Kerala government approves Rs 66.5 million barge to bolster inland water freight

The Kerala government has approved the construction of a 500 metric tonnes capacity bulk barge under Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Limited (KSINC) at its Thoppumpady yard. The project received approval after a delay of about eight years. Initially sanctioned in 2017 at Rs 45 million, the project’s cost escalated to Rs 66.5 million, driven by inflation, stricter safety regulations under the Inland Vessel Act, 2021, and related certification requirements. By constructing the vessel in-house, KSINC reduced tender costs from Rs 104.4 million to Rs 66.5 million. The funding will include Rs 50 million from the state’s plan fund and Rs 16.5 million from KSINC’s own resources.