Currently, each vessel operates at least 60 voyages per day. | Photo credit: file photo
The Kochi Corporation is considering taking over and temporarily running Ro-Ro ferry services before handing them over to a new agency in a bid to replace the current operator, Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), citing mounting losses.
The civic body’s 2026–27 budget proposed the creation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to manage the service, criticizing the Left Democratic Front (LDF) for labeling it a potential privatisation. The company is yet to formally communicate its plans to KSINC.
“We will call an all-party meeting to discuss the issue as the Ro-Ro services have incurred heavy losses since inception. We may even run them directly through the Center for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED) for a short period to assess the cost and benefits. Kochi Metro Rail Limited is our preferred agency for long-term operation,” Mayor VK Minimol said.
She alleged that KSINC had submitted a bill of Rs 83 lakh for shipping suspended seven years ago. However, KSINC sources claimed that the Fort Queen vessel was operated until 2023, after which the company as its owner failed to carry out maintenance, leading to the suspension of the service. They added that patronage declined as Ro-Ro service proved cheaper and more convenient.
LDF Parliamentary Party leader VA Sreejith opposed the alleged privatization move and warned that private involvement had earlier led to the Fort Kochi ship tragedy. He accused the corporation of not clarifying its future plan for the Ro-Ro service, noting that the steering committee was only talking about convening an all-party meeting.
The dry docking of the two Ro-Ro vessels, originally planned last December, has been extended by two years. “The extension was allowed after inspecting only the hull, without checking the safety-critical machinery. It was extended to avoid disruption of services during the Kochi Carnival. We have urged the corporation to carry out dry docking without delay,” KSINC sources said. The mayor estimated the cost at around ₹4.5 million.
Discussions on the creation of an SPV have been ongoing since 2020, but little progress has been made. KSINC had recently proposed a marginal user fee, which the corporation rejected, especially in view of the upcoming assembly elections. However, a private takeover may make fee increases inevitable.
Currently, Ro-Ro services charge ₹3 per passenger, ₹10 for two-wheelers, ₹40–50 for small four-wheelers and ₹55–65 for larger vehicles. Each vessel operates a minimum of 60 sailings per day, with one service running from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and the other from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Published – 28 Feb 2026 20:55 IST
