Kumarakom to get the services of a solar powered tourist boat

Visitors to Kumarakom may soon be able to explore the famous backwaters of Vembanad in a cleaner and quieter way. The State Water Transport Department (SWTD) is gearing up to introduce solar-powered tourist boats in Kumarakom, replacing diesel-powered vessels with emission-free vessels that promise a more sustainable and affordable backwater experience.

The initiative, expected to be launched by Muhamma, will allow tourists to travel to popular destinations such as Pathiramanal, Kayippuram and Thanneermukkam among others. The solar-powered ship has already been stationed at Muhamma, where it recently completed a successful trial run on the Muhamma–Kannankara–Cheepunkal–Maniyapuram route, which is currently serviced by regular passenger ships.

Officials said the service will open to the public once the government approves the proposal and operational details, including fares, routes and timetables, are finalised. “Localities like Kumarakom, Pathiramanal and Thanneermukkam have significant potential for tourism. The aim is to develop tourism services centered around these areas. A proposal has been submitted to the government in this regard. Once approved, the services will be started immediately,” said a SWTD official.

Planned trips

The department currently operates four to six diesel-powered tourist trips daily from Muhamma to Pathiramanal. The service, priced at ₹1,000 for a group of 10 people, takes about 40 minutes each way, giving visitors nearly an hour to explore the island before returning. Officials said the current system, where boats operate based on visitor arrivals, will give way to a fixed schedule to make the service more reliable and attractive. “Currently, the services are operated according to the arrival of visitors. We are planning to streamline the operation on planned routes to attract more tourists,” the official said.

The new solar-powered boat can accommodate 30 passengers, triple the capacity of the department’s existing tour service, allowing it to offer more affordable tours. The move is expected to provide a low-cost alternative to private operators, whose tariffs often put short trips out of reach for many visitors. While private boats charge ₹700-800 for the 10-minute ride from Kayippuram to Pathiramanal, a houseboat trip from Kumarakom to the island can cost up to ₹10,000.

The department also plans to expand solar boat services beyond Muhamma with Kumarak and Thanneermukko identified as additional hubs as the fleet expands in the coming months. With declining patronage making diesel-powered passenger ferries increasingly uneconomical, SWTD is also exploring the feasibility of replacing the conventional passenger ships that run into the region’s hinterland with solar-powered ships.

Published – 8 Jul 2026 19:09 IST