Feasibility analysis for waterway development--a case study of canals in Thrissur, Kerala

摘要

Inland Water Transport is a viable alternative or addition to road and rail transport on the already congested transport network of Kerala. Though environmentally-friendly and, the most economical mode of transport, it remains largely under-exploited. Reconstructing the transportation system of the state with waterways as an integral part and tapping full potential of the same with modern science and technology will provide the necessary wherewithal, not just for solving the transportation problems of the state but also for putting the economy on a sound footing. In this context, a detailed feasibility study for improvement of canals connecting Thrissur city with National Waterway 3 (NW-3) was conducted. The major canals identified for the purpose are Puthen Thodu (17.0 km), Puzhakkal River (13.4 km) and Chettupuzha Canal (Link canal) (4.9 km). The study was accomplished through detailed reconnaissance, secondary data collection and inventory survey. Origin-Destination survey and volume count of the vehicles was also conducted to identify divertible cargo along with Survey of industries. Based on the estimated traffic and development potentials of the waterways, various development proposals have been suggested. Cost estimate for implementing the suggested development plans was also prepared. It has been found that the proposals are economically as well as financially feasible yielding good rate of returns.