Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has launched the Kochi Corporation’s third roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessel, Sethusagar III, at the Vypeen ro-ro jetty. During the inauguration, the Chief Minister urged women beneficiaries of the government’s free travel schemes to use the money they save through the rides to build their personal savings.
He emphasized the need to strengthen women’s financial independence and announced that the government would launch a special ‘Pink Chitty’ through the Kerala State Financial Enterprises to help women channel the savings from free rides into regular investments. The Chief Minister also lauded the Kochi Corporation’s decision to offer free travel for women on ro-ro services in line with the State government’s Priyadarshini free ride scheme on a section of KSRTC buses.
The induction of Sethusagar III is expected to strengthen Kochi’s public transport system and make travel between West Kochi and the city more convenient and modern. The Chief Minister also announced that work to renovate Fort Kochi Beach would begin soon to enhance its tourism potential. Additionally, he highlighted the State government’s decision to sanction a 190-MLD water treatment project, which would provide a permanent solution to Kochi’s drinking water shortage.
Several major projects are being planned to transform Kochi into a world-class tourism destination, including a state-of-the-art oceanarium, a film city, and an international-standard maritime museum. The State government has also submitted major proposals to the Union government aimed at significantly improving the city’s public transport sector.
Kochi Mayor V.K. Minimol presided over the function, which was attended by MLAs Muhammed Shiyas, Tony Chammany, T.J. Vinod, and Deepak Joy, along with other key officials.
