Renovation activities are underway near the Chilakoor tunnel in Varkala.
Marking a milestone in the development of inland waterways in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will launch the first phase of the Akkulam-Chettuva waterway at Chilakoor Beach Park in Varkala on February 26. The 280 km long Akkulam-Chettuva waterway, which spans various districts, is a major part of the Renovation State Coastal Can project. Sustainable and inclusive development of Kerala by unlocking huge opportunities in multiple verticals including logistics and tourism.
The West Coast Canal Rehabilitation Project is being implemented by Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Limited (KWIL), a joint venture between the state government and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). On the occasion, the Chief Minister will also inaugurate the Chilakoor Tourism Project and a number of other development initiatives completed by the Inland Navigation Department as part of the West Coast Canal Renovation Project.
CIAL has been tasked with the renovation of the Chilakoor Tunnel in Varkala, a vital inland navigation link in southern Kerala, along with tourism beautification works to tap the potential of the scenic spot to attract visitors. As part of tourism activities, CIAL will launch an electric gliding boat ‘Light and Sound Show’ in the tunnel, highlighting the life and teachings of Sree Narayan Guru, who pioneered the social reform movement in Kerala. The show will also highlight Sree Narayana Guru’s close association with Varkala, the heritage of the area and the cultural heritage of Kerala.
The 616 km Kovalam-Bekal waterway project will pass through canals like Parvathi Puthanar, Kollam Thodu, Ponnani-Chettuva Canoli, Canoli, Purappuzha, Payyoli and Vadakara-Mahe which will bear the imprint of history. It will also affect 39 rivers and lakes. The 280 km long Akkulam-Chettuva canal will run through most of the districts in the state. As part of the project, KWIL is developing a massive infrastructure base at multiple locations.
Completed projects
In the Thrissur-Kattoor section of Madhurampally, a five-km stretch has been widened and deepened to meet state waterway norms. Construction of three jetties has started at Triprayar, Kandasankadavu and Enammavu, while four jetties between Akkulam and Kollam have also been developed. The Vengoli Bridge over the Vadakara-Mahe Canal, connecting the constituencies of Kozhikode, Kuttiyadi, Nadapuram and Vadakara has been completed. The Karikkakom Steel Lift Bridge built across the Parvathi Puthanar Canal was also commissioned.
Other projects completed by the Inland Navigation Department such as Moozhikkal Lock-cum-Bridge at Kozhikode, St. Andrews in Thiruvananthapuram and the 14 km section of the Vadakara-Mahe canal, were commissioned. Construction of Kottapally Bridge in Kozhikode will begin soon.
Under the canal development project, administrative sanction was given to various works worth ₹95.6 crore. These include Varkala West Coast Canal – Reach 1 and 2, Kadinamkulam West Coast Canal Reach, Vadakara–Mahe Canal – First Reach and Chirayinkeezhu Kadakom Bridge which are under construction. Meanwhile, deep work is also underway on the northern side of the Sivagiri tunnel. Of the total expenditure of ₹325 million on Phase 1 of the West Coast Canal Renovation and Rehabilitation Project, approximately ₹280 million was used to create safe, secure and improved living conditions for residents along the banks of the canal.
Published – 20 Feb 2026 20:17 IST