the delay, highlighting its negative impact on tourism. Earlier this year, the passengers’ association petitioned the Chief Minister’s Office regarding the issue. The ongoing disruption underscores the significant inconvenience faced by the community due to the mismanagement of this crucial infrastructure project.
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