Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan takes an electric boat trip across Chilakoor Canal at Chilakoor Beach Park in Varkala on Thursday.
The 280-km long Akkulam-Chettuva waterway, a milestone in inland navigation in Kerala, will go a long way in creating a new Kerala and redefine the state’s tourism prospects, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
After inaugurating the first phase of the waterway at Chilakoor Beach Park in Varkala on Thursday, he announced that the historic waterway would be extended up to Vizhinjam International Port in the state capital.
“This connectivity will pave the way for a strong multi-modal logistics network in the state,” said the chief minister, who also launched the Chilakoor tourism project and a host of other development initiatives completed by the inland navigation department under the West Coast Canal Renovation Project.
“The Akkulam-Chettuva waterway is part of the 616-km Kovalam-Bekal waterway project, which connects lakes, rivers and canals across the entire stretch of the state. Expansion of the waterway to Vizhinjam will attract more investment besides industries,” he said.
In addition to increasing tourism potential, the waterway will help the state, once completed, shift a significant portion of goods movement to the waterway. The completion of Thrikkunnapuzha navigation lock gate will be another milestone in the sector, he said.
The waterway will also support water tourism, as it will be a unique experience for tourists. Extensive infrastructure activities are underway, including construction of jetties and beautification of tourist destinations, the Chief Minister said.
He exuded confidence that the Chettuva-Bakel waterway would be completed within the time limit. The project will build the Vadakara–Mahe canal at par with national standards.
The West Coast Canal Renovation Project aims to create a nationwide inland navigation system by linking rivers, backwaters and canals for the seamless movement of passengers and cargo.
Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has been tasked with the rehabilitation of the Chilakoor Tunnel at Varkala, a vital inland shipping link in southern Kerala, along with tourism beautification works to tap the potential of the site.
Spanning 10 districts, the Akkulam-Chettuva Waterway is intended to accelerate the sustainable and inclusive development of Kerala by opening up opportunities in multiple verticals. Built in 1876, the Chilakoor Tunnel is a 340-metre engineering marvel aimed at facilitating seamless end-to-end inland navigation in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. As part of the project, the canal was restored to navigable condition.
CIAL will also conduct a sliding light and sound show in the tunnel, highlight a 3D video on the history of Kerala and a six-minute visual spectacle on the life and teachings of Sree Narayana Guru. Powered by tunnel surface mapping technology, the show was designed and executed at a cost of ₹4.5 crore.
The state government spent ₹325 million on Phase 1 of the West Coast Canal renovation, of which ₹150 million was earmarked for the rehabilitation of 579 families. The project is being implemented by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited, a joint venture between the state government and CIAL.
Published – 26 Feb 2026 21:11 IST
